For instance, I’m practicing on a T-72 tank model, but I’m planning to do a wash on My Revell CH-53G. I did a nice job building it, if I screw it up I’m going to be angry. It’s got raised rivets over the entire fuselage. Basically the whole thing needs a wash. But how do I keep from getting pool stains where I don’t want them?
I understand your frustration with washes. I am back into the hobby after several years and have struggled with them for some time myself. I have tried the MIG Dark Wash, enamel and oil paint washes on a cheap Walker Bulldog I bought from Hobby Lobby.
I think I am starting find the formula that is going to work though. I airbrushed my tank green using Gunze acrylic paint then applied a coat of Future Floor wax. I then mixed some Windsor Newton Burnt Umber with Turpenoid for my wash. I found that with applying a gloss coat first, that it was easier to apply and control the wash. Also, I found it was much easier to remove any excess wash over the gloss coat.
As I am sure, many more experienced modelers on this forum will tell you, a wash over flat paint will actually spread or “bloom” out. I found that it is much harder to remove the tide marks on a flat coat of paint as opposed to one that has a gloss coat.
Hope this helps.
Brian
I use pastel chalk ground down into a powder and then mix with water (2 parts water to 1 part pastel) then a few drops of liquid soap to break up the tension.
When using a wash like this, you should always seal the model with post decal coat of future…this will protect the decals from the process…completely coat the model in the wash and walk away. Let it dry completely. In an hour or so, I come back with a roll of paper towels and Q-tips and start wiping. when wiping remember to go with the airflow. Use the Q-tips for those areas hard to reach with the paper towel.
If you mess something up…no big deal cause the wash just goes away with water.
So quit doing washes and go back to enjoying what you like to do. There is no rule you have to use a wash. Washes do enhance detail, but so do other modeling techniques. Modeling is supposed to put you at ease and lower your blood pressure, not raise it.
[;)]