Panel wash doesn't "stay" when cleaned

Hi guys! I’m new to the hobby and currently building my second model (1/72 F6F)

Anyways, I have a problem with my panel wash because everytime i erase the excess it removes it clean no matter how little thinner there is on the cotton bud that im using and on how little pressure I use when erasing.

The base of the model is already covered with gloss (both are acrylic) and my panel wash is just thinned down enamel paint.

hope I could fine some answers since it’s already frustrating to repaint the wash and it gets removed everytime.

A couple of comments;

  1. You have to let it dry a while before wiping off the excess.

  2. I grew tired in very short order of messing with the exact problem you describe. Seemed an exercise in futility to me. I tried Flory Washes several years back, and have never tried screwing with any other method since. If one follows the very simple instructions, it is so easy even a dummy like me can do it.

That said, there are many good panel washing methods and many folks here who are really talented with it (which I am not). Hopefully some will chime in and help. I just wanted to get the ball rolling and also bump the thread.

Thanks! I will try to let the wash dry a bit more before cleaning it.

I don’t mean to steal the thread, but where do you buy the Flory washes from Greg?

Hi Bill,

I bought mine directly from Flory ** over in the U.K… I am in the US, shipping cost was very reasonable and I remember being pleasantly surprised how fast they arrived, though I don’t remember the exact details.

** the website isn’t the best, it’s confusing to navigate. Just scroll down and you’ll see the washes eventually.

I didn’t see anything indicating at the site if these are oil or acrylic washes, Geg ?? Maybe I just missed it.

Neither. They are made from a clay pigment suspended in water. It’s probably a bit more complicated than that, but that is the basis of the product as I understand it.

You slop the wash on, and let it dry. The clay will dry in the crevices of the panel lines. Slightly moisten a facial tissue or something and wipe it down. Very easy to remove and start over if desired.

I think this is the video I used to learn Flory’s recommended technique.

[quote user="Greg

Neither. They are made from a clay pigment suspended in water. It’s probably a bit more complicated than that, but that is the basis of the product as I understand it.

I think this is the video I used to learn Flory’s recommended technique.

[/quote]

I didn’t even think of clay, course it makes perfect sense. Thanks !

My pleasure. Clay is out-of-the-box, isn’t it? Who would think of it? (except, apparently, Phil Flory [:)] )

Yes. I knew some of the guys here use clay washes but it never dawned on me this might be one. I watched the video and it looks pretty fool proof.

In my opinion, it is as easy as it looks in the video. Did you take notice of the wetting the tissue with tongue routine? [:O] I remember thinking “Yuck!” first time I watched the video, but later found myself doing it because it seems to provide the perfect amount of dampness to wipe off the excess.

I was just nosing around the website, it looks like Flory might have a distributor shipping a few items, including the washes, out of Colorado but I’m not really sure. It’s been several years since I ordered anything.

What I picked up on in the video is the simplicity straight from the bottle. And that apparently part of the formulation in this stuff includes some sort of gel.

Flory washes are great I think spruebrothers use to sell them but one bottle last a very long time, they are my go to for aircraft weathering.

Greg, thank you VERY much for all the information on the Flory washes. Being a newbie here, I appreciate your knowledgeable and courteous replies.

Bill

That is very kind of you, Bill. You are most welcome.

It’s nice to have you with us. [Y]