I make extensive use of make up pads when weathering with acrylics, both to put on washes and to remove; use the foam ones. For paint I use the AK/MIG range and Windsor & Newton artists acrylics. I didn't get on the the Tamiya paints and very fierce thinners.
I use a limitated palate of colours and mix to achieve the colour I want. I use a beige base for all colouring and, judging from the comments I received, it seemed to work on Aberbeeg.
To make rusts am I using the AK pack but mix clours every time. I try to have models at different stages of weathering and put some of each mix on each model, as appropriate. You rapidly end up with a wide but range of tones and I tie it together with a thin dull wash to finish the apinting.
The wet palate is new and will be copied. Thanks Dave.