I've done this, but can't remember. What do you use for this? BTW, I'm trying to age a sidewalk.
Thanks,
George
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George, good question. I don't have an answer but would like to see what folks come up with. I too want to age my streets and sidewalks.
Tom
Kathy Millatt had a video that included 3 different strengths of the India ink washes. I mixed them up and keep them in spray bottles.
- Light - 5 ML per pint
- Medium - 10 ML per pint
- Heavy - 20 ML per pint
Searched YouTube for her video, but couldn’t find it. Might have seen it on Kalmbach’s MRV.
I use small plastic pipettes that have ML markings to measure the India ink, but you could convert the ML to OZ or teaspoons. Ex: 10 ML = 0.338 fl oz. which is about 2 teaspoons. So 2 tsp per 16 oz of 70% alcohol for medium. 1 tsp for light. Or 4 tsp for heavy.
In the past I've tended to estimate these things, kind of go by feel. Have done say 5 or 6 drops per pint and tried it on an area to see how it looked. Adjusted accordingly. Not very exact, I know. 
I find that a black wash is very versatile. I use it on many of the things I have made this year (stone walls, subway tile walls, a barn, Plasticville buildings that I've modified and painted. I would say I make it light to medium. Occasionally a second coat is warranted.
I just use black acrylic paint in water PLUS a drop or two of jet dry (the rinse agent for the dishwasher) or you can use a tiny drop of Dawn dish soap. I don't have a recipe per se and many of the YouTubers I watched basically said they don't either. Just start with some paint and then add more if you want it darker.
GMC, Mike and Brad, thanks for your insights. I will try your ideas and will set aside 3 strengths of wash once I find the combinations that look good. Thanks
Tom
OK gang, here's what I've come up with.
- Use Matte Medium 1:4 w/ Water plus 2-3 drops dish washing liquid
- Take 10ml of that mixture and add 5 drops of India Ink
- With a small brush, wash (scrub) the sidewalk.
- Blot with paper towel. This leaves a light grimy wash.
George
George.
I believe you find you will be more pleased by using an old t shirt dipped in water. Rather than using the paper towel.
And wring out the t shirt after dipping in Water. Do not press very hard at all with your finger...
