India Ink Wash..How Much?

I have always used the George Sellios method, two teaspoons in a pint of isopropyl alcohol (the easily found 70% version works fine). I slightly wipe off the brush before application to better control the amount. Best to use vertical strokes which is more realistic. I've also sprayed it on
for a very natural look as well but it's less controllable that way. it just goes where it wants to, like rain. I've also used one teaspoon vs. two in case I wanted a lighter application. I've used it on hydrocal structures (e.g. downtown deco kits) very effectively as well as wood buildings. I have found it works pretty well on resin too (I don't build much with styrene). if you want that old, other side if the tracks look, A &I will give it to you. I'd start easy and lighter to make sure you like the effect. you can always add more.

Jerrman

I/A works fine on plastic. It's best to buff it up a little with some sandpaper, or give it a base coat of paint. I usually do both.

 

Fantastic build and weathering, Vulcan. The roof, particularly,  is oustanding. Individual shingles? Beautiful.

Jerrman

The shingles are strips, Jerrman, cut from printer paper. Thanks!

Note also that artists ink comes in several colors besides black.  A very good "old wood" or "creosote" effect may be had by mixing black and brown in various proportions.

I used it numerous times on painted styrene with very good results.

 

I've never measured since I never need a full bottle of alcohol's worth.  A little of the mixture goes a long way.  I use plastic film canansters.  I fill it with alcohol and add a few drops of ink.  Stir.  Try it.  Too "alcoholy"???  Add another drop.  Try again til good.  Do decide right away that it's not dark enough though because:

 

As many have suggested above, MULTIPLE applications is better than one heavy, dark application (unless it lands up giving the result that you want).

 

- walt

The value of ink wash is unquestionable in model building. I use this stuff and make several bottles using a variety of artists ink colors usually available at art supply shops. Different woods seem to take on a different appearance...and that's further affected buy the strength of the mixture and quantity of applications, I wouldn't be without thus stuff.

 

In the photo of a work scow tied up to the wharf note the example of several shades.

 

Bob

I usually mix 1 teaspoon each of black and brown India ink in 1 bottle of 70% rubbing alcohol. The amount you apply to any structure/detail part is a personal decision, but always start light and work your way to darker with additional applications.

I want to thank all of you for your help. What other colors does India Ink come in and what effect do you get per color? 

Interesting discussion.  There is a lot to be said about a seemingly simple technique.

 

Here are a couple of more tricks:

 

1) One advantage of I/A is that its low viscosity lets it flow readily.  Let gravity take its course and you will get much more realistic rust runs and rain stains than you could ever paint.

 

2) If you want a really old look (especially on floors), rub in some brown or red chalk after the I/A dries:

 

 

 

3) Use scored sheets of balsa instead of individual boards.  Add color variation to individual "boards" using art markers before staining:

 

 

 

 

 

 

That Super O looks great.  Beautiful detailed weathering. 

 

I guess you just couldn't bring yourself to weather the beauty of the Lionel 164 Log loader.  LOL  Nice job on the deck of the 164... 

 

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