Well. I've lost my way. I kept going with what I had, adding in the "oil layer" and although it looked genuinely dirty it was just way too much. I actually think it looks cool, but much too far away from what I see on screen or where I want it to be.
I tried to lighten it, but totally killed it. My rag was removing all the nice subtle areas I wanted, and not doing a thing to the overly dark areas. Man trying to paint ABS is just a binary operation...it's either on or off, no in between.
I have been trying over and over with different techniques but just cant hit the mark. If I do come up with something I like, I can't replicate it on a different piece. Especially having issues getting any kind of subtle weathering on the big areas. Being an artist, this has been particularly frustrating.