AK-interactive techniques

The Second International ''AK'' WEATHERING CONTEST ( English y Castellano)

2011-09-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

AK Interactive want to recognize the new talents of modelling and award their followers with a publication of their works in a book and some sets of products including our famous aging wine. That’s why we have created the second virtual competition where each modeller can display their work and be judged by all the other modellers. Three interesting prizes will be awarded to the best work. Its free to enter and you just need to have a account on Facebook.

Rules of the competition:

1) Anyone can participate, of any age and from any country, who is a fan of AK Interactive on Facebook.

2) Each participant can present up to three different models. For each of the models you can send in a maximum of three photographs. Just send the photo’s to the following e-mail adress:

contest@ak-interactive.com

making sure to indicate on the e-mail that it is for the AK Interactive Facebook Contest.

3) AK Interactive staff will then select one photo of each model. This photo will then be entered into the competition gallery on Facebook.

4) Each photo will be tagged, with at least, the name of the modeller. In this way visitors to the competition page will know a little more about the person behind the model.

5) The last day for entering photos into the competition is October 20th 2011. In the case that 200 models have been entered before this date, the competition will close at that moment. Only 200 models can enter and compete.

6) The competition ends on November 1, 2011 the winners of the competition will be decided on which photo has received the most “Likes” up to this date. So, the earlier you send in your photo’s the better chance you have of receiving more “Likes”

7) Any friend or fan of AK Interactive has the right to vote in the competition and may vote on as many photos as they wish.

8) In the case of a draw, the final vote will go to AK Interactive to decide the winner.

9) The models that were sent in and could not participate in the first competition will be the first to form part of the new album.

Prizes:

There are three prizes to be given away for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed models.

1st prize: One bottle of AK Interactive’s aging wine with denomination of origin, the new book F.A.Q 2 by Mig Jiménez (available from December 2011) and a selection of the latest products from AK Interactive.

2nd prize: One bottle of AK Interactive’s aging wine, the book RATZ, RODS AND RUST: Building Models Cranky's Way by Virgil Suarez and a basic selection from the latest products from AK Interactive.

3rd prize: One bottle of AK Interactive’s aging wine and an AK Interactive t-shirt.

In this second edition, as a new feature, AK - Interactive will be publishing a new book with a selection of the best models that are entered into the competition. This is why it is very important that the photographs are of a good quality and resolution.

Clarifications:

.1) The quality of the photo is very important because only one photo of each model will be entered into the competition album. Each modeller must send the photographs in RGB and or JPEG format. They should have a 300pp resolution and be a minimum 10 x 7 cm in scale.

2) The theme of the competition is exclusively based on weathering: Any unpainted models, models painted in one flat colour or any model that has no type of weathering treatment will be excluded from the competition.

3) Any style of model may be entered: Vehicles, Ships, airplanes, fantasy etc. and in any scale.

4) Any model that does not comply with these rules will be excluded from the competition. Any false Facebook accounts will also be excluded as will any votes made from false accounts.

5) The organisers of the competition reserve the right to change the rules of the competition at any time if they feel it is necessary.

6) By participating in the contest, you accept and will abide by the rules. And in this way to the possible publication of your models in the book by AK Interactive.

Ah, is not necessary to use AK products in your models.

To see the models entries in the contest, please, follow this link:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.273509239337476.69308.106751836013218

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SEGUNDO CONCURSO INTERNACIONAL DE PINTURA DE AK INTERACTIVE EN FACEBOOK

AK Interactive quiere dar a conocer nuevos talentos del modelismo y premiar a sus seguidores con la publicación de sus trabajos en un libro y unos lotes de productos, incluido nuestro famoso vino crianza. Para ello, hemos creado el segundo concurso virtual en donde cada modelista podrá mostrar sus trabajos y ser valorado por el resto de modelistas. Tres interesantes premios serán otorgados a los mejores trabajos. Participar es gratuito y tan solo es necesario tener una cuenta en Facebook.

BASES DEL CONCURSO:

1) Puede participar cualquier persona, de cualquier edad o país que sea seguidor de AK Interactive Facebook.

2) Cada participante puede podrá presentar al concurso hasta 3 maquetas diferentes. De cada maqueta puede enviar hasta 3 fotos máximo a la siguiente dirección de correo electrónico:

contest@ak-interactive.com

Indicando que es para el concurso de AK Interactive Facebook.

3) El equipo de AK Interactive seleccionará una sola foto por cada maqueta, la cual será incluida en la galería del concurso en Facebook.

4) Cada fotografía estará etiquetada con el nombre del autor. De esta manera los visitantes a la página podrán conocer más sobre el autor de la maqueta.

5) El día 20 de Octubre de 2011 se dará por finalizada la admisión de fotografías. En caso de que se hayan presentado antes de esa fecha 200 maquetas, el concurso se dará por finalizado en ese momento. Solo 200 maquetas podrán entrar a competir.

6) El 1 de noviembre de 2011 los ganadores del concurso serán los que más '' me gustan'' hallan conseguido en ese tiempo. Cuanto antes nos envíes las fotos, más posibilidades de tener más "me gusta".

7) Cualquier persona, seguidora o fan de AK Interactive tendrá derecho a votar la cantidad que quiera de fotografías presentadas.

8) En caso de empate el voto de AK Interactive será el que decida el ganador.

9) Las maquetas que fueron enviadas para participar en el primer concurso y no pudieron ser admitidas, serán las primeras en formar parte del nuevo álbum.

PREMIOS:

Se establecen tres premios: primero, segundo y tercer lugar.

El primer premio: Dotado con una botella de nuestro vino crianza con denominación de origen, el nuevo libro F. A. Q. 2 de Mig Jiménez (Disponible en diciembre 2011) y una selección de los últimos productos de AK- Interactive.

Segundo premio: Una botella de nuestro vino crianza, el libro RATZ, RODS AND RUST: Building Models Cranky's Way de Virgil Suarez y una selección básica de los últimos productos de AK Interactive.

Tercer premio: Una botella de vino crianza y una camiseta de AK Interactive.

En esta segunda edición como gran novedad AK- Interactive publicara un libro con una selección de las mejores maquetas presentadas en el concurso. Por eso es muy importante que las fotografías tengan buena calidad y resolución.

ACLARACIONES:

1) Es importante una buena calidad de la fotografía, porque solo una foto de cada maqueta estará en el álbum. Cada modelista debe enviar las fotos en RGB y formato JPEG. Deberán tener una resolución de 300 ppp y un tamaño mínimo de 10 X 7 CMS.

2) La temática estará centrada exclusivamente en la pintura . Las maquetas sin pintar, en colores planos y sin ningún tipo de envejecido o tratamiento quedarán excluidas del concurso.

3) Cualquier temática es admitida: Vehículos, barcos, aviones, fantasía etc.. Así como cualquier escala.

4) Quedaran excluidas todas las maquetas que no cumplan estas normas así como la de perfiles falsos. De igual manera serán descontados los votos de usuarios de dichas cuentas falsas

5) La organización del concurso se reserva el derecho de cambiar las bases del concurso en cualquier momento si así lo estima necesario.

6) La participación en este concurso implica la aceptación de estas normas. Así como la posible publicación de sus maquetas en el libro de AK. Interactive.

Ah, no es necesario el uso de productos de AK en sus maquetas.

Para ver las fotos del concurso, por favor, pincha aquí:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.273509239337476.69308.106751836013218

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2011-09-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

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Hello followers

We have ready printed our new catalogue with all our last releases. This new catalogue also include a two pages step by step about how to use the Chipping Fluids, explained with many pictures. if you are not able to get one in your shop, please, feel free to download from this link.

Thank you very much.

Catalogue 2011-12

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AK STAFF

PAINTING A NATO CAMO.

2011-07-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

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By Fernando Vallejo

The vehicles used by NATO is one of the most interesting theme’s for many modellers. The great variety of vehicles and tanks used by NATO makes this theme varied and attractive. But, many modellers have problems when the time comes to decide on the best techniques for weathering them. AK Interactive has designed 3 basic products specifically designed for NATO vehicles, but of course, the more adventurous modeller will find them great for experimenting in other themes.

We start by applying the 3 classic camoflage colours, brown, green and black. We can do so using hard or soft edging. It is best that we use acrylic paint for our base colour.

Once this is done, we can apply the first product from the set, the FILTER. We need to liberally dampen the surface and never go over the top to leave the surface too wet. To do this we use a thick soft brush.

Once the filter is dry, we can apply the WASH specially designed for NATO colours. This time we use a finer brush and apply the wash around the details, all the nooks and crannies, panels and joints. We need to let the wash dry slightly and then using a clean brush dampened with white spirit, we can clean away the excess paint

Lastly we use the product to do the effects of rain marks. This colour is very light and needs to be applied using a fine brush. We paint various vertical lines along the sides of the vehicle, leave them to dry for a couple of minutes, and then using a flat brush dampened with white spirit we can blend and diffuse the marks to achieve very realistic effects. We can repeat the process various times until the required finish is achieved

Once dry, we can start to do other effects such as splashed mud, dust, etc.

Thank you very much.

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Por Fernando Vallejo

Los vehículos de la OTAN son uno de los temas más interesantes para muchos modelistas. La gran variedad de vehículos y tanques hace que este tema sea muy variado y atractivo. Pero muchos modelistas encuentran problemas a la hora de buscar las mejores técnicas para envejecerlos. AK Interactive ha desarrollado 3 productos básicos específicos para los vehículos de la OTAN, aunque por supuesto, modelistas más atrevidos pueden experimentar con ellos en otras temáticas.

Comenzaremos aplicando el clásico camuflaje de tres colores, marrón, verde y negro. Podemos hacerlo con borde duro o de bordes difuminados. Es conveniente que el color base sea acrílico.

Después aplicaremos el primer producto del set, el FILTRO. Hay que humedecer ligeramente la superficie y nunca empaparla. Utiliza un pincel suave y grueso par ello.

Una vez seco, podemos aplicar el lavado especial para colores OTAN. En este caso, usaremos un pincel más fino y aplicaremos el lavado alrededor de los detalles, recovecos, paneles o juntas. Debemos dejar secar el color un poco y después con un pincel limpio humedecido en White Spirit, limpiaremos el exceso de color.

Por ultimo usaremos el producto para hacer efectos de marcas de lluvia. Este color es bastante claro y hay que aplicarlo con un pincel fino. Podemos dibujar varias líneas verticales a lo largo de los laterales del vehiculo. Después de dejarlo secar unos minutos, usaremos un pincel plano humedecido en White Spirit para difuminar las manchas y conseguir un efectos realista. Podemos repetir el proceso varias veces hasta conseguir el efecto deseado.

Una vez seco, podemos hacer efectos de barro salpicado, polvo y demás.

Muchas Gracias.
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THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL "AK" WEATHERING CONTEST

2011-04-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

We at AK Interactive want to give something back to our fans. We have some great prizes from our product range including our famous aging wine. To do this we have created a virtual contest, where individual modellers can show their own work, which will then be judged by all you modellers out there. There are three great prizes to be given away to the best models. It’s completely free to enter; all you need is a Facebook account.

Rules of the competition:

1) Anyone can participate, of any age and from any country, who is a fan of AK Interactive on Facebook.

2) Each participant can send one or more photographs of as many models as they wish to enter into the competition. Just send the photo’s to the following e-mail adress:
contest@ak-interactive.com
making sure to indicate on the e-mail that it is for the AK Interactive Facebook Contest.

3) AK Interactive staff will then select one photo of each model. This photo will then be entered into the competition gallery on Facebook.

4) Each photo will be tagged, with at least, the name of the modeller. In this way visitors to the competition page will know a little more about the person behind the model.

5) The last day for entering photos into the competition is June 1st 2011

6) The competition ends on June 8th 2011 the winners of the competition will be decided on which photo has received the most “Likes” up to this date. So, the earlier you send in your photo’s the better chance you have of receiving more “Likes”

7) Any friend or fan of AK Interactive has the right to vote in the competition and may vote on as many photos as they wish.

8) In the case of a draw, the final vote will go to AK Interactive to decide the winner.

Prizes:

There are three prizes to be given away for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed models.

1st prize: One bottle of AK Interactive’s aging wine with denomination of origin, the complete collection of AK Interactive DVD’s, 2 modulation sets and the complete range of weathering products from AK Interactive.

2nd prize: One bottle of AK Interactive’s aging wine, the complete collection of AK Interactive DVD’s and the latest new products from AK Interactive.

3rd prize: One bottle of AK Interactive’s aging wine and an AK Interactive t-shirt.

Clarifications:

1) Each modeller may enter as many models as they wish. Old or new, including those entered in other contests.

2) The quality of the photo is very important because only one photo of each model will be entered into the competition album.

3) The theme of the competition is exclusively based on weathering: Any unpainted models, models painted in one flat colour or any model that has no type of weathering treatment will be excluded from the competition.

4) Any style of model may be entered: Vehicles, Ships, airplanes, fantasy etc. and in any scale.

5) Any model that does not comply with these rules will be excluded from the competition. Any false Facebook accounts will also be excluded as will any votes made from false accounts.

6) The organisers of the competition reserve the right to change the rules of the competition at any time if they feel it is necessary.

By participating in the contest, you accept and will abide by the rules.

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PRIMER CONCURSO INTERNACIONAL DE PINTURA DE AK INTERACTIVE EN FACEBOOK

AK Interactive quiere premiar a sus seguidores con varios lotes de productos incluidos nuestro famoso vino crianza. Para ello, hemos creado un concurso virtual en donde cada modelista podrá mostrar sus trabajos y ser valorado por el resto de modelistas. Tres interesantes premios serán otorgados a los mejores trabajos. Participar es gratuito y tan solo es necesario tener una cuenta en Facebook.

BASES DEL CONCURSO:

1) Puede participar cualquier persona, de cualquier edad o país que sea seguidor de AK Interactive Facebook.

2) Cada participante puede enviar una o varias fotografías de todos los modelos que quiera a la siguiente dirección de correo electrónico:
contest@ak-interactive.com
indicando que es para el concurso de AK Interactive Facebook.

3) El equipo de AK Interactive seleccionará una sola foto por cada maqueta, la cual será incluida en la galería del concurso en Facebook.

4) Cada fotografía estará etiquetada con el nombre del autor. De esta manera los visitantes a la página podrán conocer más sobre el autor de la maqueta.

5) El día 1 de Junio de 2011 se dará por finalizada la admisión de fotografías.

6) El día 8 de Junio de 2011 los ganadores del concurso serán los que más '' me gustan'' hallan conseguido en ese tiempo. Cuanto antes nos envíes las fotos, más posibilidades de tener más "me gusta".

7) Cualquier persona, seguidora o fan de AK Interactive tendrá derecho a votar la cantidad que quiera de fotografías presentadas.

8) En caso de empate el voto de AK Interactive será el que decida el ganador.

PREMIOS:

Se establecen tres premios: primero, segundo y tercer lugar.

El primer premio: Dotado con una botella de nuestro vino crianza con denominación de origen, la colección completa de DVDs, dos Set de modulación y todos los productos de envejecido de AK Interactive.

Segundo premio: Una botella de nuestro vino crianza, la colección completa de DVDs y las ultimas novedades de AK Interactive.

Tercer premio: Una botella de vino crianza y una camiseta de AK Interactive.

ACLARACIONES:

1) Cada modelista puede presentar todas las maquetas que quiera. Ya sean antiguas o recientes incluyendo las presentadas en otros concursos.

2) Es importante una buena calidad de la fotografía, porque solo una foto de cada maqueta estará en el álbum.

3) La temática estará centrada exclusivamente en la pintura . Las maquetas sin pintar, en colores planos y sin ningún tipo de envejecido o tratamiento quedarán excluidas del concurso.

4) Cualquier temática es admitida: Vehículos, barcos, aviones, fantasía etc.. Así como cualquier escala.

5) Quedaran excluidas todas las maquetas que no cumplan estas normas así como la de perfiles falsos. De igual manera serán descontados los votos de usuarios de dichas cuentas falsas.

6) La organización del concurso se reserva el derecho de cambiar las bases del concurso en cualquier momento si así lo estima necesario.

La participación en este concurso implica la aceptación de estas normas.

AMPS 2011

2011-04-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

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In the first week of May the teams from AK Interactive Spain and AK Interactive USA visited the AMPS 2011, which took place in Frederisckburg, Virginia (USA). As well as AK Interactive sponsoring the competition, Mig Jiménez also took part in a conference about weathering techniques using the products from the AK range. They also visited the National Marine Corps Museum, Aero Spacial Museum , the Intrepid carrier and lots more…. All the photos of the trip are posted on Facebook.

To view the photos, please click on next photo:

AK staff
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WHO IS WHO?

2011-04-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

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IMPORTANT NOTE FROM AK INTERACTIVE STAFF
ACLARACIONES DE AK INTERACTIVE

Just recently we have started to note that lots of modellers and clients are a little confused about the origin and relation of Ak Interactive, with that of other brands and producers.

Those of us here at AK Interactive Spain would like to clarify certain aspects of our business to avoid confusion or misunderstanding. We hope that this explanation will finally put an end to this problem:

Ak Interactive is an independent company with absolutely no relation to “Acrilicos Vallejo” or with “Mig Productions”. The President of Ak Interactive Spain is FERNANDO VALLEJO who has no relation or connection with ALEX VALLEJO, owner of “VALLEJO ACRYLICS” company. Although these two companies have collaborated with each other to produce certain products, like the Modulation Sets, the two companies have nothing in common. It is just a coincidence that Alex Vallejo and Fernando Vallejo have the same surname, nothing more than that.

On the other hand, Mig Jimenez is an independent modeller. He was the founder and proprietor of Mig Productions until 2009, when he left the company for ever. At this moment in time he does not have any type of relationship with his old company, he is not in contact with any of the staff and does not share any of his ideas or DVD’s with them. On the other hand, Mig Jimenez develops all of his ideas, paints, products, DVD’s and techniques exclusively for AK Interactive, occasionally has done some work for VALLEJO ACRYLICS and frequently continues publishing in some of the most important magazines in the world.

Therefore, AK Interactive or Mig Jimenez are not responsible for any of the ideas or quality of the actual products of Mig Productions. Recently some modellers have written to us explaining their disappointment with some of the latest products from Mig Productions, making us responsible for them and asking us for information. We hope that this note will help to clear up this problem and to re-clarify we do not have any type of relation with this company (Mig Productions).
Although Mig Jimenez is the creator of all the ideas and products for both commercial brands, he is only responsible for and therefore can only guarantee the quality of products developed for AK Interactive.

Lastly we would like to clarify that Ak Interactive is not a brand or division of Vallejo Acrylics.

We apologize for the confusion created by the names of the proprietors and authors of the products.

AK Interactive STAFF
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Ultimamente hemos notado que muchos modelistas y clientes tienen alguna confusión sobre el origen y relaccion de AK Interactive con otras marcas o productores. Desde AK Interactive Spain hemos querido aclarar algunos aspectos para evitar confusiones y malos entendidos. Esperamos que esta explicación pueda poner punto final a este tema:

AK Interactive es una empresa independiente sin NINGUNA relaccion con "Acrilicos Vallejo" o con "Mig Productions". EL director de AK Interactive Spain es FERNANDO VALLEJO y no tiene ninguna relaccion o parentesco con ALEX VALLEJO, propietario de "Acrilicos Vallejo". Aunque ambas empresas han realizado algunos productos en colaboracion, como los set de Modulación, las dos empresas no tienen nada en comun ni pertenecen al mismo propietario. Alex Vallejo y Fernando Vallejo tan sólo tienen un apellido igual y tan sólo es una coincidencia.

Por otro Lado, Mig Jimenez es un modelista independiente. Fué el propietario y fundador de Mig productions hasta el año 2009, cuando dejó su empresa para siempre. Pero en la actualidad no tiene ningun tipo de relaccion con su ex-empresa, no tiene comunicación con ninguna persona del "staff" y no desarrolla para ellos ninguna de sus ideas o DVDs. Por el contrario, Mig Jimenez desarrolla todas sus ideas, pinturas, productos, DVDs y tecnicas para AK Interactive en exclusiva y esporadicamente ha realizado algun otro trabajo para Acrilicos Vallejo y sigue publicando con frecuencia en algunas de las revistas mas importantes del mundo.

Por lo tanto, AK Interactive o Mig Jimenez no son responsables ni de las ideas ni de la calidad actual de algunos de los productos de Mig Productions. Algunos modelistas nos han escrito descontentos con algunos de los ultimos productos de Mig Productions, haciendonos responsables de estos y pidiendonos información. Esperamos que esta nota despeje todas las dudas respecto a este problema y remarcar que no tenemos ningun tipo de relaccion con esa marca (Mig Productions). Aunque Mig Jimenez es el creador de todas las ideas y productos de ambas marcas comerciales, tan sólo es responsable y puede garantizar la calidad de los productos desarrollados en AK Interactive.

Por ultimo tambien demos aclarar que AK Interactive no es una marca o division de Acrilicos Vallejo.
Sentimos mucho la confusion creada debido a los nombres de los propietarios y autor de los productos.

AK Interactive STAFF

NEWS FROM RUSSIA

2011-03-31T01:39:00.000-07:00

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We have some fantastic news for all Russian modellers. From today the official website of AK Interactive Russia is up and running. Created by Dimitry Kalashnikov, proprietor of Mir Modelista. In the future AK interactive and Mir Modelista will be getting together to create some new products, some designed especially for the Russian market. For all those shops that are interested in distributing AK Interactive products in Russia, please contact Mr. Kalashnikov.

To go to AK RUSSIA: click on the logo.

AK staff

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THE FUTURE OF AK?

2011-03-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

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About 10 months ago AK Interactive came onto the market with a new series of modelling products that today have become an important reference world wide. New and original products that have created a new way of modelling. Ak Interactive is the only company in the world exclusively dedicated to weathering products within our hobby, not only these products, but also DVD’s and educational books that have helped thousands of modellers to improve their models.

The “Streaking” products marked a new beginning and we have also designed an extensive range of “Washes” including the colours “ Earth”, “Dust” and “Mud”. We have also surprised a lot of people by creating acrylic colours for modulation and soon we will launch a new series of products that will change forever the way we do chipping effects and weathering on our models.

All the DVD’s we have made have helped thousands of people considerably improve their own standard of painting and have become indispensable for any modeller. All of these ideas have come about thanks to Mig Jimenez. In the last 10 years he has created “ Pigments for military models, Filters, washes and lots of other products”, to this day he is still giving new and improved solutions that will revolutionize our hobby. We were recently in his small laboratory where he comes up with his magnificent ideas and we can assure you that bigger and better is to come.

While he is still finishing his new book FAQ2 (remember that his previous book FAQ was a best seller world wide), he has shown us some of his ideas that will be coming onto the market in the next few months, under AK Interactive, and some of them are amazing. The weathering products are expanding in many directions to include nearly all the areas of modelling. The DVD’s will carry on being one of the most important parts of AK Interactive and shortly it will be possible to order in different versions such as NTSE and with subtitles.

There is no doubt that all of these ideas make AK Interactive the principle producer in the world of weathering products, and we will carry on because our main object is this: Helping the modeller finish his models.

This April, we will be launching new products on the market as well as a new book about civilian cars of the famous American modeller, Doctor Cranky. This book will be a collectors item and we can assure you that there has never before been a book like this one. Each copy is individually numbered and the design and content quality are unbeatable.

Welcome to the world of AK Interactive.

EL FUTURO DE AK?

Hace casi 10 meses que AK Interactive apareció en el mercado con una nueva serie de productos para el modelismo que hoy en día son un importante referente a nivel mundial. Nuevos productos totalmente originales que han creado una nueva forma de hacer modelismo. AK Interactive es la única empresa del mundo dedicada exclusivamente a los productos de envejecido dentro de nuestro hobby, ofreciendo no sólo productos sino también DVD y libros didácticos que han ayudado a miles de modelistas a mejorar sus maquetas.

Los productos “STREAKING” han marcado un nuevo comienzo en la pintura y hemos desarrollando también una extensa gama de lavados de colores tierra, polvo y barros. Pero también hemos sorprendido a muchos creando por primera vez colores acrílicos para modulación y en breve lanzaremos al mercado una serie nueva de productos que cambiarán para siempre la manera de entender el envejecido y la ambientación de nuestras maquetas.

Todos los DVDs que hemos editado han ayudado a miles de personas a mejorar considerablemente su nivel de pintura y hoy en día ya son un elemento indispensable para cualquier modelista. Y todas estas ideas han sido realizadas gracias al ingenio de Mig Jimenez. Desde que hace mas de 10 años creo los “pigmentos para modelismo militar”, los “Filtros”, los “lavados” y muchos otros productos más, hoy en día sigue aportando soluciones nuevas y sorprendentes para hacer evolucionar aún más nuestro hobby.

Hemos estado recientemente en su pequeño “laboratorio” donde desarrolla todas magnificas ideas y podemos aseguraros que lo que está por llegar es aún mucho mejor. Mientras termina su libro FAQ 2 (recordemos que su anterior libro FAQ es record de ventas en todo el mundo), nos ha mostrado algunas de las ideas que saldrán en los próximos meses bajo AK Interactive y algunas de ellas son tremendamente impactantes. Los productos de envejecido se expandirán en muchas direcciones incluyendo casi todas las áreas del modelismo. Los DVDs seguirán siendo una de las partes más importantes de AK Interactive y en breve estarán disponibles las versiones en NTSC y subtituladas.

No hay duda que todo esto convierte a AK Interactive en el principal productor mundial de productos para el envejecido y así seguiremos, porque ese es nuestro principal objetivo: Ayudar al modelista a terminar sus maquetas.

En el próximo mes de Abril, volveremos a lanzar novedades de productos y un nuevo libro sobre vehículos civiles del famoso modelista americano Doctor Cranky. Este libro será una obra de coleccionista y os podemos asegurar que nunca antes se ha hecho un libro como o este. Cada copia irá numerada individualmente y la calidad de diseño y de contenido es insuperable.

Bienvenido al mundo de AK Interactive.

AK Interactive Staff

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Weathering Wood Panels with AK Interactive Effects

2011-02-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

Using AK Interactive's AK-023 Dark Mud thinned with AK-011 White Spirit, a wash has been created to bring life to the wood grain. This simple method takes very little time and gives a very convincing effect!

As wood tends to wick moisture & rot, we must show this kind of weathering to create a realistic look. After laying down white mold with Humbrol Enamels, the apearance of rot & mold is created using AK-026 Slimy Grime Dark.

To give a variety of tones to the moldy areas, AK-014 Winter Streaking Grime is used.

As a final step in creating a moldy look to the edges of the wood panels, AK-026 Slimy Grime Light is used to blend the previous steps as well as to give a moldy green filter to the underlying wood colors. By simply applying small amounts of this color to the edges of the moldy areas and gently pulling the color towards the center of each board with a brush dampened with AK-011 White Spirit, we are able to blend our mold effects. These simple steps will create the appearance of mold that will show through underneath leaves, twigs, and debri that has accumulated around the edges and corners of the railcar. This effect will compliment wood fences & wood planks of ships & boats perfectly!

By Iain Hamilton

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German Dunkelgelb Color Modulation

2011-02-21T10:35:00.000-08:00

To create realistic and interesting finishes on our models, we must start at the begining. Using AK Interactive's AK-002 German Dunkelgelb Special Modulation Set, we can add depth and realism to our finished model starting with the base colors! These sets contain 8 specialy formulated acrylic colors designed to bring accuracy to our base coat easily!

After an aplication of AK-003 Grey Primer, we begin to add depth with AK-004 Dunkelgelb Shadow. This will give us natural shadow in our final base coat.

To begin building our base color, we use AK-005 Dunkelgelb Dark Base. Here will blend our shadow into the base color being careful not to completely cover our shadow.

With AK-006 Dunkelgelb Base, we start to focus more on the upper surfaces of our vehicle. Here we can see the accuracy with wich the Dunkelgelb has been formulated!

Bringing our focus to the upper surfaces, AK-007 Dunkelgelb Light Base enables us to differentiate between upper horizontal surfaces and lower vertical surfaces of our vehicle. The Light Base is perfectly formulated to blend our Dunkelgelb tones & shades perfectly.

To bring visual interest to our vehicle's upper surfaces, we use AK-008 Dunkelgelb High Light. To emphasize the upper edges of vertical panels and the leading edges of the upper horizontal panles is key to our final base coate.

To give emphasis to specific features of our vehicle as well as show the reflection of direct light, we use AK-009 Dunkelgelb Shine. This shade of Dunkelgelb is perfect for accentuating individual panels, lifting hooks, and the leading edges of our vehicles upper horizontal surfaces!

Last but very important is to seal our base colors for the weathering process. With AK-010 Satin Varnish, we seal our base coat as well as tie our Shadows & High Lights together with a Satin finish.

With AK-002 German Dunkelgelb Special Modulation Set, we can quickly apply our base colors with acuracy and realism while bringing visual interest to our vehicle before the weathering has even begun!

NEW INTERESTING LINKS

2010-12-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

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Today I am proud to share with you a couple of links. The first one if fromone of our AK Interactive staff, Iain Hamilton, who own AK-interactive-USA. Now, he have ready his web shop where modellers from all states and canada can order directly. It will allow to avoid all typical problems of the US DOLLAR-EURO currency changes as well as the expensive shipping from Europe. But also, dealers, shops and distributors can order AK products directly from our depot in Connecticut. Now, our next step is to develop our DVDs in NTSC system!!!

Thank you Iain and good luck in this new project. Click over the logo to visit AK USA:

The second link is also coming from the States. I admire to Rob ferreira since he entried in Missing Lynx long time ago. I was fascinated by his incredible rusty vehicles, and nowdays is maybe, one of the best in this area together with the Finnish modeller Jari Hemilä. This is the link to SCRATCHMOD site, a beutiful place to enjoy during hours. I have learn a lot from Rob...so...I invite you to visit his web site and why not, talk with him.

Click over the photo to visit SCRATCHMOD:

Rob have made a very nice review and how to article with our AK products. Click next read it:

"Rob Ferreira using Ak Interactive products"

Thank you very much

Mig Jimenez

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WEATHERING TECHNIQUES: RUSTY M41, VIETNAM

2010-12-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

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Model and article by: Iain Hamilton

The inspiration for this project started with this photo of the M41 that was laid to rest at the Cu Chi Tunnel Complex Museum in southern Vietnam. As the stages progress, you will notice that the stages are layered with a lacquer based dull coat. This will protect each subsequent layer of acrylics from the weathering process as well as create a nice contrast between the "flat" colors of rust and corrosion and the more satin finish of the original O.D. Green paint.

The first step was a coat of Vallejo primer. This was applied with a Badger Patriot Arrow at about 18psi.

The next step was to apply the bare steel color that will be the bottom layer shown through the worn paint and corrosion. For this I chose Tamiya XF-69 Nato Black & XF-27 Black Green.This layer is sealed with a layer of flat clear lacquer followed by a coat of hairspray. After the hairspray has dried thoroughly, I airbrushed a patchwork of various rust tones from Tamiya. These were all hand picked and range from X-6 Orange & XF-Yellow Green –to- XF-9 Hull Red & XF-64 Red Brown. These were applied in a random way to add variety. After these were given time to dry, I began to remove some of the rust layer with a stiff brush and warm tap water. It is important to work on one area at a time and keep the chips random and off balance. This entire step was repeated in order to create more depth and add more rust tones.

After the layer of rust and corrosion has been sealed with a flat lacquer, I moved on to the top coat of sun bleached O.D.Green. For this I chose to use a basic color modulation effect to bring more life to the model . Tamiya XF-58 Olive Green, XF-27 Black Green, and X-2 White were mixed in various ratios to create highlights. X-22 Clear was added to the paint mixture, this will allow this mix to dry to a satin finish and creates a nice contrast with the flat corrosion underneath.

This O.D. Green Color Modulation coat was then picked and chipped in the
exact same manner as the previous rust coats. Warm water and a stiff brush & Tooth Pick were used to remove the O.D. Green one panel at a time. It is important to avoid any symmetry in the chipping from one area of the vehicle to the next. By this stage, you can start to see a variety of textures and effects creating an interesting and realistic finish.

At this stage, I apply a wash made with "Streaking Grime' thinned with
enamel thinner to all of the recessed areas and panel lines. The next step shows dirt and grime streaks applied with "Streaking Grime" and "Winter Streaking Grime" from A.K. Interactive. Using a brush and clean thinner, the streaks are pulled downward moving from one side to the other, one pass at a time and cleaning the brush before the next pass. This can be repeated until you have a variety of light and intense streaks. A film of dust was applied to the horizontal surfaces using "Dust Effects" as well as rain marks. The rain marks are applied from the bottom of the vehicle’s vertical surfaces towards the top of the vehicle. This step serves to weather the vehicle as well as create a "Filter" for the underlying colors, changing the O.D. Green tones subtly.

An important step on this project was to come back to the underlying rust area and enhance it with enamels and pigments. Rust streaks on the vertical areas have been created with “Streaking Rust” from A.K. Interactive. The streaks are applied with a fine brush, left set up for a few minutes, then pulled downward with a chisel brush and clean enamel thinner. It is important that the brush be blotted on a towel leaving the brush humid and not soaked with thinner. Using the edge of the brush, the streaks are refined.

Pooled areas of rust on the horizontal areas have been created with rust and brown pigments . These effects are used to bring the rust tones to life and add more variety and texture to the previous rust tones created with the “Hairspray Technique”. The images show the gun barrel receiving the pigments being applied and fixed in place with small drops of thinner mixed with flat varnish.

The final step was to create a little more variety with bright and dark rust spots. Tiny dots of color were applied using a fine brush and the same Tamiya rust colors used in the previous steps. Since the previous application has been altered by the weathering process, we can use these colors again to bring even more life to the rusted areas.

The final images shows the M41 on it’s base. The base shows the flags of it’s previous owners the A.R.V.N. of South Vietnam, and the flag of it’s current owners, the P.A.V.N. of North Vietnam. A photo of the M41 standing at the Cu Chi Tunnel complex today, is displayed along with the model.

Thank you very much.

Iain Hamilton

http://www.ak-interactive-usa.com/

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FRESH MUD

2010-08-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

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To make Fresh Mud we must do the same than with the Dry Mud, but...the fresh one must be always over a layer of dry dust or dry mud. The AK016 Fresh Mud paint is different to others because it is a satin look. But the fresh mud must be satin or glossy. Like in the Dry Mud, mix this product with Plaster of Paris and you will obtain a thick mixture. You can make it thinner adding more AK016 Fresh Mud.

1) Take the mixture with a big and old brush and project air with your airbrush over the hair of the brush, like you can see in the next picture:

2) Of cours,e the Fresh area must cover less area than Dry Mud layer! Now, apply some Rainmarks directly over the surface, using a fine brush. Learn how to make Rainmarks by clicking here.

3) DOn't do too much lines. 3 or 4 will be enought, always in a random way.

You can buy now the Winter Streaking Grime and other products here.

Thank you and post your comments or questions here

Mig Jimenez
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SPLASHED DRY MUD

2010-08-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

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This is a simple way to make a realistic splashed mud in any vehicle, and faster than with pigments and acrylic resin like usually we do. All that we need is the Earth Effects and Dust Effects and a small amount of Plaster of Paris (the white powder stuff to repair the walls and roof in our houses). Just mix the colors with the plaster and you will get a thick mixture. Add more color to make subtile splashes or more plaster if you want a thick splash. Try first in old plastic kit. Don't ruin your model!!!!

1) Use and old big brush to take the mixture. You will need an airbrush to project air over the brush.

2) Take care of the direction of the air, in a way to create realistic splashes over the side plates. The right direction must be from the wheels to the top, but sometimes we cannot do that because the plates are inclinated, like in this Panther II. Less mixture in the brush will produce smaller splashes.

3) More mixture in the brush will produce bigger dots. If something is going bad, your remove it with a new brush and WHite Spirit and leave it dry. Because the plaster is mixed with enamel , it don't dry faster than with acrylic colors or resin and pigments.

4) You can overlap different layers with differnet colors and sizes.

5) Smaller splash dots is always more realistic even in big scales. Mask with tape or paper the areas that you want to save from the splashes.

You can buy now the Winter Streaking Grime and other products here.

Thank you and post your comments or questions here

Mig Jimenez
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RAINMARKS

2010-08-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

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With the Dust Effects and Earth Effects we can achieve Rainmarks effects too. Is very simple and better than use any acrylic product. The Rainmarks is the effect produced by the rain when it drag the dust down to the side plates in any vehicle. We can see this effects very often in our own cars if we don't clean them during some weeks.

1) Mix both colors or use one of them according the base color. Paint vertical lines from down to up. Make them as random as possible.

2) Now, after leave it dry off during 5 or 10 minutes, stump the lines with vertical motion, using a clean round brush and a little White Spirit.

As you can see, we can paint the Rainmarks very clear or stumped, like in this case. This effect is very realistic and easy to do for all kind of modelling skills. Try it!.

You can buy now the Winter Streaking Grime and other products here.

Thank you and post your comments or questions here

Mig Jimenez

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WINTER STREAKING GRIME

2010-08-04T02:38:00.000-07:00

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This special product is perfect to create realistic streaking grime in any winter vehicle or white ones like UN vehicles. The Winter Streaking Grime has an appropriate consistency and color for most of the cases where the base color is WHITE. It is very easy to use. Just shake it very well and follow the next steps. You can clean it with our White Spirit or even thin it for other purposes, like washes...

1) After paint the white base color and paint other effects like chips or washes, apply our Winter Streaking Grime. This tone work well over white color, but we don't recomend you over other different colors. Now paint different random vertical lines with a fine brush.

2) After the lines is dry (around 5 or 10 minutes later) stump the lines with a clean brush and White Spirit.

3) Don over do the stumping phase or you will remove all Streaking Lines. This must be a good final look:

The Winter Streaking Grime is visible in any winter tank, APC or trucks, but it must be more subtile than the classic Streaking Grime. Just check pictures in internet and you will find many examples. But don't forget that if you add a little White Spirit to your Winter Streaking Grime, you will get a good color to make washes .

You can buy now the Winter Streaking Grime and other products here.

Thank you and post your comments or questions here

Mig Jimenez
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STREAKING RUST

2010-08-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

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This special product is perfect to create realistic streaking rust in any vehicle. The Rust Streaks has an appropriate consistency and color for most of the cases. It is very easy to use. Just shake it very well and follow the next steps. You can clean it with our White Spirit or even thin it for other purposes, like washes...

1) First paint different random vertical lines with a fine brush over small details, rivets or chips.
After the lines is dry (around 5 or 10 minutes later) stump the lines with a clean brush and White Spirit.

2) Don over do the stumping phase or you will remove all Streaking Lines. This could be a good final look:Thank you and post your comments or questions here

Mig Jimenez
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STREAKING GRIME

2010-08-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

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This special product is perfect to create realistic Streaking Grime effects in any vehicle. It is very easy to use. Just shake it very well and follow the next steps. You can clean it with our White Spirit or even thin it for other purposes, like washes..

1) After paint the base color and paint the chips, apply our Streaking Grime. You can avoid other steps like filters or fading with oils.

2) Now paint different random vertical lines with a fine brush.

3) After the lines is dry (around 5 or 10 minutes later) stump the lines with a clean brush and White Spirit.

4) Don't over do the stumping phase or you will remove all Streaking Lines. This must be a good final look:

The Streaking grime is visible in any vehicle, modern or old, in railroad stuff, cranes, metal doors and all kind of machinery. Just check pictures in internet and you will find many examples. But don't forget that if you add a little White Spirit to your Streaking Grime, you will get a good color to make washes .

You can buy now the Streaking Grime and other products here.

Thank you and post your comments or questions here

Mig Jimenez

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