chapchap73 Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 So I've been doing some experimenting with paint "washes" and have not been super happy with my results. They are not bad, but I think they could be better. What is your basic formula for a paint wash? Acrylic paint or oil and how much water do you add? Does anybody know of any companies that market paint washes that are pre-mixed? Thanks guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
otterine Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 I use only acrylics. Sometimes I add a lot of water if I just want to "stain" something and not leave much color behind. I don't have a hard and fast rule for it, I just sort of wing it and add more water or paint until I get the results I want. What specifically isn't working for you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 If you use oil paints don't use water to make washes of them, use turps or linseed oil to thin them. I use water-soluble paints and I begin with a puddle of water and just barely dip my brush into the color or colors I want to try and experiment on a scrap of whatever material I'm going to wash (paper, papermache, spackle, whatever). If the color's too intense I add water by drops until it's what I want; if it's too faint I add the barest amount of paint. After I stained and shingled the McKinley's roof it was too "loud" so I stirred up the water I'd used to clean my brushes whilst I was painting the interior, and added just a smidge of white, and washed the shingles with that to tone it down; it worked so well I went on to use it on the bricks, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chapchap73 Posted August 26, 2012 Author Share Posted August 26, 2012 Thanks Holly! As usual, that advice is just what I needed. Brae, I'm using it on paperclay. I want a stone color that is not too dark, maybe a little red as well for a few stones here and there, I'm so happy you both said acrylic! I was NOT looking forward to buying new paint...but anything for my art :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-defunct account- Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 There are modelers places that make acrylic washes, personally I think it's silly to pay for 5oz of water in a teeny container with 2 drops of acrylic paint Add a bit of water at time and do a little test stroke or two, if it's not thin enough just add more Paperclay seems pretty forgiving from what I've seen. It dries fast, so worst case is you wait a tad longer between coats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 You can always help the drying process along with a hair dryer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-defunct account- Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 I've occasionally moved the dehumidifier next to my project while I took a sandwich break Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caseymini Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 I usually work with more than one color at a time when doing washes on brick or stone. I put out a dab of each color that I want to work with on a paper plate. That way I can use my wet brush to mix the colors right on the plate. More water for weaker wash. Less for a more potent one. You asked at just the right time. I am about to do the stonework on the bases of two tudor cottages that I am working on. I will show the process that I use on my blog either today or tomorrow. Come along for the ride, if you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nathaniel Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 There is a medium you can buy at craft stores that will turn paint into a stain and you don't have to worry about the water mixture check it out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nathaniel Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 Whitewashed doll house furniture is my absolute favorite by the way!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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