Wash on acrlic paints

Acrylics will be just fine, Darren, but you would have more 'control' with artist oils, that's all. Just mix a little bit of your paint (if it's on white undercarriage, use a dirty dark grey), with some water, a drop or two of dishwashing liquid (it will help break the water'surface tension and allow the liquid to reach out everywhere), and a little bit of white vinegar (that somehow helps getting fewer 'watermarks'). Try first with a weak mix, that is with not too much paint, as it's easier to add more wash than removing it (acrylics dry so fast!). Now, there's two options: either you take a big brush and slap the mixture everywhere, or you take the selective route and apply the wash to specific areas with a fine brush. I favour the first option, using paper towels to soak up the excess liquid. Let dry. Then use the drybrushing technique to get bits to stand out even more.

Hey Darren,
When I do my washes, I use a mixture of paint(water based paint/acrylic) and distilled water.
The ratio of paint to water is up to you my friend!!.
First step to applying the wash is to make sure your model has a gloss finish. I guess you can say this step kills two birds w/ one stone!!(no actual birds were harmed in this post) One applying decals and the other is the wash.
This coat helps in the application and control of the wash. Use a fine brush when you apply this method.
After applying the wash to the areas that you want, let the wash sit for about 10 minutes or so.
Now go back over the areas w/ either a Q-Tip or a soft cloth. I prefer to use a cloth myself.
Once is all said and done w/ the application, you can always repete the process as many times as you would like or until you are satisfied w/ the results!!
This method may seem a little long but believe me the results are awesome. Also its one of the easier ways of weathering/ highlighting a model.
Any questions please feel free to e-mail at Falcon174th@aol.com
Flaps up, Mike

thanks for the help