VALLEJO Vallejo Ammo DIO Drybrush - Gun Metal paint for drybrushing

VALLEJO Vallejo Ammo DIO Drybrush - Gun Metal is a ready-to-use metallic acrylic paint formulated for drybrushing on scale models and miniatures. The paint is designed to deposit subtle metallic highlights on raised details and edges to simulate worn steel and mechanical wear. It is compatible with plastic, resin and metal surfaces and can be combined with other acrylic hobby paints for layered weathering effects.

Advantages

This Gun Metal drybrush paint comes premixed to the optimal consistency for drybrushing, allowing controlled pickup on a dry brush and precise application to edges and textured surfaces. The metallic pigment provides a realistic steel tone with moderate reflectivity while maintaining good adhesion on common modeling materials. Because it is water-based and acrylic, it dries relatively quickly and cleans up with water.

Suitable for

• Highlighting raised edges and panel lines on scale models and miniatures
• Simulating worn metal, chipped paint and light abrasion on vehicles and figures
• Adding mechanical wear to dioramas, terrain pieces and accessories
• Combining with washes and filters to build layered weathering

When it may not be suitable

This product is intended for drybrushing techniques rather than full-surface coverage. For uniform base coats or opaque metal finishes, an airbrush or brush-applied basecoat designed for full coverage will be more appropriate. Users should also avoid applying it over non-compatible coatings without testing, as some glossy or silicone-based surfaces may reduce adhesion.

Key specifications

• Finish: metallic, gun metal tone
• Type: water-based acrylic formulated for drybrushing
• Compatibility: suitable for plastic, resin and metal model surfaces
• Application: designed for drybrush technique to pick out edges and raised details
• Drying: fast-drying typical of acrylic paints

How to use

Shake the bottle before use. Load a small amount of paint onto a stiff, low-fluff brush, then wipe most of it off onto a paper towel until only a small amount of pigment remains on the brush. Lightly drag the brush across raised areas and edges to deposit metallic highlights; repeat as needed to build the desired effect. Allow each layer to dry before adding additional passes or combining with washes and weathering products.

What to consider before purchase

• Designed specifically for drybrushing, not for full-coverage basecoating
• Best results achieved on clean, primed surfaces compatible with acrylics
• Requires test application if planning to use over non-standard or glossy coatings
• Water-based formula — clean brushes with water while wet

Usage recommendations

For controlled metallic highlights, use a stiff drybrush and remove excess paint on paper until the brush is nearly dry. Build up highlights gradually with several light passes rather than heavy single strokes. Combine Gun Metal drybrush with darker washes first to establish depth, then finish edges with the drybrush for a natural worn-metal appearance.