A question regarding washes

You are on the right track. Use what is called a "controlled wash". Use a fine brush to apply the wash to those aforementioned areas, such as panel lines, rivets, "nooks and crannies" that would be in shadow areas, etc.

You can also apply it and wipe away where you don't want it; it'll stay in the little cracks and crevices where you do want it.

--- Tontoni

Hi

Do you recommend using a flat base or future prior to washing? Also, what's the best way to combat the stains left from the white spirit?

Thanks, Kev

I wouldn't worry about any "clear coat"; as there should be no real adverse reaction; if your acrylic base is indeed nice and cured. I am not sure as to exactly what you mean by the "stains"; as I have never experienced that. If you use the wash in a controlled way; just applying it where you want it; you should really not experience any "stains". Remember, this "contolled" wash is just that: Applied with a fine brush, a #00 or finer. There is no "slopping it on the entire model" with a big brush. And the pigment/thinner ratio is probably much larger that what you are used to.

Hi, thanks, I will try and be a bit more delicate in the application.

Thanks Kev

Use a glossy clear coat ,future or whatever u have. Those stains can be wiped away using a q-tip, brush of other such utensil moistened in white spirits. I also find that applying another coat of future after the wash has dried helps bring out the wash that much more.

John

Kev Sparrow wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

Try covering the model with a flat clear coat after washing (and/or drybrushing) this will seal the model and get rid of the stains. This always works for me. I use Pactra acrylic flat clear.

But please try this on a piece of scrap first!!

BTW Pactra acrylics can't be had in the Netherlands anymore. So if anybody out there has/knows some flat clear and wants to send them to me, please let me know (Ill pay for it and shipping of course)

Cheers,

Dennis

Great question.............I have ruined a few great models over the years with bad washes.I like the idea of "controlled Washes"......can you please define "white spirit " for me. usually use Artists "Turpentine" which,I am not sure if that equates as "white spirit".I only paint with Acrylics and oils

Also ......sorry as an added question could someone please define "future".is it a paint or a sealer,a ?????.it keeps being mentioned,I assume its a brand name for a product........................Thanx

White Spirit is just mineral spirits, a turpentine substitute. Thins down artist oils and enamel paints, but does not work with acrylics I think.

Future is a floor polish, its called Klear in the UK, maybe called something else in .au. Check this link:

Thanx kev.....thanx for the link....in oz we add a colour to the mineral spirits so that it is usually blue before u buy it .so.the ?/'white spirits".isnt really "white".thanx for ur input .

"White spirits"...is what is usually called (here in the USA) "mineral spirits". If you go to a place like Walmart, Home Depot, etc., and look for something that is usually labeled, simply "paint thinner", it is most likely "mineral spirits". This is the best thinner to use for what we are discussing. And the "cheaper the better". Plain old Walmart-store-brand "paint thinner" (the type in the gallon-ish jugs for a buck or two) is perfect. It is also perfect for thinning oils for the usual model-building related purposes. As a matter of fact, if you use oils as part of your regular painting routine...your jar of dirty thinner is usually the perfect color and consistency for this "controlled wash". Turpentine is a bit too strong for model-building use; as well as "gummy/sticky".

As I myself have mentioned on *many* an occasion...

This *really* needs to be inserted into the FAQ:

I don't think anybody maintains it anymore.