"wash or ink for white" Topic

Over the years I have discovered various washes and inks that work well on greens, reds, blues, browns, grays, and most other colors, but I have never found anything that works well with white. Does anyone have advice concerning what inks or washes I should use on white. Preferably I would like to use something from Citadel, Reaper, or Army Painter Warpaints as these are brands carried by my nearest gaming store. Also, i prefer something that leaves either a grayish or cream tint, but I am open to other recommendations as well. I truly appreciate the insights given by members of the miniatures page when it comes to painting and other hobby related matters. Thank you for any recommendations.

Kevin

I never use an ink or wash when doing white. I paint the figure with a soft grey, then use an off white and then a white. I basically do the Foundry system, using layers. They always come out great.

Me too, for white uniforms and horses I use light grey and white drybrush and then a very careful white highlight on raised edges.

For a creamier finish start with linen rather than light grey.

I use a wash of Delta ceramcoat Wedgewood Grey, a blue-grey shade. the belts get repainted in white, and when the figure is done, a final, overall, magic wash. Pretty easy and quick, and I am happy with the end results:

(Old Glory 1st edition 28's)

I just used a grey wash from Vallejo. Worked well. I'll try and get a picture later.

I have used Nuln oil let down with 50-60% Lahmian medium. It seems to work ok, though a final highlight with White is needed sometimes.

I would suggest using Pledge Floor Gloss, adding a gray acrylic paint of your choice, on a test figure, or figures.

Pledge Floor Gloss is clear acrylic medium, minus any pigment. This is known as "Magic Wash", the kissing cousin to "The Dip Technique". You can make any color wash you want/need. It dries within 15 minutes, as well. It is also dirt cheap to make/use: around $7 USD per bottle, and a single bottle will last a very long time…

Honestly, commit a couple of figures to testing, whether they are just primed white, or finished figures. If it fails to satisfy, just strip and start anew. Cheers!

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

Kevin

I use "neutral grey" ink.

I would like to use something from Citadel … i prefer something that leaves either a grayish or cream tint

You may like the Games Workshop Citadel 'Apothecary White' contrast paint.

YouTube link

link

YouTube link

YouTube link

For white, use a very very thin wash or you'll end up staining it. Better too thin and have to do 2 coats than not thin enough, which stains the white.

Light gray works but has no verve. Black produces a grimy dirty feel, it is good for undead. Light blue is really the goto color for a clean crisp white. Medium brown or red brown gives a more earthy impression; this works especially well with an ivory base coat, shaded with a brown, and highlighted with a pure white.

Applying a gloss clear coat of your choice, will smooth out the microscopically rough paint texture. Any subsequent wash will not shade, or stain, as severely. Cheers!