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Can I use dilute Vallejo Model color sufficiently to use it as a filter?

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  • Member since
    October 2013
Can I use dilute Vallejo Model color sufficiently to use it as a filter?
Posted by redryder on Thursday, June 25, 2015 6:36 AM

Hi, 

I was building a snap-fit X-wing model, and applied an oil paint filter using Winsor & Newton Sansodor as the thinning medium. The model was painted with Tamiya acrylics and coated with an acrylic satin coat. Left to dry for a couple of days before applying the filter.

Unfortunately, the sansodor still attacked the plastic, particularly the snapfit areas under stress. It started to crack in places. So far this hasn't happened in glued models, so I'm certain the issue is because the plastic is under stress. 

Bottom line is I'm afraid to use oil filters and washes for my snap fix models now. Can I instead dilute Vallejo Model Color with water sufficiently enough to use that as a filter? 

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Thursday, June 25, 2015 9:35 AM

Vallejo paints are water based acrylics. Spray a coat of clearcoat before using washes.

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: N. MS
Posted by CN Spots on Thursday, June 25, 2015 9:50 AM

In my experience, it's a bad idea to try and use paints as fillers.  They continue to dry and shrink for quite a while so even though the seam looks good today it might crack in a week.

  • Member since
    October 2010
Posted by hypertex on Friday, June 26, 2015 7:16 AM

Looks like CN misread 'filter' as 'filler.' I do that all the time myself. :-)

Diluting with water to filter consistency will be problematic due to the high surface tension of the water. It will bead up and create tide marks.

I suggest you experiment with Vallejo's model washes or Game Color inks, they are basically transparent paints that you could probably dilute without using so much water.  You could also try Vallejo's

mediums, such as thinner medium, matte medium, etc, to mix your own transparent paints.

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: N. MS
Posted by CN Spots on Friday, June 26, 2015 9:29 AM

Lol!  Now you know why I don't work in 1/72 anymore!

  • Member since
    August 2012
Posted by AndrewW on Friday, June 26, 2015 11:14 AM

I have, in the past, mixed Vallejo's model air very thin and sprayed it on as a 'filter' effect, i.e. exhaust trails or carbon residue.  I've also mixed model air with varnish (clear coat) to dilute the pigment, and with mediums to dilute the pigment.  I've had more success with the varnish mix, as I find the mediums a little thick when sprayed.  This being said, I do this with an airbrush.  I've never experimented with brush painting, if that is your intention.  

Personally, I use about ten drops of thinner or varnish to one drop of color.  I then thin the mixture to spray.  In this way, I'm only getting a small amount of color deposited, which is what I'm aiming for in a filter.  

Model color is a LOT thicker than model air.  I can, though I don't often, spray model air straight from the bottle (I usually thin it 30%).  Model color has to be thinned at least 50%, if not more, to spray properly, in my experience.  

In the end, I guess I will say I have done it with a line of their paints, not the line you are using, so take from this what you will and experiment.

Life is hard, it's even harder when you're stupid - John Wayne.


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