Question about whats the best way to make a wash????

Simple rule:

ALWAYS use a wash that will not effect the paint underneath. If the paint is enamel use a acrylic wash.

There are pros / cons to each type. Here is my experiences & humble opinions on each:

Acrylic wash. Over enamel, usually a layer of enamel flat clear like 'dull coat' or 'clear gloss' can go over the enamel paint without clear. You can thin with demineralized water  and a drop of dish soap to break the surface tension to allow a better flow. If thinned with water it will take longer to dry, I usually use isopropyl rubbing alcohol.

Pro: Harmless to paint underneath if all enamel.

Con: looks great going on, it can dry with less than satisfactory results. Can form lines that look like cracks on the edges.

*Hint work fast and continuously, better for 'pin washes' or oil / grease stains where a noticeable edge is desired.

Enamel wash. Over acrylic paint or a layer of Future acrylic floor polish. Be sure Future is completely covering the surface and cured for 24-48 hours.

Pro: Flows well and looks as good as initial application once dry.

Con: Due to nature of enamel thinner it is risky in that it can 'attack' base layer. If all under layers are acrylic you are safer to use a enamel wash. Work fast without too much brush contact pressure.

Oil paint. New to me with great results. Used to 'tint' paint underneath that was a tad off hue. Same procedure as enamel washes. I used over Future as pictured below.

Tempura paint. (kids poster paint)Airplane modelers use this over a gloss coat to accent panel lines. It is thinned with demineralized water & a drop of dish soap, applied liberally then wiped off with a cloth moistened in water in the direction of air flow. Due to its temporary nature the entire coat can be easily removed if desired to start over. I personally never tried this technique but will on my next airplane.  

* Shown is a tank painted in Krylon 'buttercream' enamel that was not quite the correct color. A layer of Future was allowed to cure then a wash of Raw Sienna oil paint was used to get the correct (close enough) color. The barrel is not done & the hull is at this point.

I hope this helps you with your wash question.

Jason

I can say that one way to wash is for one type over another.  Personally I would seal whatever it was with laquer.  So you can do an enamel wash over enamel, just use a laquer clear coat over it.

OR you can use acrylics as the wash, water thinner wont ever disrupt enamel or laquer or what not.

http://codyscoop.com/ht-panelline.html

that is a way to do pannel line washes with artist oils

Cool thank you for the info.  I was kind of hopeing that i would get some more variations...  What people dont like me or something or am I asking questions that people are tired of answering...

I usually make enamel overall washes for my acrylic finishes,it's 90% thinner+10% paint,usually burnt umber with a touch of black.works good for a grimy lookin the recesses and nuts and bolts.