I apologize if this topic has come up in the past but as I was telling the guys in the Introduction area that my one and only beautiful M16 with night scope became an ugly Stone Age club after I dipped in a black oil wash. The cheap thinner I used decided my M16 looked better as a club. Actually I got the dipping guns in oil wash idea after seeing the realistic effect it had on a sniper rifle shown in the gallery under the Figure section entitled White Death (sorry I forgot your name but your work was fantastic).

Does anyone know what thinners are safe for oil washes to be used on specifically DML/Dragon and Tamiya plastic models? Can I use lighter fluids like Zippo? The Tamiya thinner costs a bomb here so I'm looking for cheaper alternatives.

Thanks a lot. :-)

Hey Beachbum,

I use a Loew-Cornell Odorless Brush Cleaner and Thinner to thin my oils. Some use Terpenoid (or something like that), but never lighter fluid! Ouch!

Hi there and welcome to the site!

I highly recommend trying turpenoid. I use acrylics and have never had a problem with it as a medium for my oil washes. I've also had pretty good results with white spirits. But the turpenoid is definitely my fav.

Thanks for the tips guys. Is the turpenoid that was mentioned similar to turpentine? I've heard of some members using turpentine based washes on the plastics.

Thanks again.

In my experience...no. I have used turpentine with disasterous results.....ate the paint right off.

What is a good ratio to use when thinning the wash?

I couldn't give you an exact ratio. I will take a blob of the oil color, and mix a little into my turpenoid. I will then test it to see if I need to add more oil to the turpenoid. I usually use the bottom of the model as the test bed. Eventually you will get a feel for it.

I by habit, usually make my washes a bit on the weak side, and apply a few of them to slowly build up in the recesses. Too often I have made the wash too thick, and ruined my basecoat.

HTH,
Stuke

I personally use humbrol enamel thinner for washes. Ive tried a few things and have never been completely happy. Humbrol is very mild and works well over acrylics, enamels or oils.
With the prices of kits and the time involved, Im taking no more chances and using what works best and safest.
Stuke gave good advice, try first on the bottom where its not seen and gives you an idea. Also to work thin and add several washes to build up rather than trying to wash all in one go.
As a rule a wash should be dirty thinners, instead of thin paint.
I put out a samll blob, dip my brush in it and clean in a little thinner. Repeat if you need more. Plastic coca-cola type tops are perfect for washes. Use and throw them away afterwards ... saves cleaning!

I paint mainly in oils and use white spirits for washes,the ratio of spirit to oils is really a matter of experience,ie, trial and error,and i can get it wrong sometimes.
Arthur

You can't go wrong with this stuff. I have used it over Tamiya, Testor's, and Floquil paints with no ill effects. Give it a try.

Patrick