"Questions about ink" Topic

So normally I use the Army painter quick shade or Minwax poly shades block paint and then dip method. I have experimented a little bit with shading using watered-down black or brown paint, and overall am happy, but I want to grow as a painter.

I am interested in the fact that people say that you get better results using Ink. What type of ink should I use? Any particular brand or type that I should get? Where in the United States is a good place to acquire them?

I've always used Windsor & Newton ink, although I think that's sort of like buying a Cadillac because people say you should. It used to be available through Hobby Lobby, although my local stores have cut back and maybe eliminated it from their shelves, anymore. There's an independent art store where I now buy my ink, when I need a refill.

But W & N Peat Brown, mixed with equal parts water and Future Floor Wax, form the foundation for most of my inking.

I'm not a fan of most of GW's products, but I really like their washes – Nuln Oil for black and Agrax Earthshade for brown. I have a sepia one as well that I don't like as much, it's a bit to yellow for my taste.

You will have very different results depending on the surface you apply the washes to, as well. I use mostly very matte paints, so my results are pretty consistent. I have a few paints that are more gloss or satin, though, and the inks perform very differently on those – much more blotchy and hard-edged. Something to keep in mind.

Second the GW washes.

DM

I second the Windsor and Newton Peat Brown, although I use mine neat. I also have a chestnut brown which, over a white undercoat, makes a very fine wood effect.

G.

If you can get the Army Painter products, their acrylic dropper bottles with their washes are superb. I have a stock on hand at all times. They have low stain factor, but flow great. Also, if you want to get a better result, gloss coat before the wash goes on. You can even selectively remove the wash by doing this.

I just bought a load of Vallejo inks and washes and I must say I'm not impressed they don't seem to leave any effect at all!

Previuosly I have always used Coat de Arms and have been happy

I knew a guys that primes his minis white, and then paints them with Vallejo inks and washes. They come out looking amazing.

Some acrylics have a lot of tooth, that is they have a rough finish, which grabs the ink. Applying a gloss varnish will let the ink flow into the recesses. You can get a similar glaze effect from heavily thinned acrylics if they have a good level of pigment. Hobby acrylics don't have enough pigment.

I'm using a mix of old GW inks and I do mean old! Plus the Windsor and Newton peat brown ink. In the final analysis painting is an art not a science so experiment until you get the results you want.