I don't get it, what are washes, and how do they help, I have read every article on this website about them, and I still have no idea. How do I go about choosing the color how to apply wear to apply, why I need it, someone PLEASE HELP!

Okay, take a deep breath dude!

Washes are a simple procedure used to bring out recessed panel lines, and small details like rivets and bolts. They help by adding more dimension to the model. Like adding more depth. Without a wash the model could look almost flat. (Not in terms of sheen)
In most cases you'll use a dark color like black or dark brown. Mix it very diluted. A 10%paint to 90% thinner is normal for me. Using a soft small tipped paint brush apply it directly to panel lines and around bolts and similar details. The capilary action of the thinner will allow it to flow right into those lines and around details. Keep something like a Q-Tip on hand to soak up the excess.
Another method you could use it to just brush a porrtion of the model with the wash, than quickly soak up the excess with a cloth or Q-Tips. Dont worry about not being able to get into the edges and grooves, those areas are the ones you want to keep "washed".
Practice on the underside of a model or an old one sitting around. Give it a whirl, you'll soon see what a wash does. Practice...

I like the first method Ken mentioned, just applying the wash to recessed lines and detail, but maybe for a different effect you'd go with the other one.

Nic

Snach,

look at this pic (difference between the bonnet and the radiator), that's what a wash does to a model.

http://groups.msn.com/Armorama/eaglecorner.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=194

I don't say this is good washing (I think it's overdone a bit), but it sure shows the impact a wash can have on a factory fresh model http://put.url.here

The guy's have given you some good advice. The only thing
I can add is to be patient and practice on a scrap model.
......You can see in Eagles excellent example, that without a wash
a model will remain with it's "toy-like " appearance.
Like Ken say's a wash bring's depth to a model and also, a very good
illusion of reality. ..............Don't forget to dry-brush !

- ralph

I am a newbie to washes too, and I have a question here.

Where EXACTLY do you apply washes on an aircraft? Do you just put the brush to the lines b/w the panels, or do you go and paint the whole thing with the thinned mixture? What f the panel is raised. Also, do I need to keep the model on its side while applying washes?

I've gone through nearly twenty sites (and four books) which just say 'Apply a wash with a vey thin brush. Touch it to the panel lines'.

One Aussie site said you've to paint the whole thing with wash(shows a truck being done this way), while another says ' only panel lines'. It's really confusing !

Rgds,
BP.

Hi BP - in regards to your questions. First, you can apply the wash either
way ......a full wash over the entire aircraft ( AC ) .........or as localised washes ( only in
specific area's & detail ).............It's a choice of what the modeler prefers to do.
Some other answers:
1) Do you just put the brush to the lines b/w the panels ?
- Yes, capillary action will do the rest, and carry the wash. Sometime's you
may want to apply 2 or 3 washes to the same area ....but just wait for
the previous wash to dry a bit, and apply again.

2) What f the panel is raised ?
- Same as above; Capillary action

3) Do I need to keep the model on its side while applying washes ?
- It's Up to you ..........When applying washes to AC, I position the AC like it naturally sit's.
I then go back after I apply the wash, and with a brush moistened
with thinner, gently clean up any excess wash that need's to be removed.
OR you can put the AC in a jig, to support it on it's side, and then apply the wash.

4) I've gone through nearly twenty sites (and four books) which just say 'Apply a wash with a vey thin brush. Touch it to the panel lines'.
- Yes .......for panels lines, small rasied detail ( nut's & bolt's, rivets, etc ) and thin crevices,
I use a "0 " - "0/3 " - "0/5 " round red sables. For large area's I increase the brush size.
I ALSO APPLY WASHES WITH MY AIRBRUSH SOMETIMES.
Use your judgement on stuff like this.

5) One Aussie site said you've to paint the whole thing with wash(shows a truck being done this way), while another says ' only panel lines'. It's really confusing !
- Once again, this is a matter of personal preference, and what you are trying
to achieve .......... a full scale wash........or a localised wash.
- Full scale washes are great when you really want to dirty up the entire AC or armor, etc.
- Localised are great for depicting specific and seperate detail certain area's.
- I always apply my wash to scrap model before my main subject........to make
sure it's the consistency that I want the wash to be.
I HOPE THIS GIVES YOU SOME HELP AND INSIGHT - AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO
EXPERIMENT - IT'S HOW YOU WILL LEARN MANY THING'S FOR YOURSELF.
I sure the other ArmoramA members will give you some tip's also.
If you should have any problem's when applying your washes, you can email me
and we can find what went wrong and fix it. I'm alway's willing to help my "brother
modeler's " when they need help or advise. beacuse they have ALWAYS been there
for me, when I needed them.
- ralph