thinned paint question

[darkhorse2]

i am about to start weathering using model masters paints.the book i'm reading says to thin the paints to a "wash" how do i do that? what ratio is used? is testor's thinner the right thing to do it with? thanks in advance for any help.

[Smoke]

a "wash" is a general term that is used to mean alot of thinner and not too much paint. I think a good mixture would be something like 5 parts thiner to 1 parts paint. If that is too thick/dark, use some more thinner. Just keep expiramenting till you find a consistency you like.

-Andrew

[dtinut]

Depends on what kind of paint it is? Is it enamel, of acrylic?

If it's enamel, then you need to use the testors airbrush thinner in the metal can (cheaper than the little glass bottles), but if it's the acrylic, then use either distilled water of 70% Isopropal Alcohol. I say you can thin even more than that. More like 7:1 - 10:1 thinner to paint.

It's easier to add more than remove it if you use too much.

Are you using an airbrush or other technique?

Practice on a junk model first....

Brian

[Matthew]

From my experience, I would recommend that you use acrylic paints, well thinned as it is easier to build up an effect than to remove. Also if (or sometimes in my case when) it goes horribly wrong it can be removed without damage to the underlying paint.
Good luck, Matthew

[icghogger]

I agree with Robert and Matthew. Any solvent-based paint may create a mess, unless it is the same paint used on the model. Me, I use powders, making a wash by mixing them with distilled water or air brush medium (such as Badger thinner for acyrlics). Practice your technique on scrap material before doing your model, regardless of the method or medium used. Will save a lot on the cussin', rantin' and ravin' part