Modelers, I have a quick wash question. Before doing a wash, I always spray a coat of Future on my models. I’ve been using water based washes of one form or another. However, it seams that enamel based washes would probably flow better into the lines. I’ve always been afraid to use them because I was afraid that the thinner would attack the Future or my enamel paints. Is this true? Or am I being overly cautious?
Enamels and oils make much better washes since they have finer pigment and the thnners they use have lower surface tension thatn water.
Thinner should have no effect on Future. However, if you’re applying large amounts and doing a lot of brush motion, you could break it down. I tend to use spot or pinwashes, placing the thinned paint where I wasn accents and allowing capilary action to move the paint along. This also allows me to maintain better control of the base color.
you need to add detergent to your mix to lower the water surface tension. Use dishwashing liquid. A drop or two, in a shotglass quantity of wash, will do the trick. Add a couple of drops of white vinegar to prevent the pigments to dry & leave hard edges.
Yea, I’ve been doing that. The detergent does help with surface tension, but it still wouldn’t be as good as a thin thinner in an enamel wash. That’s the reason I’ve been considering trying it anyway.
Did a wash last night with a mix of Hobbycolour acrylic, water, washing up liquid and vinegar, just as DJ outlined in his how to thread.
No problems with pigment density, or need to gloss coat before applying. I think a large part of it is getting the mix right first.
Karl