WEATHERING WASHES

Washes are highly diluted paints and are available in acrylic or enamel format. Enamels provide longer working times (which is often an advantage) and, in my opinion, produce superior results, especially when applied to very fine details. Each brand supplies complementary thinners for cleaning and manipulating the washes on the model’s surface. Most dry to a dusty, matt finish, although glossy sheens are provided for authentic grease or oil effect washes. Rust and wood-effect stains are also available. Lifecolor’s Tensocrom range is probably the best of the acrylic washes currently available, and these are particularly effective on buildings and scenery. Recommended brands: MIG, AK Interactive, Lifecolor, Alclad II, Wilder