Dax Magic (GB), Washes & Filters (GB) , Pigmenten (GB), Vallejo (GB) ,

WASHES AND FILTERS

Differences and how to

Filters and washes are similar but yet very different in regards to both composition and application

Many modellers contain knowledge of both Filters and Washes although few understand there differences and how to properly apply them. Unfortunately they are often confused with each other and modellers do not realize all of the possibilities that each product has to offer. Below is a description of both a Filter and a Wash and how to properly apply each of them.

DIFFERENCES


Although it might appear to be complex the differences between Washes and Filters are rather simple but yet very important as we will see in the examples below. A Filter is used to subtly alter the tone of a colour. The Wash is often applied to create fake shadows, contrast between details and volumes. To start, the finishes on both surfaces must be very different. The Filter is best applied on a matt surface while a Wash works best on satin and glossy surfaces.

If the surfaces for which we need to apply Filters and Washes should be different then how can we apply them both onto the same model? The Filter will give you a bit of a glossy appearance particularly after you apply three or four layers. This means that after the filters you will have a surface more suitable for washes. You always have the alternative of applying a satin or gloss varnish over the Filters to prepare the surface prior to adding washes. Both options will work.

On the left we have a resin part painted with a matt dark yellow. On the right we have another dark yellow piece containing a satin finish.


Notice how the piece on the left has a matt finish while the one on the right has a satin finish. Let's apply a Filter first to the part on the left. You want to apply the Filter using a damp brush. If your brush is soaked with the Filter you will only get more of a wash. Dip your brush into the Filter and wipe away the excess on the side of the jar or piece of paper.

Apply the Filter onto the part allowing the capillary action of the matt surface to absorb it. You will need to make a few passes over the part to obtain an even tone. Remove any excess paint and thinner that might collect in the corners with a dry cloth or piece of absorbent paper.

The Filter must equally cover the entire surface. Do not let any access Filter accumulate around the details. Again, the Filter is a thin transparent tone. It should be applied in a uniform manner to evenly alter the shade of a colour.

A filter must be applied evenly over an entire surface without any accumulation around details.



Washes, on the other hand, should be applied primarily around details, panels and valleys creating contrast and volumes. Washes are usually darker and more intense so be very carful. Let the colour run into the grooves and around details as shown in the example below.


A Wash is more opaque and should accumulate in grooves and around details.


FILTERS

The Filter is one of the most common techniques among modellers and it is now pre-mixed and easy to apply.


As we said the Filter is a technique that involves applying a number of thin transparent colours evenly over a surface. These colours will add hues while giving depth and life enriching the surface. Airbrushing light tones to a colour can be an option but these coats can sometimes be too opaque. A few Filters will give you more control and realism, without the need for more techniques. Filters will also let you subtly unify and harmonize complex camouflages. Filters are also good for recently damaged vehicles, modern subjects, and all other themes containing damage, mud, dust or rust. Filters are also good for vehicles with large superstructures such as the JagdTiger, Elephant, Abrams and Leopard tanks.

You can apply different coloured Filters onto a single surface to obtain a desired result. One example is a green Sherman that might be a bit too grey. You can correct this grey hue by applying blue, yellow or ochre Filters to give it more of a green sheen.

We can also use a grey Filter to obtain an opposite effect such as toning down colours that are overly rich. The Filter is a type of product that is easy to apply, requires minimal skill and gives very good results.

You can also apply different coloured Filters to various details like hatches distinguishing them from the model and panels to add contrast. It is very, very important that you give each Filter an hour or more to dry prior to applying another Filter.

Sin Industries offers a wide range of Filters designed for a large variety of vehicles from many different theatres of operations. The names of the Filter colours are simply recommendations. The modeller can combine various coloured layers of Filters for different uses. Let's look at two examples of filtering on the same colour to see the differences:

Above are a few Panther turrets painted with the same colour for use to apply two different coloured Filters.


On these turrets we have applied a typical dark yellow colour using Vallejo paints. As you can see in the photos we have not applied any satin varnishes leaving the surfaces matt. On one of the turrets we will implement some more conventional Filters such as browns and ochres. On the other example we are going to apply more extreme Filters such as blue, green and dark brown. Let's take a look at the results after four consecutive layers.





Note that the Filter slightly changes the appearance of the colour. The colour will get slightly darker with each Filter you apply. A Filter can not lighten a colour so you might want to think about airbrushing a lighter base-coat. Apply a Filter in a uniform manner using a soft round brush. It is also important that you remember to apply the Filter with a damp brush. If the brush is soaked you will only get a wash. The example below shows the difference between the original base-coat and the areas where the Filter has been applied.

Note the difference between the original base-coat and the areas where the Filter has been applied.


Below we can see a typical example of applying too much of a Filter at once. This is noticeable where the excess has accumulated on the bottom. Although a mistake, this problem is very easy to fix by simply absorbing the excess Filter using a cloth or napkin.

Remember that you need to be carful. Your brush should be damp and not socked when applying a Filter.

Washes

A Wash can be used to accomplish various things. The typical principle of a wash is to highlight details and create volume. A Wash can also be used to simulate areas of accumulated dirt and dry grease that look very interesting on engines and other such details.

A Wash is much denser than a Filter and therefore one must to be carful when applying one. You should break your model into imaginary sections then apply the Wash onto one area at a time. Never cover the entire model at once. Maybe you need to practice applying the Wash onto an old model first to get familiar with working it around and into all of the rivets, seams and hatches.

You need to let the Wash extend thru the seams and around details. If the Wash dries on any unwanted areas you can then correct the problem using a brush and clean turpentine. Do not try to correct this problem while the Wash is still wet.

Use a Wash to highlight details while also creating areas of spilt fuel. A wash can also give depth and added volume to dirt.

Below is an example of applying washes onto both matt and satin surfaces. The example with the matt surface is on your left. We have two resin pieces painted with the same colour but the one on your right has a coat of gloss varnish applied. When the wash is applied to the example on the left it is more difficult to control spreading more evenly over the surface. This is a result of the capillary action of the rough matt surface absorbing the wash. On you right you can see how the wash is much easier to control collecting around the details and in the seams.

A Wash should be applied onto a satin surface for maximum control obtaining its full effect.


Source: Mig Productions; (c) 2002-07 MIG PRODUCTIONS FACTORY S.L.






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