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The blotches are usually caused by the water used to dilute the alcohol to 70% -- it's probably not distilled water. Using a 91% alcohol reduces this. Watch out with 99% -- alcohol is a solvent, and using almost pure alcohol could wreck havoc on decals and paint. You can find 91% alcohol at just about any drug store; I got mine at CVS, and I've seen it in RiteAid. <br /> <br />Remember too that the India ink wash is rarely used alone for weathering, except for very small items like pre-painted figures and scenery details (park benches, fire hydrants, etc.) It's main purpose is to give an initial grungy/dirty look, and to reduce the plastic shine most OOTB buildings and freight cars have. You'll usually follow up with additional weathering, such as pastel chalks, airbrushing, or something like the Bragdon Weathering system. A light or medium gray or brown pastel 'wash' is great next step for 'softening' the appearance of buildings, freight cars and locos. Use a soft, fairly wide artists paintbru***o brush on the pastel powder Then follow up with specific weathering details, like rust streaks, dirt streaks, etc., again using a soft brush. <br /> <br />It may be stating the obvious, but for hints on how to weather buildings, look around when you're outside. Check out similar buildings in your area when your commuting to/from work, or out for a walk, or driving to the store, or whatever. That'll give you a good foundation on how various building materials weather in the 'real world'. If you model a different part of the country than where you live, you can go to the library and peruse the history and travel books that cover the area you're modeling. Or check the tourist bureaus for the area on the web. Color pictures of tourist areas are a great source for specific ideas, since the tourist areas tend to be older areas, and will better show the ravages of age in that particular environment.
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