Best black wash weathering technique?

[jhfagan]

I am thinking about adding one more step to my ROTJ Hasbro Black Series conversion, and it occurred to me I've heard of people doing a kind of a "wash" to even out and slightly dull down the helmet to give it a worn look.
What is your best technique for this?

 

[ShortFuse]

What I usually do is thin down some acrylic craft paint to where it is mostly water with just a little paint. I use a large, soft bristle brush to apply to entire surface. I then use dry paper towels to blot the excess off until I get the desired effect.

 

[jhfagan]

What I usually do is thin down some acrylic craft paint to where it is mostly water with just a little paint. I use a large, soft bristle brush to apply to entire surface. I then use dry paper towels to blot the excess off until I get the desired effect.

Like, a black, or dark gun metal or something?

 

[ShortFuse]

The color may vary depending on what your going for. For the helmet, those colors would work.

 

[superjedi]

I'd avoid gun metal or any metallic colors.

 

[jhfagan]

I'd avoid gun metal or any metallic colors.

Acrylic or enamel better to make the wash with?

 

[ShortFuse]

I’d say definitely acrylic. Much easier to undo any. “happy accidents”.

 

[jhfagan]

I’d say definitely acrylic. Much easier to undo any. “happy accidents”.

indeed.
at one point i had thought about rubbing art style charcoal stick on a bunched up paper towel, and blotting the charcoal dust around where I wanted the weathering/scoring...but I'm now thinking the acrylic wash on a paper towel may work better.

 

[superjedi]

Yes, for washes, definitely acrylics.

 

[Ord Mantell]

also maybe try woodland scenics liquid pigment. It dries into a fine dust and has no binder like paint. The raw umber color is most versatile, esp for a world-worn look. If you use it well, it can add a complex variety of sheen/dullness to anything.

 

[jhfagan]

Tamiya Flat Black acrylic, dilute with warm water, blot it on with tightly balled up paper towel, wipe off the excess, and voila!