Non-Acrylic Washes

One of Games Workshop’s most popular products are their washes.

Nuln Oil and Agrax Earthshade have become synonymous with Black and Brown washes regardless of product line. And for good reason. These easy to handle, consistently pigmented acrylic shades are perfect for new painters. Lay on a few base coats, quick wash of Agrax to push contrast up, drybrush highlight and good to go. Quick, accessible, and a reasonable level of quality.

GW washes have uses beyond my oversimplified examples here. Those uses will be the focus of a later guide.

But there are other options for washes. Oil washes provide an excellent level of control when handled properly. And enamel washes can create effects difficult to achieve with other products.

The techniques listed below can be used by anyone, but are a bit advanced for beginners. By all means experiment and learn, just be sure to exercise caution and make use of proper safety equipment, chiefly a mask.

We’ll start with varnishing as both oil and enamel washes should be applied over a healthy gloss coat.

My personal preference for gloss varnishing is Pledge Floor Care - Multi Surface Finish. This floor polish is the modern equivalent of Liquid Klear, a mythical substance found only in the deepest troves of eBay. Dont spend the $50 on Klear. The finish pictured below is far cheaper, and just as effective.

Sidenote: Varnishing is best done with an Airbrush for an even coat.

Individual steps will be notated with an arrow (>) from here forward

Safety Note- WEAR A MASK WHEN USING AN AIRBRUSH.

>At 20-24 Psi spray a thin layer across the surface you are going to wash. This first thin layer provides a base for the following thick layers to adhere to.

>Once you‘ve finished the first layer, spray two heavy layers working from your original starting point. Take your time with this process. Slow and smooth bursts.

> Two to three heavy coats should do it. Once you’re finished spraying let the varnish cure for 24 hours.

>Isopropyl Alchohol and standard airbrush cleaner should be used to clean your brush. This should be done as soon as you are finished varnishing.

Now for the washes.

>Once our varnish is fully cured we can start the process of washing. For non metallic colors, a 50/50 mix of Rust Streaks and Streaking Grime works well and will be pictured in the following examples.

-Here you can see our Varnished and unwashed pieces

>Washing is straightforward. Simply mix your preferred colors and spray evenly across the surface.

>Mineral spirits should be used to clean your brush as soon as you are finished with the enamels.

>Allow the wash to dry for 30 minutes.

>Once dry, using vertical strokes remove the excess wash with an old t-shirt or dish towel, any soft cloth will work.

-The pauldron on the left shows an even coat of wash. The pauldron on the right shows the completed effect.

- A close up of the effect

>Once the excess is removed, seal in the remaining grime with another layer of varnish, Gloss or Matte, whichever your preference.

And that‘s it!

Companion Oil Wash guide to follow soon.