Subtle weatherring for Great War

[Hydra]

Hi Everyone:

I've been having some fun painting some  German trenchfighters from Great War Miniatures.  I've got the colors looking perfect, but I want to do subtle weathering to simulate dirty boots and paints.  However, I don't just want to drybrush them with earth--it'll look like I'm a messy painter who missed while drybrushing the base.

Should I use washes of earth colors?  Should I try weathering pigments or chalks?  Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Matt

[Aaron]

I have had some success using dark brown ink washes on just the lower parts of figures and then dry brushing one or two lighter earth tones over that, making sure to leave some of the dark area around the edged and in the creases.

[Schogun]

Hi Matt --

I use a stippling method with various browns for dirt and grime. Sometimes it's stipple and rub. Works great!

In fact, you can get a deer foot stipple brush at Michael's (US). Firmer fibers for "pushing" the paint.