I bought this and one other weathering master kit (Snow/Soot/Rust) and they are EXTREMELY easy to use and really bring a lot of depth to the models. I'd recommend this for even the beginner modeler. Just be sure not to drop them as they're really easy to break the cakes up and make a huge mess.

A friend recommended these chalk/paints. Though I have found them useful, I like the powered chalk better. The value to this type of weathering application is that it will stick directly to plastic or metal without priming. Since I routinely prime my kits, this is of little value to me. The stuff (I'm not really sure what it is--it's a lot like eye shadow) clumps when applied to a rough surface. Its best used is on smooth surfaces. I will use the gun metal to weather sidewalks and such. When I used the orange rust, it was so shiny I needed to use powdered chalk on top of it. The same with the silver which I used to represent metal. My recommendation is limited.

This is a very easy to use pastel set that gives great results. The pastels are slightly moist and will stay on the model as you apply them. After you let them set overnight, they will dry and you can handle the model without leaving finger prints. They do not need to be sealed with a clear coat.