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I've started on my Hawklords using the Army painter spray Alien purple. It has covered really well but I feel I need to tone it down a little as it is bright and want to make the recesses more prominent. Now purple is one of those in between colours to me, it is neither dark or light but somewhere in between. The only wash I can think of that would give some depth and tone is black; that is to say the only one that will still remain visible on the model after it dries. Does anyone have any alternatives that work?

Maybe an oil based wash that way you can clean it up check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP9cT3firLw

Recently I have started using Vallejo game color inks. I like the controll I have with them compared to GW washes. The only thing to be weary about is it stains the paint if you do not gloss before the wash.

I would go with blue-black, dark blue, or blue. I would not use a completely black wash.

+1 to the suggestion to varnish before washing, much better results that way.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'll look into them!

Gw Druuchi Violet Gives a nice rich purple shading.

Daler Rowney Pearlescent Liquid Acrylics gives a good effect. Mate of mine used it on his hawk lords and they look really good. never thought it was possible.

The Army Painter line is intended for use with their quickshades and matching inks and tend to be very bright right out of the can. The medium and dark quickshades will darken that color down considerably.

Slipstream wrote:
Now purple is one of those in between colours to me, it is neither dark or light but somewhere in between.

Also consider the temperature of the color. Bright purples usually trend warm (why highlighting them can be a pain - they tend to turn pink when white is added), as opposed to more subdued violets. Assuming a warm light source, using blue would cool down the washed areas, giving a shading effect, by contrast, without making the color overly dark. If you want the darkening, a blue-black will be less stark than straight black.