Bill it looks like you used Brett's terry cloth method for the peel effect.... correct?

If so it also looks like you also only did it once....?

This for me is why it looks speckled.... it has no depth.

To use this method with improved results, repeat it lightly over the boards again. I usually do three layers.

What this does is create varying depths in the peel effect and it also eliminates the speckle effect due to the over lapping layers.

Unfortunately your first layer may be too heavy/solid to repeat it more than once without obliterating the effect.

Three to four sparse layers with Brett's terry cloth method can reveal a great peel effect that is easily repeatable. It takes a little time, but, the extra effort is well worth it.

I havent read the "Twin Mills" manual (yet) but, when Brett describes his method in other manuals the layering is mentioned.


I also agree that the boards without the peel effect stand out too much and provide too much of a contrast.

Try toning down the peeled white paint a little, (if it is old enough to have peeled that much what is left would not be clean stark white).
Also the plain grey boards are too dark in my opinion and create too much contrast with the white. Some white chalk could lighten these up . However, if these are replacement boards, would they be a more aged and darker grey than the original siding......????

questions to ask yourself, and just my observations, take them or leave them, but hopefully they will inspire some more discussion and ideas.

The first two walls look great in the first two pictures. The last wall looks to be unfinished and it is this wall that my comments are directed towards. I dont think anything needs to be done to the first two.

Karl.A

Karl-
This is what I needed to hear. Thanks for telling me.
Yep, I'm using the terry cloth method and most boards only got one coat. I put two coats on several of the side wall boards but held off on the front because I thought I was losing the "peeling" effect.

If it's not too much trouble, would you point out which ones look correct to your eye? That would help me out a lot in trying to replicate the effect.

I think I may be able to mask off individual boards with painter's tape and adjust the color one board at a time right on the wall. I'm also going to get a different towel. The one I used was brand new, but it came from the dollar store. I think if I spend a couple dollars and get a really nice one, the terry loops will be tighter and help things look less speckled. OR, I'm not opposed to popping off individual boards and fixing them.
Sound like a plan?

Anyone else with ideas or suggestions, please jump in.
I really want to do a good job on this because it's the first structure people will see when it's on the layout. Failure is not an option!!

Bill... are you using the inside or outside of the sock? I have found that I get better effects using the inside of the sock down by the toes.... Don't know if this suggestion may be of assistance, but that first wall is sure nice. I concur with you on the second wall with the speckled effect. For me, the non-treated replacement boards somehow seem out of place. Maybe that they are a bit too dark? Are you in a situation where you could dry brush them a bit with a flesh colored paint?

Okay-
Let's see if this looks a little better:

A definate improvement Bill.
The wall on the left still looks alittle bit stripey/contrasty.... but .... it is completely out of context.
Once it is put together with other walls, and the deck,.... and, .... and,.....

Right now 'we' are focusing on one wall, which looks great, but 'something' feels out of place.

My advice would be to place as many walls together as is feasable and then evaluate them.
I'm sure you will find that this wall, within the larger picture, will need no further adjustments once it is in perspective.

Karl.A