Quickey "India Ink Wash" Course?

I had better results using plain "black acrylic wash"...

 

I took a tube of flat black acrylic paint.  Squeezed about and inch into a spray bottle (clean "spritzer" type like you can pick up for a dollar at WalMart-Target, etc).  Personally, I seem to have a better result with the "mix" if I use warm tap water...I am sure it is just me, but I think the paint tends to dissolve a little better in warm water.  Anyway, to mix paint and water, I shake the "dickens" out of the spritzer bottle until it is all dissolved.

 

Apply to structure or scenery, etc.  LIGHTLY.  If it "runs" it looks funky.  Multiple coats seems to let me decide when I put on enough (dry between coats).

 

I have been told that IF the structure has not been painted, it might be "too slick" if bare plastic, thus a good wash in soapy water, air dried, then followed by a quick paint job then weathering wash...OR...if factory painted, try the soapy water, air dry, then try the weather wash..."IF" still unhappy, go back to the soapy water, air dry, THEN try a flat finish clear coat prior to weathering wash.

 

Full disclosure statement:  I don't do much weathering or painting these days.  Most of my hands on was a few years ago doing scenery, but I have done a few buildings "repaint and weather" and a handful of rolling stock weathering.

 

 

I think Tony is right about bare plastic. The best technique would be to paint the structure first. I usually prime first with a cheap auto primer spray. Then paint with a black or charcoal spray paint, or a little of both (since it's a roof) or acrylic, water based paints. Very easy and fast. At that point, your weathering wash, whether it's A&I or diluted acrylic paint will have some "teeth" to adhere to and you'll easily get the effect you want. 

 

Jerrman

Thanks all for the ideas.

Obviously I had no clue what I was getting into!

Hey Frank, I'd love to drop by, but its about a 3000 mile drive at present. So it might take me a few days. (Just kidding)

How is the layout demolition coming along?

I have seen your posts in the For Sale forum.

 

Rod

I am hopping in my car right now...I got first dibs on the blue foam!

frank;

I didn't know that room was blue!

Are you planning a new layout?

 

Rod

Try a little matte clear if you want to retain the plastic color. Then use a 90% alcohol vs the 72%. Tilt the structure so is at a shallower angle. You may need to do one side at a time. Then it will run slower. Also a little heat from a blow dryer first. Not so much that you melt it. Alcohol will evaporate quicker if it is applied to a warm surface. Also better to go more concentrated. If needed, you can then spray with plain isopropyl. And sometimes a drop of dish soap added to the mix will help also. Fred