Weathering billboards/signs?

[DS615]

Does anyone have a good technique for weathering printed paper signs?

I have printed out some ads for billboards, walls, etc, but they're simply too new looking.  Like I just printed them out, which I did.
It's for a modern board, so I want them to look like they've been there a while, but not the neglected post-apoc tattered warzone look.  Just not "fresh from the printer".

Mostly I've found Railroad forums that advocate weathering powders, but I don't have any of those, and I'm not sure they would be robust enough for gaming. They look good for models, though.

If anyone has a method, or could point me to one, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

[Codsticker]

It might take some experimentation. You could try a very light dusting with white spray paint to represent fading, followed by light streaks of grey, black and brown ink. To show where paint/paper has peeled off stippled dark grey paint.

Just some thoughts, play around a bit.

[Vanvlak]

Try tiny amounts of light brownish wash - either overall for a weathered look or in spots to give the impression of localised deterioration.
I have an example stashed somewhere, but can't find it to take a pic. 

[has.been]

A cheap set of coloured pencils & a pencil.
Rub the side of the 'lead' on the poster & smudge it with your finger.
 The harder/darker the rubbing the more dilapidated the look
The occasional rip or tear (even fairly new posters have them) inflicted with a knife, also helps.
I have seen a few 'repaired' signs. To reproduce that just mask a section (low tack tape or just a bit of paper held in place)

[Dags]

Coffee flicked on with an old toothbrush.... just build it up until you're happy; allowing it to dry between 'coats'

Artists chalks are a cheaper alternative to weathering powders and easier to get hold of; any half decent art ship will have them. You can fix them in place with turps or just by giving the model a spray of Matt varnish

[Vagabond]

You could also use tea, a used tea bag and a bit of water and you have a light brown wash, just make sure there is no milk in it.
Paint it on the same as an ink wash it will stain the paper and it's free.

[Etranger]

...

Artists chalks are a cheaper alternative to weathering powders and easier to get hold of; any half decent art ship will have them. You can fix them in place with turps or just by giving the model a spray of Matt varnish

Yes, they're basically the same thing.

[dampfpanzerwagon]

You could try searching this site.

http://emmanuelnouaillierartworks.blogspot.co.uk/

Emmanuel Nouaillier Has written for a number of magazines and his speciality is painted and weathered signs.
A Google image search produces this;
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=emmanuel+nouaillier&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwictLre_fTXAhWhKsAKHemCDREQ_AUICigB&biw=1164&bih=812

Tony

[DS615]

Excellent!
Thank you for all the suggestions!

[has.been]

You could also use tea, a used tea bag and a bit of water and you have a light brown wash, just make sure there is no milk in it.
Paint it on the same as an ink wash it will stain the paper and it's free.


FREE !!!!! Didn't the colonies in America rise up in rebellion BECAUSE it wasn't free?

[Gunbird]

I just used fine sanding paper and a splash of coffee, mounted it, and then added localised stains whenever needed. It's quite fun to do. If only Photogeddon had not happend  I could have shown you my tutorial....

[ShortscaleDave]

This is a really good method:

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=64157.msg1039259#msg1039259

[FramFramson]

Yes, they're basically the same thing.

+1 I use ground up fine artists chalk in place of weathering powders too.