Washes

[vw_golf_vw]

I have read several threads where people have mentioned washes. How exactly do you perform this process, and what is its effect?

Thanks

[malsheem]

Washes are just a color that has been thinned a lot. They can be used to accent panel lines and to bring out detail and depth to various parts.

[Verminator]

Just a note to say I use a thin blackwash to bring out the details on my rims, especially effective on rims that have the small bolts running round the edges and the bolt holes / centre caps.

[dag65]

Originally Posted by Verminator

Just a note to say I use a thin blackwash to bring out the details on my rims, especially effective on rims that have the small bolts running round the edges and the bolt holes / centre caps.

Works very well for grilles too.

[Sebstar]

or if you want to add a bit of dirt/oil/blackness to the chassi... just take some black paint and get some thinner/water and just have it look very transparent. then just use a brush and spread it all over :P

[tdoty]

I prefer to use craft paints for washes. The $0.44 stuff from Plaid or Delta works great! Being super cheap helps too;O) The water soluble acrylics work great on enamels and lacquers, since the thinner doesn't affect the paint.

Thin the paint a lot, at least 2 parts thinner to one part paint (I'll go as high as 5 parts thinner to one part paint) and apply it to the desired areas. A dry brush can be used to remove the excess, it should just pull the wash right to it.

Depending on the effect you're after, the wash can be applied all at once or in layers (Chris Roldan taught me that one!). Let the paint dry completely before adding the next layer.

Blue, yellow, orange and purple washes can add a touch of realism to chrome or stainless exhaust parts (go VERY lightly on a stainless exhaust, they don't blue as heavily as chrome - but a light color really adds depth and realism).

Washes don't always have to be black either. Gray can be very effective in some places. Applying a thing wash of a slightly darker color to, say, a textured seat can add depth and shadow that is often missing in a model.

Panel lines can also be darkened with a wash. A mix of black and the body color works nicely.

Hope the helps a bit.

Tim D.
http://modelcartech.com