"Washes and filters" Topic

I bought some Mig filters so the question is what order works for you, wash then filter, filter then wash, don't use filters and washes on the same figure, or doesn't matter what order you use them in?

I'm thinking filter then wash.

Thanks

It depends on what you are trying to achieve. I find I use filters more than washes. But usually when I use them I'm aiming for a subtle color change or to blend colors that look too harsh side-by-side.

Do you seal the model before the filters?

No because my understanding is that using a filter over a varnish results in the filter becoming an expensive and not very effective wash.

But that's kind of why I'm asking,

Filter, heavily diluted, post wash but pre weathering. Then wait, if the contrast with weathering is too harsh do another diluted filter as it tends to tone down and balance the colours. Important thing is to dilute the filter.

Dumb question probably, but what is a filter? I've used weathering powders and washes but not come across filters other than the things you put in front of a camera lens.

I'm with you Vigilant. Never heard of a filter in painting before. How is it different than a wash or paint/Future wash?

Filters are a colour tone applied across an entire model to being some visual unity to your painting. They're sold by the likes of Ammo and Mig, and are a technique used a lot by scale modellers.

Very good to tone down contrasting colours

Some things seem to work better in different order of application.
I've only just started to use Mig products. I find that if I apply the Vietnam powders on tracks and wheels it looks very bright, but if I put a dirt wash over the top it looks much more realistic.

There is no hard and fast rule, except experiment and use what works for you.

This is very simplistic but…

A wash is designed to pool around various items like rivets and stowed material and in crevices like hatch lines or bogey wheels. They are designed to provide depth, for instance the folds on a tarp. You can "wash" an entire vehicle or figure or do what is called pin washes.

Filters are done as one of the later steps. They are designed to subtley mute and blend the various colors and alter the overall appearance. Think of selective use of filters on a camera.

And yes the lines between a wash and filter can blur at times depending on the strength of the wash and type of wash (acrylic, enamel, inks, artists paint) and the surface (acrylic, enamel)

So having browsed various youTube bits, is there a recommended, golden site from which to learn how to apply these various products to our tanks? What is the one "go to" site in people's experience please?

Marc

I don't know if it is the be-all-end-all site but YouTube videos from carson the tightheadprop have inspired me.