Trouble with Citadel Washes

Ok so I'm having some trouble getting washes to work properly. The way I've been using them is first I would paint whatever model I'm working on and then once that model is done I apply the wash. I read the articles on it and it said its supposed to seep into the cracks and recesses of the model. It does its job their but unfortunately it still leaves some on spots that I don't want. I even tried applying the wash first and then painting over out of desperation to get the desired effect, but to no avail. I have thought about trying to water it down a bit, would that help at all? Any suggestions/tips would be much appreciated.

 

What are 'some on spots'? If it is going on 'patchy' then you probably need to apply a bit more. Also remember that even though it does go for the cracks and make them darker, that doesn't mean it doesn't stain the flat areas as well. The shade of the whole model will go a bit darker, just the cracks should end up the darkest.

 

Hmm...

Well while it is still wet you could try dabing the areas you don't want wash on with
another bush this should pull the wash off of that area, and still leave it in the cracks where you want it.

 

Ok this certainly helps. I will try applying less wash to the model to prevent too much staining. Thanks for your guys' help

 

One thing I will never stop recommending is to get your hands on a couple little steel ball bearings and throw them in the pot. With a lot of the Foundation Paints and the Washes, the pigment tends to sink to the bottom really fast. If you shake it up, you'll get a more even coverage.
As has been suggested, try watering down your wash, and maybe even adding a drop of Reaper Drying Retarder if you can find it.

 

Sounds like a very good idea. I will definitely try watering it down a bit and I will certainly try those metal balls you were talking about asrodrig. Thanks again for your help guys!

 

I've noticed that the citadel washes have too much surface tension.

When I use them, they tend to pool up in wierd ways, like bubbling up into little wash droplets in places I don't want that look.

Solution: Put a drop of GW's Gloss Varnish into the washs paint pot.

The wash will flow way more evenly now.
Its the same reason that fire fighters add soap to their water, by breaking the waters ability to bond with itself, it'll flow into every crack.

Also works if you are making your own washs (by adding drops of paint to water) or having pooling problems when using your airbrush.

 

Hmm I didn't know varnish had that effect as well. If you don't have any, and don't want to buy a paint thinner, then a very small amount of dish washing liquid also has the same effect. You can make inks (and I guess washes) into glazes instead.

However, in this case I don't think thats what the OP wants.

If you want to keep the same shade on the raised areas, but add depth to the crevices, the easiest way is to just apply the wash as you have been, then highlight or drybrush the raised areas again to bring them back down to the lighter colour you want while leaving the wash in the deep areas.

 

Thanks again guys. I appreciate all your help. I've made some progress with the washes and hope to put up some pics for the april painting pledge.