Monday, March 27, 2017

Video tutorial: Painting scale models - Washes, Pin Washes, Filters and Dot Filters explained

There seems to be some uncertainty out there when painting scale models around the topic of filters and washes. These painting and weathering techniques can seem a little daunting and confusing: what exactly is the difference between a wash and a pin wash, and where do filters fit in? Have no fear, I'm here to sort you out - the naming is confusing, but the techniques most definitely are not.


My latest video tutorial explains the differences and shows you in detail how to do each:




In case you're too busy to watch a 13 minute video, here is the basic breakdown.

Washes

A thin layer of murky paint, roughly 1 part paint to 10 parts thinner.
Applied with a medium brush.
Good for making large areas look dirty and grimy, e.g. tank tracks.



Pin Washes

The same thinness of paint (1:10).
Applied precisely with a fine brush.
Uses capillary action to flow it along seams and panel lines.
Brings out detail.



Filters

An even thinner layer of paint, roughly 1 part paint to 20 parts thinner.
Applied over large areas with a large brush.
Used to even out colours overall, tone down the different tones on camouflage, or change the tone of an overall colour. Can warm or cool the tone of the base coat.



Dot Filters

Splat on little daubs of oil paint onto a surface.
Then use a large flat brush which has been soaked in thinners to brush off most of the daubs.
Used for colour modulation, breaks up a monotone colour surface.
Good for weathering: dust, rain streaks, etc.



One final note

I have to stress this: if like me you're using oils or enamels in any of these washes or filters, make sure you apply them onto an acrylic paintjob! The copious amounts of thinners involved will destroy an enamel surface, and your carefully applied enamel paintjob will be back to raw plastic before you know it. You don't want that.


I hope that answers any questions you may have. It's not complicated, it's just confusing nomenclature. If I haven't answered your questions, please comment below and I'll do my best to answer any queries you may have.

Cheers,

Dave

3 comments:

  1. I've just started painting models, what's the best way to give it a battered weathered look

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    Replies
    1. Definitely check out my YouTube channel, there are dozens of videos to help you with that question! The link is on each page of my site. Cheers, Dave

      Delete
  2. How much help you gave me thank you very much keep modelling

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