The Energon Pub

A while ago I saw an article on here (I think) about how to do a "black wash" on figures to make the molded details pop (black gets in there, but not on the surface). I tried searching it, but I can't find it. If anyone can find the link to it, or just explain how it is done, it would be greatly appreciated. I have never repainted any of my TF's and I would like to give it a shot.

Thanks

There are several ways to accomplish this:

The first way is to drybrush the desired area with a "weathering" color of your choice. This one being black

The second way is almost similar to drybrushing, except you'll be using a little more paint. After you've covered the area in black, get a dry paper towel or clean cloth, pour some thinner and start rubbing the surface. This should give you a more "washed out" look.

The third way is only to be used if you're looking for the detailed panel lines to pop out. I would recommend gundam markers. They're thin markers used to outline the panels and thin lines on any model or toy. They are meant for this very purpose. You can find these at ebay.

Wish I could offer some more advice, but I too am looking for more advice myself.

AutobotJazz87 wrote:The second way is almost similar to drybrushing, except you'll be using a little more paint. After you've covered the area in black, get a dry paper towel or clean cloth, pour some thinner and start rubbing the surface. This should give you a more "washed out" look.

Using this method, will the origional paint come off the surface?

Thanks for the response!

There's another way, and it's how the term "wash" came about. It works pretty much only with waterbased paints

Thin down a nearly black shade with water until it's about the consistancy of milk or so. Paint over the model. Brush over the surface with a paper towell. Wait another 5-10 minutes, and brush over it with a paper towell again.

SJ21 wrote:

AutobotJazz87 wrote:The second way is almost similar to drybrushing, except you'll be using a little more paint. After you've covered the area in black, get a dry paper towel or clean cloth, pour some thinner and start rubbing the surface. This should give you a more "washed out" look.

Using this method, will the origional paint come off the surface?

Thanks for the response!

No problem! As far as your question goes, it depends on how much thinner and for how long you're rubbing it. Too much thinner and a long period of rubbing will cause some of the paint to come out, of course its not going to be an excessive amount that will be lost. I'd recommend using a small cotton ball or a Q-tip to avoid any damage to its original paint.

Valandar also makes a suggestion worth noting. I'd never really thought about it, but it does sound like advice I would consider.

Thanks guys. I am going to give it a shot when I get some time this week. I will let you know how it works out.

I've diluted black water-based paint with water (1 part paint, 2 parts water) and brushed it on then wiped it off the flat surfaces immediately with a tissue. It left the grooves slightly darker and the flat surfaces looking dirty. It wasn't the effect I was going for but I liked what it did. You can see it here.

Meanwhile, I'm going on the hunt for gundam markers - they sound pefect!