I'm wondering if there's a simpler solution to cleaning up a wash (wiping off excess) without harming the gloss finish it goes on top of. i usually put down the base coat (acrylic), apply the decals, cover it all with microscale micro gloss then(after 24 hours) go ahead with the wash. the problem is that once i'm cleaning off the wash chances are i'll have to resort to thinner to get some of the stubborn spots out and it seems to take off the micro gloss. the wash is acrylic paint and thinner. (i tried acrylic paint water and soap sludge wash but messed it up)
what i'm looking for is being able to remove the access wash without worrying about the gloss coat underneath giving through. will future stand up to acrylic paint thinner? would a lacquer gloss finish and work with the acrylic paint underneath?
i realise the safest thing might be to just get the sludge wash figured out properly and only have to use water for cleanup but i don't like having to use water to carry the acrylic since it usually settles on the edges of the wet area. can a sludge wash be made with an enamel?
help a newbie out. any help will be appreciated