I just purchased a few bottles of Vallejo Wash (Dark Gray, Brown, Mud, and Black) and am wondering what environments pin washes are used in.

Now I understand washes are also used to replicate gas, oil, and grease stains along the surface of the hull, but what I am pondering about are the hull streaks that aren't oil stains.

I take it pin washes are used in climates and environments where it rains and produces rust and water streaks across the surface of the vehicle, or in environments where there's river and water fording. Therefore, am I correct to assume that pin washes are not used in dry desert climates because the washes would be too dark?

Thanks.

Well, I think you've got the wrong idea about what pin washes are used for, I'm afraid.

The streaking you see is usually made with oil paints not washes.

Pin washes are washes applied very locally around specific features you want to eemphasise such as rivets, panels hatches, opennings, etc. You can use them in every climate.

Washes generally are used to simulate overall effects of the environmental dirt and aged paint and are applied aove the entire vehicle. Simulating oil, soot, liquid streaks are accomplished using paints similar to washes, but with a bit more paint, that leave a gloss or greasy looking effect after they dry. There are specific paints available from several companies now that are forumlated to do exactly that or you can make up your own as many people have been doing for 40+ years.

Now if you want to show dark dirt built up around a vehicles surfaces, you use a dark pin wash. If you want to show the light dust build up in the desert you use a light pin wash. And both should compliment the local dirt colour. Don't use dark earh washed in the Mekong delta and dopn't use light desert dust for a damp day in the winter in NW Europe.

Washes and specialty finishes come in all sorts of colours and you can use them anywhere you like that creates the effect you are looking for.

Paul

I find the easiest way to add streaking to the sides of vehicles, is the dot technique. This is done with artist oil paints. Just dab on some dots of various color to your model, then with a brush dampened with turpentine, streak the brush over the dots in a downward motion. You can simulate the effect as heavy or as subtle as you want. If you mess up just re dampen your brush with more turpentine and remove the paint.

Paul and Mike,

Thanks for the answers.

I can add this sbs- I just hope that an aircraft won't offend. ;D

And here's a segment on using oil paints for color modulation. I have since learned that this is best applied over a semi-matte or matte finish, not a gloss. I hope this helps!

Chuck,

That is a GREAT tutorial...thanks !

You should submit that article to Finescale Modeler...get some bucks out of it.

Can we see the brass wire roll cage?

Thanks, fellas! You can see this entire build- and more- here. Cheers! http://www.modelersalliance.com/forum/chukw

Nice tutorial and model. I like the little animated Luftwaffe girls. Mike