Preshade vs. Sludge wash

Take a look at Swanny's web site for weathering techniques - www.swannysmodels.com/

I'm just getting back into modeling after a lot of years off. I tried Swanny's acrylic wash with what I thought were pretty good results. I think the key is getting a good sealer coat of Future on the model as a base for the wash. The method I use is: Paint the model with Tamiya acrylics, Future (at least two coats), apply decals, Future again, wash, Future one last time, and apply a dull coat. Be sure to allow the Future to dry for 24 hours or more.

I've never tried preshading, but I used a sludge wash an a Phantom recently. It worked out OK. Only one problem. I didn't seal it after cleaning off the excess and when I placed the decals, I had soap bubbles:) LOL. Kinda wacky. I think I prefer enamel washes.
Scott

Preshading, if overdone, can make the panels look "pillow-like." I never use it, I always apply an enamel wash over Future. I mix black with the base color, until it looks like a "shadow" value (relative darkness) to avoid having too much contrast. You can try experimenting, on a kit you don't intend to build, until you find the technique that delivers the results that you seek. Good luck on the kit !

I did the ratios exactly of water, paint, and soap...and still-- pathetic results....maybe the brand of soap you use makes a difference??

neither can I. Tho I hear that a drop or 2 of liquid detergent helps water based colors.
I can't seem to get pre-shading to work either.

I agree, lets review sludgewash with details. Don't assume anything, tell us details. I also cannot for the life of me get it to work.

Maybe I am doing something wrong-- but I've tried the sludge wash twice and it came out horrible each time

The last time was on the Texan I am just finishing....and when I tried wiping off the wash (after putting a coat of Future on the model)-- it didn't come off and now my plane looks pretty horrible imho....more like a smudge wash than a sludge wash....but I imagine it was something I did....I am going to use purely watercolors from now on....

I think preshading might be a little too subtle to work on a cockpit. It does however work on an exterior paintjob, especially on a plane that is painted in one color (no camo pattern). Kind of breaks up the monotony of the paint job. That said, I will usually add a light wash anyway, because I like my planes a little dirty.

although i am no expert, i did my first sludge wash on my 109 cockpit recently. i thought i was way off but it turned out good. the pit looks worn and well used. topped it off with drybrushing.

havent tried preshading yet, key word is yet.

joe