Hi
I must be doing something wrong. I used acrylics to paint a water tower and to put some rust effects on it. Then, weeks later, I tried using a very diluted mix of water and india ink to tone it all down. I liked the effect but some of the original acrylic paint came off when I wiped the ink solution with a rag. Did I need to put some sort of sealer over the acrylics before using the india ink wash? Also, I had a bit of difficulty deciding how much I needed to water down the india ink to get the right effect. What ratio of ink to water is recommended?
All recommendations/opinions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
wdcrvr
Wdcrvr,
Yes,,you should have put a sealer on the paint first,something like Dulcote,to protect the paint,then follow with the India ink mixture,,diluted to almost being transparent, so it will flow into details..Once you achieve,the look you like seal it again.. India Ink is lampblack,diluted with water,to make it liquid...You could also use iso.Alcohol,,,,but not without a good sealer on the paint finish first.. The Alcohol mix is great for staining wood models,like trestles and such..
Hope That Helps,others may have another way,,this is mine..
Cheers,
Frank
I have used diluted india ink extensively to provide a weathered effect on a wood structure. I use it in the place of paint, and have never tried it on a painted surface. As to what dilution ratio, I just eyeball the color, and if unsure, I use a scrap of wood to test it on. I tend to use a rich mixture, and apply light coats or a rinse of water to lighten it if it comes out too dark. I also use just plain water to dilute it, so if I need to adjust the ratio, it's very easy, and inexpensive if I have to discard it and try again. I also like to mix it differently for different effects on a variety of structures. My normal application method is to dip the pieces of wood in the ink bath before I assemble the structure. Below is a sample of just diluted ink-stained wood siding.
Another method I use to show weathering on a structure is to first paint it gray (think primer), then the final color, then use a very small wire brush to remove some of the final color to give the impression of the paint failing over time. Make sure the layers of paint dry completely between coats, and before you use the wire brush on the surface. On your painted surface, you might try using weathering powders (earth-colored artist's chalks). If you are having fun, you're doing it right. Wilton.
Another method I use to show weathering on a structure is to first paint it gray (think primer), then the final color, then use a very small wire brush to remove some of the final color to give the impression of the paint failing over time. Make sure the layers of paint dry completely between coats, and before you use the wire brush on the surface. On your painted surface, you might try using weathering powders (earth-colored artist's chalks). If you are having fun, you're doing it right.
Wilton.
This is a plastic model of a LifeLike coal tower I weathered a few years ago. I used a base coat of Earth and then a wash of india ink and 70% Iso alcohol.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
zstripe Wdcrvr, Yes,,you should have put a sealer on the paint first,something like Dulcote,to protect the paint,then follow with the India ink mixture,,diluted to almost being transparent, so it will flow into details..Once you achieve,the look you like seal it again.. India Ink is lampblack,diluted with water,to make it liquid...You could also use iso.Alcohol,,,,but not without a good sealer on the paint finish first.. The Alcohol mix is great for staining wood models,like trestles and such.. Hope That Helps,others may have another way,,this is mine.. Cheers, Frank
DO NOT USE DULCOTE BEFORE A WASH CONTAINING ALCOHOL!
Alcohol reacts will Dulcote and causes it to craze. This effect could be desired, but it can be a very unpleasant surprise to those not expecting it. Spraying the model again with Dulcote will remove the crazing.
Try something like Krylon Flat Finish to protect the acrylics. I've not tried Flat Finish before an alcohol wash yet, and always test on a scrap piece before trying it on the main work.
S&S
Modeling the Pennsy and loving it!
An alternative would be to use a thin wash of blackish-gray acrylic. Since it's diluted with water, you won't have the issues with alcohol to contend with, although sometimes the alcohol can be used to add to the desired effects as noted above.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL