Question about whats the best way to make a wash????

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

So im sure the question has been asked 1000 times and wasnt sure if this belonged here or in the techniques section but here it is…

What is the best way to make a Wash??? Someone in a group build im in sugested it and i asked it their and havnt herd back from him or anyone about so i figured i would get a larger opionion from a bunch of people to see what they use. So ill be interested in hearing from everyone.

Thanks

2

I usually make enamel overall washes for my acrylic finishes,it’s 90% thinner+10% paint,usually burnt umber with a touch of black.works good for a grimy lookin the recesses and nuts and bolts.

3

Cool thank you for the info. I was kind of hopeing that i would get some more variations… What people dont like me or something or am I asking questions that people are tired of answering…

4

I can say that one way to wash is for one type over another. Personally I would seal whatever it was with laquer. So you can do an enamel wash over enamel, just use a laquer clear coat over it.

OR you can use acrylics as the wash, water thinner wont ever disrupt enamel or laquer or what not.

http://codyscoop.com/ht-panelline.html

that is a way to do pannel line washes with artist oils

5

Simple rule:

ALWAYS use a wash that will not effect the paint underneath. If the paint is enamel use a acrylic wash.

There are pros / cons to each type. Here is my experiences & humble opinions on each:

Acrylic wash. Over enamel, usually a layer of enamel flat clear like ‘dull coat’ or ‘clear gloss’ can go over the enamel paint without clear. You can thin with demineralized water and a drop of dish soap to break the surface tension to allow a better flow. If thinned with water it will take longer to dry, I usually use isopropyl rubbing alcohol.

Pro: Harmless to paint underneath if all enamel.

Con: looks great going on, it can dry with less than satisfactory results. Can form lines that look like cracks on the edges.

*Hint work fast and continuously, better for ‘pin washes’ or oil / grease stains where a noticeable edge is desired.

Enamel wash. Over acrylic paint or a layer of Future acrylic floor polish. Be sure Future is completely covering the surface and cured for 24-48 hours.

Pro: Flows well and looks as good as initial application once dry.

Con: Due to nature of enamel thinner it is risky in that it can ‘attack’ base layer. If all under layers are acrylic you are safer to use a enamel wash. Work fast without too much brush contact pressure.

Oil paint. New to me with great results. Used to ‘tint’ paint underneath that was a tad off hue. Same procedure as enamel washes. I used over Future as pictured below.

Tempura paint. (kids poster paint)Airplane modelers use this over a gloss coat to accent panel lines. It is thinned with demineralized water & a drop of dish soap, applied liberally then wiped off with a cloth moistened in water in the direction of air flow. Due to its temporary nature the entire coat can be easily removed if desired to start over. I personally never tried this technique but will on my next airplane.

  • Shown is a tank painted in Krylon ‘buttercream’ enamel that was not quite the correct color. A layer of Future was allowed to cure then a wash of Raw Sienna oil paint was used to get the correct (close enough) color. The barrel is not done & the hull is at this point.

I hope this helps you with your wash question.

Jason