How to Paint Toy Train Mountains

Remove all debris and dust from the mountain that may have occurred when the model was made. A small vacuum can be used to remove dust particles over rough mountain terrain.

Determine the colors required to create the desired landscape effect. A southwestern mountain will require colors such as raw sienna, burnt umber, raw umber, burnt sienna and yellow oxide. Other geographic areas will use other colors to accurately represent the landscape.

Make a thin mixture of each color by mixing equal parts of water and color in a baby food jar. Dab these stains onto the mountain to indicate where the final colors will be applied. Apply the brightest colors first, such as yellow or burnt sienna. Apply the darker color stains next to create shadows in crevices or other areas where a shadow is appropriate. Apply the other stain colors in random overlapping patterns to create a realistic look.

Apply the acrylic paint directly from the tube with a wet paintbrush following the stain patterns previously applied. Squirt clean water from the spray-bottle on any paint that becomes too dark to lighten it. Apply a final coat of the thinned stain in the lightest color to tone down and blend the colors. Allow the paint to dry completely.