Annoying lacquer/washes-opinions/suggestions please

Hmmmm

That just doesn't seem right. I got nothin!

I only have experience with the wash I've mentioned above.

Lacquer-based solvents don't make any sense to me.  Lacquer thinner is just too hot. It may be possible to find a protective lacquer-proof clearcoat, but why bother?  Water based and enamel based washes do fine- I don't see the need for a lacquer one.

The sludge was just soft pastel scrapings, distilled water and a drop of dish soap.

Is your wash solvent based??? If so, that's the problem.

I use lacquer gloss (Minwax, thinned and A/B'ed)...decals...gloss again. Then I use a homemade wash (acrylic craft paint, water, drop of dish soap....does not take much paint!). I'll brush a little wash on a section of the model, then rub it in with a finger (usually my own!). Give it a few minutes drying time, then wipe away the excess with a water dampened cloth(old t-shirt). The only time I have ever not had good results with the wash was when I didn't have a good gloss.

You don't say what kind of sludge wash you are using, but whatever it is, you are letting it get too dry. I would recommend using a Turpenoid/oil paint wash. Dries much slower so it's easier to control. You can speed up the process with a hair dryer. If you get it too dry to wipe off, a little Turpenoid on a rag will take it off. You can do the whole thing in ten minutes. I never walk away from a wash. Even oil paint is tough to get off after a few days.

Jay