Purpose
- To instill a level of contrast on the model surface/detail using a greatly
thinned paint
- To darken the corners and recesses on the model
- To give a realistic appearance of the portrayed model, a worn out look.
Recommended paint and thinner
Paint - Artist's oil paint or flat hobby enamel
Thinner - turpentine or mineral spirits
Procedure
- Make the wash by mixing a small amount of dark colour paint with lot
of thinner
- About 10% paint, 90% thinner
- Use a darker tone of the basic colour used on the model.
- Example: if your basic colour of your model is gray, then use dark gray or black for the wash mixture. If your basic colour is dessert yellow, then try using dark brown
- Apply the wash over the surface with a wide, soft brush
- Let it flow into the corners and recesses of the model
- The capillary action will run the wash along engraved lines and around raised
details of the model surface.
- Remove the excess wash with a dry brush or tissue while the wash is still
wet
Hints for washing
- Complete all paint jobs on the model and application of decals before
proceeding with the wash.
- To prevent ruining the paint work, give the whole model a layer of clear
matt coat before applying the wash.
- You can further darken the colours of corners and recesses of the model
with a more concentrated wash (20-30% paint and 80-70% thinner)
- Apply it only around the area that is needed with a sharp pointed brush (Also known as localised washing.)Last words