Panel Wash

Panel wash is a technique that uses thinned paint which is flowed into recessed surface detail to make the lines stand out. This is one of the final steps in finishing a model, and adds tremendously to the appearance.


You can use either solvent based or water based washes, depending on the type of gloss topcoat you use. If you use an acrylic topcoat, you would use a solvent based wash and vice-versa. Washes are available commercially, but can easily be made using model paints and solvent. The ratio is about 1:8 paint to solvent. I use mineral spirits as a solvent for this process.

This step is to be done after you have applied your decals and an additional gloss clear topcoat. Dip a small-tipped artist's brush in the wash and touch it at the intersection of recessed panel lines. The wash will spread into the panel lines adjoining the intersection. When you are done, your model will be covered with small dots where you have touched your brush.





Allow the wash to flow into the recessed panel lines by capillary action.

After the wash is set but not dried, use cotton swabs moistened with clean solvent to wipe away any of the wash that is standing on the surface. Wipe in the direction of the slipstream of the aircraft, using a series of  clean swabs until the surface wash is gone and only the engraved surface detail is darkened.

Wipe away any wash left on the surface in the direction of the slipstream
using cotton swabs moistened with clean solvent.