Gentlemen,
Is it really necessary to future the model before u give it a wash, or can that step be skipped? I've had decent results before with future but have been wondering if I really need to
Thanks,
Ziggy

A gloss finish is necessary for a pin wash only,the gloss allows the wash to flow into the cracks,crevices,and raised details easier,but it is not needed for an overall wash.

A gloss coat is also needed for decal application.

but it need no be Future,it can be any gloss coat,I never had success with Future,I currently use Vallejo Acrylic Varnishes

I have sucess without, try it on scrap and see if it works for you, dont forget there is always a nack to these things, so practice practice practice.

If you don't seal the paint with gloss before your 1st filter, it will be somewhat difficult to smoothly apply it to the entire surface, and it will have a tendency to soak into the paint, staining it. Those stains will be nearly impossible to remove. Sealing with a gloss, Matt, or flat sealers protects the paint. Also sealing between filters and washes helps to prevent the removal of the previous application with the one you're currently applying.

I gloss for decaling, pin washes, and the 1st overall filter. After that I use a flat clear finish like Dullcoat.
Joel