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Using Guache/Hairspray/Micro-Sol together to generate realistic weathering techniques 

For a very detailed discussion on the usage of gouache(similar to watercolor paints) for weathering models follow this link to Model Trains Weathered Forum.

When weathering with gouache, using hairspray with Micro-Sol will develop an eaten away patchy rust appearance.

When the hair spray dries on the plastic, where gouache weathering has been applied, it's sealed. Now, if you take some Micro-Sol on your other brush, and wipe it on the hair spray dried area, the Micro-Sol eats away at the hair spray with a nice controllable flow, creating some nice patchy spots, as you manipulate the brush around, creating the look you want. Don't limit yourself to just manipulating with the brush, wipe some areas down using a cosmetic sponge and you will get that streaking rust I have right there on the roof.

I must note though, that my base coloring on my cars, is gouache. Gouache has a kind of skin to it when dry, and is much better than using the polly scale paints. Gouache is just easier and nicer to work with when wanting to do effects.  

Rich hosts the following website: 

www.modeltrainsweathered.com