weathering help!!!

An overall wash is done on a flat surface-it imparts a grimy or dusty look.

A pinwash is done on a gloss finish-the gloss enables the mix to flow into psanel lines and around detail.

You can do one or both if you like.

Enamel or oils make good washes,They should however be applied over a thoroughly cured acrylic clear coat.

These are just some fast answers,there a dozens of diffrent techniques.Look for books or magazines giving a more comprehensive overview of diffrent styles.Or Google "weathering technique" articles for more info. Mig Products,AK,Vallejo all detail diffrent styles.

In my opinion, there is no "best technique" in modeling. There are simply too many variables and none of them are objectively measurable. It all boils down to a personal preference.

For me, I find washing with oil paints easy and convenient. I use a pinwash with a flat finish. I like oil paints because their slow drying time makes them forgiving of mistakes. Acrylic washes dry too fast for my personal taste; they don't give me enough time to wipe away mistakes.

My best advice is to read about the techniques online and try one. If you like the results, stick with it. You can read about my pinwash technique here:

www.ipmsdayton.com/.../weathering-art-supplies-part-1-oil-paints

Chris

I prefer oil (Raw umber with a low odor thinner) for most of my washes... like everyone else has said too many variables and everyone has their favorites. I like this one because it looks oily and grimy and when drybrushing, detail really pops. I will make it a little more pigmented for oil stains, etc.  Also the extra working time which Chris mentioned can be a lifesaver.

Marc

thank you  for the advise i been reading and watching videos  never knew there was such a thing as  washes and pigment powders  till i went to a model show lol 25 years of modeling and wow i am behind times i need to catch up  thank you for the advise.

Thank you hypertex i read your artiacle and i can say very informative and helpful tahnk you for posting that link :)

Weathering is an art. Like any artistic process, the key is practice (remember the joke about getting to Carnegie Hall?)  You can practice on cheaper kits, or even on scrap material.  Do not try a new technique you are unfamiliar with on a good, expensive model.