Scale Modelling Tutorial | The Ultimate Guide to Washes

[@mehusla]

I’m 73 and been using washes for decades. This video tutorial is brilliant!

[@power_SERG]

The only wash tutorial you'll ever need.

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks mate ! That's very kind 😊

[@sweatilaa5325]

finally a video that explain washes properly. so many just repeat same sludge wash tips over and over again, now i actually understand what the other products are actually used for

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks ! I tried really hard to cram in the important information and not just the basics !

[@sweatilaa5325]

@@lpjmodels as someone who just got into building and painting miniature things and such some 3 months ago, when would you suggest I expand my collection of paints and such to include more enamel based products? they seem really nice but also like they are more work. though that might be very wrong.

[@lpjmodels]

I would reccomend oils, just for the versatility. Make sure you get some mineral spirits ( or odourless) and some medium to high quality oils and you're set for a long time. I like the vms light universal weathering carrier because its pretty inert. And for speeding drying ( not essential) their oil expert enhancing medium. Get a starter pack of Winton oils and they will be good enough to keep you going. Or a few select artist colours. Once you go there you don't return !

[@ScytheNoire]

6:29 Watching the wash flow down the seam is so satisfying.

[@SmallSoldier]

Excellent and thorough explanation of washes James! I agree on all points, especially on gloss coats. I don't use much gloss anymore, on armour models I never have. I do prefer using my own mix of oils or enamels "the world is your oyster"... as they say. Your colour palette will have an infinite number of possibilities. Excellent production value as well, Cheers!

[@ericssincty6537]

Well said.

[@lpjmodels]

Very true Scott thankyou, I have a bit of a 50/50 approach, I use a lot of oils but a few convenience colours have crept in lately. Take care !

[@3414mercury]

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen on YT, on any subject really, but of course on washes. Great production, straight to the point, and stunningly clear! Thank you so much for a video I’m sure I will reference over and over.

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks that's high praise indeed, glad you found the video helpful :)

[@macielcolli2561]

Absolutely amazing video, specially for beginners! Thank you so much! It took me days to find someone who explained washes so well and directly to the point.

[@lpjmodels]

@macielcolli2561 many thanks, glad it was useful

[@LRBerry]

Thank you for this informative video, it's just what I've been looking for as I'm considering getting back into model building. Things have certainly moved on since the 70s when I started building models. My bedroom ceiling was the location of many a great dogfight.

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Lee, mine started on the ceiling when I was a lot younger, after a few gaps I got back into it full swing , best of luck !

[@mayduke59]

I've been thinking in my head about using Satin instead of Gloss varnish, But since I'm just getting into weathering in understanding the properties of all these different washes and varnishes and how they actually work I figured I would leave it alone, But I know you know what you're talking about so I'm going to start using satin. And also extremely informative to a novice like myself. Thank you

[@andygorman858]

That was brilliant. For years I was doing the sludge wash and thought a\that was all there was to it.....but this changed the game! I bought some Tamiya enamels years ago and they are still ok as I have only used them once with bad results. After seeing this I’m more tempted to try and perfect the wash technique. Thank you for sharing this!

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Andy, its always good to experiment, im not a big user of the sludge wash as the cleanup is a pain, glad I got you inspired!

[@JM-qz4ik]

very thorough and well composed. Super easy to follow and great examples. Thanks for putting this together

[@Svemirsky]

This is an absolute top shelf quality tutorial. 10/10

[@takuchanmovieproduction5772]

Thanks for this excellent beginners guide,really well explained. I, as a German with mediocre understanding of English, had zero problems to understand everything. Thanks👍

[@lpjmodels]

Vielen Dank! I'm glad it was easy to understand , I bet your English is much much better than my German 😀

[@robbo1068]

A valuable and thoroughly enjoyable tutorial, James. Again, your explanations are detailed yet simple to follow and easily understood. Great visuals, too.

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Robbo, mission accomplished!

[@jefforymitchell5697]

So washes are basically Ambient Occlusion for models. This was a lot of help, cheers.

[@only_visiting]

13 minutes of great tips and demos. Thank you.

[@rossknowles5608]

best description ive seen. thanks for the info and clarity

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Ross ! I really tried to get into the finer workings of the subject!

[@ada42klm]

I'm 2 years late but that was an outstanding video my friend. Thank you so much. Kudos to you...

[@vasili1207]

Best video on the topic on KZbin. Well done and great demos . Take it easy mate. Great video composition too

[@lpjmodels]

Vasili thats great to hear, thanks a lot !

[@mrcarlo1966]

Thank you for this simple explanation .It is extremely helpful. I hope you do more of these James.

[@lpjmodels]

You're welcome mrcarlo1966 thanks for watching, I'm on the fence with tutorials as the community seem a lot more interested on the whole with the build videos. That being said I'm not ruling it out !

[@wolf_among_sheep7875]

One of the best tutorial vids I’ve seen on KZbin, Thank You so much. Amazing 🙌

[@smiffysmodellinghangar8003]

Great and handy video. My and my brother were just discussing most of this today.

[@lpjmodels]

Debate is never a bad thing, especially with subjective techniques like this , thanks Ben

[@paulmcerlane9998]

Thank you for explaining. Am currently just experimenting at on old kits. Keep up the good work.

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Paul ! Keep practising that's the key to this modelling lark !

[@mp-modelplastic]

Great video, very good tips of weathering. Greetings from Portugal.

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks MP !

[@chriswobcke7271]

This is the very best tutorial I have ever seen on explaining and applying washes. Keep up the great work. Thank you very much. :)

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Chris that's really good to hear, I tried to be very thorough !

[@evanandgemma1]

Thank you for this short but very informative video. Well done 👍

[@brucethemodelnoob]

Thanks for the wash overview. Great explanation of the options available and things to watch out for. I’m definitely going to try the blue/brown trick.

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Bruce ! I read about it in a watercolour book a few years ago and decided to give it a try

[@PGNogueira]

A very well done tutorial! Kudos!

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Pedro

[@vicsminiatures7949]

Excellent review and application of washes. Well done James.

[@lpjmodels]

Many thanks Vic

[@RogMerry]

Excellent video. Really clear and helpful. I'll definitely have a go!

[@lpjmodels]

Thankyou, good luck 👍

[@JuanAdam12]

Well-presented. Thank you for this.

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Adam

[@gilm677]

Excellent video. This is exactly what I wanted to know when I heard about washes. I watched a bunch of other videos but I missed the basics. Now I really feel better about it. Thank you so much for this. Liked and suscribed! 👍

[@lpjmodels]

Awesome Gil ! I'm glad these tutorials are helping folks

[@ferbieticklater7429]

Cheers James. That has clarified a few things for me. Good vid as always. Stay safe mate! Happy 2021

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks mate ! Hope you have a good one too !

[@ontheedge4life]

I really enjoy your videos. I just subscribed and I’m working my way through all of them

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks John ! I hope they keep you entertained

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Nice video...... I love using different washes.

[@chuckwillis9271]

Excellent tutorial. Well done and explained very well. Thank you.

[@JohnSmith-zv8km]

A real education for me on these techniques thank you

[@rl7103]

Just get into painting statue and mini , this video really helps a lot .Thank you !

[@aylutz]

Awesome tutorial! Very informative. Thank you!

[@lpjmodels]

I'm glad you found it helpful !

[@TwoRavensMinis]

Great and informative video. Very well explained and shown in practical application. Thank you!

[@michaelcooke2559]

Very nice tutorial on washes. Thanks for sharing.

[@ashpitcher3]

Awesome stiff mate. Very well done!

[@voodoonights1671]

Brilliant description and use of washes .

[@viper341]

Great video possibly the best I've seen on the topic of washes

[@StaplesandVine]

Very useful, back to basics, just what I need. Thanks James.

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Sera we hope alls well on your end !

[@wiggy5209]

A sludge wash can tint your base colour but you can rectify that by highlighting the raised areas in your initial paint colour by dry brushing...or edge highlighting. i know this is known but just thought id mention that in case it puts anyone off of using a wash

[@lpjmodels]

Good point Wiggy !

[@kerrigansmith6024]

Perfect video, explained everything I need to know, cheers.

[@easy_8]

Hi James. This video is just great content! Everything you have said in this here has been the topic of discussion time and time again on our Online Painting Club livestream, from host to guests in live chat. You have answered and demonstrated everything and I will be sure to link this video, and talk about it at length in our next show. Cheers buddy! Nice one!

[@jmartin9865]

This was super helpful, thanks!!

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks, glad it helped !

[@lostmymindin79]

Thank you for this most excellent guide.

[@ElSzkuBanY]

Great video, I'm looking for a more of those. Good work :)

[@lpjmodels]

Many thanks ! Any ideas for the pipeline ?

[@ElSzkuBanY]

@@lpjmodels Maybe about pigments?

[@leesouter9627]

Brilliant tutorial simple and easy to understand. It would be great if you would use a flory models wash in a future build as I find this product super easy to use and almost impossible to mess up, keep up the excellent work.

[@lpjmodels]

Hi Lee thankyou ! I know a fair few people who like the Flory washes because of their easy of use, I never got on with them myself. They are easy to use but I didnt like the finish :(

[@ChristophC999]

Great vid! I usually use black, brown, light and dark grey Tamiya panel liners. I experimented with making my own color washes on my current build, it worked very well. I only use acrylic, lacquer and enamel paints. This is very useful information for making my own washes from now on.

[@SteveJonesScaleModellingSite]

Interesting video. Always make my own washes and filters. Thanks for sharing

[@nickmaiorelle164]

Great work mate

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Nick 😀

[@PanzerdivisionWiking]

Love that I found your channel! Subbed

[@Matkins85]

Very informative video. Thanks for the great tips!

[@rcrockin1828]

Well done video I would've made a huge mistake and washed over a matte finish if hadn't watched.

[@lpjmodels]

You can totally wash over matt, certain colours like the rust I use stain more. But less dramatic colours work well. I often go over matt these days

[@uncardedreviews9721]

Great 👍 instructional video. Very helpful 👌

[@scalemodelmaker659]

James that was a really well done tutorial! I have a large supply of oil paints (I'm a watercolor artist who thinks he is an oil painter at times). I am going to experiment with oil washes. I've always used "out of the bottle" washes.

[@lpjmodels]

Its definately worth a go, I work in an Art retailer so I have things to hand, I used to paint but it was a bit naff, so switched back to this hobby.

[@seasoda3319]

This video was very helpful! Thanks man!

[@AirandGroundinScale]

James, very nice tutorial! It would have been great, if I knew things you mention before I learned it the hard way (acrylic wash on acrylic base coat, etc.) :D Thanks a lot for sharing!!!

[@lpjmodels]

Most of us had to learn the hard way ! Thankyou my freind for the kind words

[@taterengine]

Thank you for this, I'm still very much learning as I go and stumbled across enamel washes the other day. You've explained and demonstrated it really well. Subbed.

[@BeastnBrushes]

I learned a lot of thing about washes that I was unaware of. Thanks a lot for sharing this :D Im gonna apply some of these tips soon enough

[@marcelodeniz3932]

Excellent tutorial!

[@farkastamas1982]

Great, informative video with nice presentation. the only point i miss is what type of brush to use for enamels or acrillics bc sometimes i find myself ruining a fine tip brush in an hour. i mean natural hair for enamel/oil and synthetic for acrillics os something. but after all this video is about the washes themselves, and for that is excellent, thank you for sharing!

[@lpjmodels]

Tamás thankyou, I use natural hair for 99% of my work, just make sure to clean them well and treat them to a good brush soap every few weeks and they last well .

[@farkastamas1982]

@@lpjmodels Thank you Sir!

[@longriflem14]

Great video. Do you think you can maybe explain washes on top coats or clear coats because I had Vallejo wash, destroy paint and a top coat as well as Mig destroyed a top coat as well. I know you briefly talked about compatibility but I was with paint

[@foreverplastickits138]

*Thanks for this excellent guide! 👍*

[@lpjmodels]

Cheers Mate !

[@Lukabrazi69]

Super helpful video! Thank you very much. I subscribed.

[@rgp8038]

Just what I was looking for.

[@lpjmodels]

Brilliant RGP good to hear!

[@jstr8]

Fantastic work! ✌

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Jason !

[@kerimuyar]

Amazing tutorial. Thanks Mr. ....... :)

[@thepiratepenguin4465]

I wish this type of info was available 5 years ago when I got back in to modeling.

[@MrApostleLee]

I have a 1/32 scale model of a AU-1G HUEY COBRA. I need to highlight the panel seams, rivets, and, dull the finish (photogrammetry does not like shiny). Also, a suggestion for glue to temporally hold to model together. Thanks in advance!

[@davidrussell8783]

The tutorial I was looking for. Thank you.

[@onecheesey]

Nice little video...cheers from a fellow metal head 🤘🤘

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Steven ! Gotta love a few good tunes, although podcasts have been accompanying me on the bench lately! 🤘

[@brettkp1]

Great video. Just a couple of questions - 1) How long do you leave an enamel or acrylic wash before cleaning it up? 2) Can you apply acrylic wash over a gloss/satin polyurethane varnish without damaging the acrylic paint under the varnish? Thanks

[@lpjmodels]

Hi Brett, thanks, sorry for the slow reply ! .1 as soon as the thinner has evaporated you can start cleaning up. Depending on atmosphere 10-30 mins. 2. You can apply an acrylic wash but you won't be able to manipulate it after very well. Unless you clean up with water when it's still wet

[@davidbrohede]

Very clear and helpful, thanks!

[@RimsModels]

Great video and tutorial my friend stay safe 👍🙏

[@lpjmodels]

Many thanks Rim's models

[@cliffherring7006]

Perfection James. ThanX!

[@alanjacks3835]

@alanjacks3835 1 day ago Im still having problems with this! I think my timing is off! 1) Prime with Tamiya Fine Surface Primer. Leave to dry 1 Day. 2) Paint with Tamiya Acrylics, Leave to dry 12 Hrs - 1 Day. 3) Topcoat Mr Hobby Gloss Spray. Leave to dry 24 Hrs. 4) Apply Decals. 5) 2nd Coat as "3" Leave to dry 24 Hrs. 6) Oils & White Spirit Wash applied. ----- This is where the Paint starts lifting? What am I doig wrong? Thanks in advance

[@JE-hr6he]

Excellent - but if you need to do a pin/panel line wash on gloss what would you recommend?

[@maurusloeffel]

Thank you for the GREAT tutorial! I have a question (I'm a beginner with washes). Around 5:30 you start talking about the different coats and how the washes behave. Did I understand you right, that you would always paint the model first, then add a coating (gloss, satin or matte) and only THEN you're applying the wash? I thought to preserve the sometimes super small details, panel lines and so. But at the end of the video I'm having the feeling that you apply the wash directly on the paint, without coating. So what's the case with the situation starting at 05:30? Thanks in advance for the answer!

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Maurus. This depends on your paint. If it's dead matt, or a weaker acrylic like vallejo or lifecolour I would protect this with a varnish. If you go to heavy with the vanish you can clog the details, although it's easy if you just take care with your layers. Light wet coats. When I use laquers like MRP, if there are no decals I will go straight to a wash. If decals are involved these need to be sealed to prevent staining.

[@maurusloeffel]

@@lpjmodels Aah okay, that makes sense! Fantastic! Thank you :)

[@saintjamesmodernart]

I know we cant thin acrylics with to much water or it will break down the pigment to much. Have you ever tried Floetrol to thin acrylic for a wash? We have used Floetrol as a flow enhancer and it does thin the paint without affecting the pigment but have not really thinned it to use as a wash (for panel lines on Star Trek Models). Thanks!

[@lpjmodels]

Hello ! I'm not sure, Flotorol is used a lot in paint pouring ( not so much in the uk as its harder to get) The problem with a compromised or overthinned paint film won't matter at this stage, it would be a problem if you thinned a primer or base layer to a point where the polymers wouldn't bond as this might affect later work, but for a wash near the end It doesn't matter. To solve the problem anyway any clear acrylic medium would potentially work mixed with a flow and and water, so a gloss, pouring, glazing , medium e.t.c What your doing with this is cutting the opacity of the paint whilst retaining a stronger polymer bond than if you thinned with just water and flow improver so anything to add transparency to the pigment so you don't have to thin it as much really.. however I still don't think it would matter at such a late stage in a finish ! That was a bit of a wall of text sorry 😁

[@keithjones5971]

Hi James. Always enjoyed your videos. Started using your blue/umber mix some time back. Its certainly very effective and adaptable. Apologies if its been asked before but what brand of sable brushes do you use?

[@lpjmodels]

Hi Keith now that's a can of worms, Here are my favorites , all very good brushes just different options that I have used a lot. Cost effective brushes, the pro arte series 2a designer kolinsky are affordable and great quality. The 2a designer bristles are slightly longer giving you a bit more capacity. Starts at about £4 Artis opus series S, very good, one of the best but prices are a bit fruity. Over £10 a brush. Raphael 8404. Big belly for a standard brush and a excellent point, workhorse , one of the best, starts at about £7 a brush .

[@LLULL-yn1rr]

Good job, PRO.

[@wildolan]

Many thanks. excellent video, very clear and accessable. One to hang on to and rewatch. Can I ask what the difference between washes and glazes are? Apologies if it is a stupid question. cheers. ps. I like the brown blue mix for black. defo one I will try.

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks ! A wash is used to pick out details while a glaze Is used to change the tone of something. Usually you want a wash to run while you want a glaze to stay put

[@bademusoctavianjuvenal2702]

Really helpful. Sadly I dont have any washes in my local stores, and I only ever buy acrylic (revell) paints since I have had a really bad experience with enamel (again revell, revell is also pretty much everything I use since the selection is limited) paints as a beginner. Since you need a contrary type to a base color type (for acrylics you need enamel washes and the other way around) I don't think I will be doing washes any time soon. Maybe Ill try and master dry brushing first. Awesome video :D

[@lpjmodels]

Use enamels to make your wash, just don't use enamel thinner, get some white spirit or odourless oil thinner !

[@alvarogarciagarcia1877]

What a great video!!! Thank you

[@thedouxd8018]

Hugely helpful! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lpjmodels]

You're very welcome 🙏

[@coleiche]

This is a great tutorial, and what I needed to continue your model. If anyone is reading this: do I understand correctly that the wash is better used after the coating? I have finished colouring a model, and I am not sure I should put the coating first and then the wash (and then another coating maybe?) , or to do the opposite... I am using Atk 3rd generation acrylics diluted in water. Tanks! :)

[@lpjmodels]

Your ak 3rd gen will work nicely over a satin or gloss

[@coleiche]

@@lpjmodels thanks! :)

[@aaronbeaty377]

Thanks! This is very helpful

[@ericjaulin9562]

What is the best matt coat that you have used, the one that leaves the flattest matt finish? Thanks.

[@lpjmodels]

Hi Eric, VMS Matt Varnish is my favorite, dead matt and sprays really nice, a good second place is winsor and newton artist uv matt although its not as durable

[@ericjaulin9562]

@@lpjmodels brilliant, thanks for the reply, all the best!

[@SmallSoldier]

I really like Golden Matt Polymer Varnish as well. You can brush or spray it and it goes down super matt.

[@johnreeve2942]

Great video, thanks for making it 👍🏻

[@pepper624]

Thank you my friend. Grazie 😊

[@madaprak]

Very useful. Thanks👍

[@russgifford519]

So if I build a model and paint it with acrylics, I have to seal it first with an acrylic varnish to protect the base coat before I can use an enamel wash on it ?

[@invincible2847]

Wish I saw that video before I ordered a bunch of acrylic washes to go along with my acrylic base paints.

[@lpjmodels]

They are usable, just got to be on the ball with cleanup early on

[@invincible2847]

@@lpjmodels So you got to clean it up faster? Sorry if that seems a silly question, just starting my first build.

[@cameronsmith5395]

are you able to use acrylic washes on an acrylic under coat if you varnish it before doing washes?

[@ModelMinutes]

Yeah........ This was pretty ultimate 😂

[@lpjmodels]

Thanks Mate !