hey

i want to do a wash in enamels because thats the only paint i have and i mix the colour for the was with turps about 40% paint and 60% turps and when i add the wash it takes off the base coat.is there another to do washs with enamels and so it doesnt take off the base coat.

cheers
matt

Hi Matt,

Turpintine is pretty powerful. I suggest mineral spirits--I believe 'over the pond' its known as white spirits.

Before you wash, give the model an acrylic gloss coat such as Future. The turps shouldn't affect the future. Also, be sure to let the coats underneath dry properly.


Martyn

Matt, I have had this happen to me. Firstly always make sure the model has been washed prior to painting then I allow it to dry for at least 36 hours and it is a little more expensive, but if you do not want to add a coat of future, use 'real' Humbrol thinners, it is very different to Turpentine or White Spirit and does not seem to attack the base coat. This thinners also works with oil washes, these being the way to go in my opinion.
I must admit when this has happened the model usually goes out of the window. I use more acrylic paints now and have not had this problem. The other things that strong thinners can do is to unbond small items on models making them fall off.

You have to experiment a little and find out what you can get away with.

John