Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hello,
I'm going to be painting some vehicles soon that will require washes to tie them in with the army's scheme. However, when I tried washing a looted wagon I made a whiles back, it came out really awful. Wash pooled in all the big flat areas, and brushstrokes were all over the place. Example:


So what is the best way to apply washes to vehicles? I figure dreadnoughts are fine since they're really just upscaled infantry without too many huge horizontal plates, but rhinos and the like look to be as much trouble as the looted wagon here. I don't want to get an airbrush just to apply washes to vehicles, but part of me thinks that's the only option.

Thanks in advance!

My girlfriend did this terrain and used a badab brown wash over the ship which is very similar to painting a vehicle. We think it turned out really nice and weathered but there are some places you can see a brush stroke or two.

She used a really big brush though.. I think that might be they key to doing washes on vehicles. BIG BRUSH!

Looks better than most models you see around, SRM.

Honestly, I'm afraid to say I don't know, but at least this thread has taught me how NOT to apply washes to vehicles.


Perhaps watered/thinned down paints might work?

Also, I'm pretty sure there's some technique with the brushes or something.

Other than that, I honestly have no idea, so I will let those who do know give the reliable advice.

That's a really simple solution but might work actually. I need new brushes anyway.

I read about airbrushing wash coats , but don't have an airbrush myself. Maybe that's a way to go...

As for pooling, you can go back over the model with a slightly damp brush to wick away the extra wash. I do that when I get a little too much wash on a flat area.

How much of the wash do you take off the model? I'd repeat the process again and again, taking off 90% or so each time (I know it seems a waste), so I can judge the effect. but i'm not the best guy in the business for this, as I mostly paint the brightest army in the 40K world, and indeed, the brightest in old-warhammer, so I don't tend to use it as much. Also, try the FW weathering kits, or even just stick modelling sand in small areas, and paint that as rust or something. Not sure if they work, so ask around if you haven't tried them. hth!

Best way to apply washes on vehicles?

There's three options that work really well:
1) Airbrushing
2) Use a wet paper towel after having applied the wash with a large brush, then use said paper towel to 'smear' it along the surfaces.
3) Sponging.

Oh sponging sounds like a good idea!

I like your looted tank Brother SRM.
My whole SM Chapter is designed to look like that. many sploshes of washes and sometimes brushstrokes. i will admit that i´m by far a good painter, but with my chapter the "Earth Angels" to earthy look was intended. Also i think it fits any thing orcy...

It looks fine OP

I agree.
I think it looks badass.