Watercolor wash over gloss or flat finish?

I would strongly, STRONGLY recommend against putting wash on a flat surface. If you do it will get down in the texture of the paint and you will have a very difficult time getting the excess off. Been there, done that, repainted because of it. Put your wash on a glossy surface and, if necessary, shoot a coat of clear flat over everything when you are done.

If you have any decals to apply, they will work much better over a gloss finish as well.

QUOTE: Originally posted by MusicCity I would strongly, STRONGLY recommend against putting wash on a flat surface. If you do it will get down in the texture of the paint and you will have a very difficult time getting the excess off. Been there, done that, repainted because of it. Put your wash on a glossy surface and, if necessary, shoot a coat of clear flat over everything when you are done. If you have any decals to apply, they will work much better over a gloss finish as well.

Yeah, I put all my decals on only after I've glossed the model. Haven't had any trouble there. Thanks for the tip on the wash, though; I figured that was the way to go, but wasn't 100% sure.

Most definitely you will want to apply the wash over a gloss surface, especially since you're glossing anyways for the deals.
I myself tend to apply very localized washes, using fine applicators and pins to apply to recessed panel lines, and the like. I do this directly onto a flat finish and it works fine. However, keep in mind that MusicCity is right. You do have to have a great deal of control here, as cleaning it up if it goes wrong will not be fun.

Normally, a wash should be applied over a gloss surface. If you wash a flat surface, the wash will tend to spread out & stain the areas beyond where you may want. If controlled properly, it can give a good weathered effect, but it's dicey to control.

Regards, Rick