washes

[m408]

Need a quick primer on applying washes to chromed parts, valve covers, conlsols, etc. Mix ratio, removal of excess and such.

[ismaelg]

I would recommend to use water base acrylics because they are easy to remove if something goes wrong. The paint needs to be dilluted. You can start 1/1 water / paint and go from there. (thinner if using enamels). The idea is to use a wide brush and kind of "lightly flood" the area, so paint will accumulate on the recessed areas. Let it dry and the paint will settle on the low area. Using a cotton swab or the tip of a paper towel you can remove any excess. Black is the preferred color for this because it adds contrast and depth. That's pretty much it for a wash. The most important thing is practice, practice, practice.

Hope this helps.

Thanks,

[Guest Davkin]

I use craft acrylics myself, however I also add just a bit of dish soap to the thinned mixture. This helps break the surface tension of the water so that it flows over and into everything much better. I've heard using washer fluid as the thinner rather than water has the effect if not better but I haven't tried it yet.

David

[James W]

I have used black india ink for many years for washes. It is water soluble.

Just like mixing color, start with the light color and add dark, as water is VERY light, start with a little water in a lid or cup and add drops of ink until you have a mix that is right for you.

It's hard to add washes as they tend to wash away previous applications so mix to taste.

To cut the surface tension, you can add drops of rubbing alcohol to the water or use straight alcohol.

Some chrome will deteriorate with application or even light handling. So flow the mixture where you want it rather than cover the whole piece with broad brush strokes. Sometimes the deterioration won't show after the wash is applied.

Consider painting the chrome pieces with a clear gloss to protect them.

Hope this helps.

[KENNEDYJR]

Try this. You use it full strength right out of the bottle. I love it,. great stuff.

Edited August 18, 2007 by KENNEDYJR

[m408]

Try this. You use it full strength right out of the bottle. I love it,. great stuff.

Looks good. Where can I find it?

[LVZ2881]

Looks good. Where can I find it?

I ordered mine from either detail-master or scale modeling by chris, dont remember which exactly....

[m408]

I ordered mine from either detail-master or scale modeling by chris, dont remember which exactly....

Thanks, will try em both.