Trying to find an article in my back issues regarding the thinner used for oil paint weathering. The article spoke of several thinners. One that I’m using is lighter fluid. Now with the no smoking trend…try and find lighter fluid. Another thinner mentioned was Naptha. New store opened near me (Tractor Supply) has every knid of thinner you could imagine, including Naptha. Just trying to find the article to confirm my thinking. Paint use was like a Grumbacher Burnt Umber tube oil paint. Looks great on a tank desert scheme. Any help on the article?
I’m just finishing my ZIS-5 truck with an oil paint weathering. I’m fading the Russian Armor Green with a olive green mix. I’m using a combination of about 10 parts mineral spirits to 1 part Boiled Linseed oil. Some folks use a 50/50 mix, but I see no reason to use that much Linseed oil, it just takes too long to dry and makes the model very glossy. Any ordinary paint thinner from the hardware store will do. The Linseed oil slows down the drying time and makes it easier to move the oil paint around. You can either brush or spray the model with the thinner mix, then apply small spots of paint and blend them in. Make sure you seal the model’s base-coat with a clear coat first. Let dry for several days before top-coating to get rid of any glossy areas.
I use regular *orderless mineral spirits as well for oil washes. Mineral spirits is not as agressive as say Naptha and lighterfluid and others (less stinky too!). It blends my MM enamels great and I have gotten great results. As others have mentioned, make sure to put a clear coat on to protect the surface prior to application. Future floor polish makes a great clear glossy protective layer for subsequent weathering with oils. Happy modeling!