What did I do wrong?

DeltaVee · Post by **DeltaVee** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 11:15 am

Over a Floquil enamel base coat, I tried a Model Master Acryl wash thinned with Acryl thinner. The dried wash wouldn't come up. Base color was coming off. I just stripped it down and started over. I thought any water-based stuff wasn't supposed to harm enamel. What happened?

Beaveranger · Post by **Beaveranger** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 3:57 pm

What is the base of the acryl thinner?

I always seal with future before any wash/weathering just to be safe.

Post by **TER-OR** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 8:24 pm

Seal with Future or another incompatible clear coat.
I don't like paints as panel washes - there's a whole thread here on alternatives. I like transparent watercolors, myself.

Beaveranger · Post by **Beaveranger** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 8:30 pm

TER-OR wrote:Seal with Future or another incompatible clear coat.
I don't like paints as panel washes - there's a whole thread here on alternatives. I like transparent watercolors, myself.

I've had great results with the pastel washes. I also got some clay based washes from Flory Models. They are nice. Easy to work with, and can be airbrushed on as well.

DeltaVee · Post by **DeltaVee** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 9:35 pm

Thanks guys.
1. Terry, can I apply a Floquil or Model Master paint thinned with mineral spirits over a Floquil finished coated with Future?
2. Can I apply tempera paint thinned with just water/dish soap/alcohol over a bare Floquil finish?
3. Or do you really need to have a clear coat any time you wash?

TimeScape · Post by **TimeScape** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 7:51 am

I have gotten good results with artist oil paint thinned with mineral spirits or turpentine. The key is to ensure that you have a good solid clear acrylic finish on the model that has had plenty of time to cure, at least two to three days. After applying the wash and wiping away, you want to leave it alone for a bit (~1hr) before applying a second coat as the mineral spirits soften the clear coat somewhat. Never use lacquer thinner as it is too volatile and will strip the paint off your model.

Good luck.

DeltaVee · Post by **DeltaVee** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 9:36 pm

I think I've actually used enamel paint and mineral spirits over Future before but wasn't sure I should have been. Is there no wash that can be applied without a clear coat?

Beaveranger · Post by **Beaveranger** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 10:29 pm

The good thing about weathering over clear coat is that if you make a mistake or are just dissatisfied, you can wipe clean and start over. Personally, I think weathering without a clear coat is just silly. Maybe that's cuz I'm not nearly as talented as others and I make a lot of mistakes....