Washing on black

Which color do you use for washing on black models?

I'm planing to use semi-gloss black for panel lines on gloss black body. But I haven't ideas regarding washing color for semi-gloss black parts of suspension. I'd like to slightly soil them. Smoke didn't work, I tried.

Which color do you use for washing on black models?

I'm planing to use semi-gloss black for panel lines on gloss black body. But I haven't ideas regarding washing color for semi-gloss black parts of suspension. I'd like to slightly soil them. Smoke didn't work, I tried.
I don't but if I did, I would probablu use a matt black acrylic since the panel lines should be darker than the body.

A matt finish would not refelect light and therefore maybe create a better shadow effect?

Why bother with panel lines on a black body? It's completely unnecessary. And go easy on panel lines. Your GT3 is lovely work, but honestly the panel lines are too heavy. Panel lines should't catch the eye, They should be just enough so that the doesn't miss them, but not enough so that the eye notices them. It can be a difficult balance on a light colored car, but with panel lines less is always best. (On the other hand, the wash on the wheels looks terrific- it gives them just the right amount of depth and detail.)

As for suspension parts, if you've already painted parts semi gloss black, there is no dark wash that will show on them. Straight black is too dark for anything in a model car except the body. When the insructions call for black, what you really want is dark grey. Add a touch or two of white or grey to the black when you paint. Then you can add a wash and still give the parts some depth.

Use straight black and straight white almost as exclamations on engines and suspensions and interiors- only when you want one specific part to stand out as particularly black or white. Otherwise, use very dark grey for black and slightly off-white for white.

Your GT3 is lovely work, but honestly the panel lines are too heavy.


Usually I agree with you on most things, but I'm going to have to disagree in this case. If you compare his to the real car, http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2004/2004-Porsche-911-GT3-Yellow-Side-Sky-1024x768.jpg it seems pretty spot on to me.

I do agree with your comment about 'why bother' with panel lines on black paint. It doesn't really show in reality either (maybe why black cars look so nice.. hmm.. never thought of that before)

if you want to detail your flat, or semi gloss suspension parts, use a dry brush of gunmetal, and dark gray. this will give it a clean, but used appearance. or you could give it a wash of various browns and greens to simulate dust and dirt. use military colors for this. a thinned out olive green mixed with some military brown would make a fine wash for semi gloss black parts. though it would seem to make it backwards in detail....?

Why bother with panel lines on a black body?
I sure that panels lines should be accented. I have look today real black cars and see that panel lines darker than body.


Use straight black and straight white almost as exclamations on engines and suspensions and interiors- only when you want one specific part to stand out as particularly black or white. Otherwise, use very dark grey for black and slightly off-white for white.
Exactly. I agree with you and tought about it already. I'll do it for my next projects, but now all parts are painted with straight black and I won't repaint them.

if you want to detail your flat, or semi gloss suspension parts, use a dry brush of gunmetal, and dark gray. this will give it a clean, but used appearance. or you could give it a wash of various browns and greens to simulate dust and dirt. use military colors for this. a thinned out olive green mixed with some military brown would make a fine wash for semi gloss black parts. though it would seem to make it backwards in detail....?
I haven't military colors near at hand, but your advice regarding dry brush is great. I was going to try drybrushing for a long time and I suppose time has come.

I sure that panels lines should be accented. I have look today real black cars and see that panel lines darker than body.
I agree with you. That is why -if I were to do it - I would be iclined to use a Matt black wash on the panel lines.


It probably won't be darker per se, but it should at least reflect less light than the glossy body and thereby create an impression of shadow/depth.