Elena Rossi
Painting a wash on action figures is a simple technique that can make them look older and worn, adding character and bringing out details. A wash is made by watering down acrylic craft paint, which is then applied to the figure with a brush, ensuring it doesn't pool. The darker colours settle into the crevices, creating shadows and contrast, giving the figure an antique look. This process can be repeated in layers to achieve the desired effect, but it's important to note that it works best on figures with details, crevices, and recesses, rather than those that are mainly round and smooth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To make an action figure look older and worn |
| Wash Composition | Watered-down acrylic craft paint |
| Additional Components | Flow agent to help the wash flow into small crevices |
| Wash Colour | Black, brown, or black ink |
| Application Technique | Brushing onto the figure, avoiding pooling |
| Wash Effect | Accentuates details, deepens shadows and recesses |
| Action Figure Preparation | Cleaning with soap and a toothbrush to remove mold releaser |
| Post-Wash | Highlighting fine details after washing |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the action figure
To prepare an action figure for a paint wash, the first step is to clean the figure thoroughly. Remove all accessories, including weapons, backpacks, and capes, as these can get in the way of the painting process and hinder your ability to reach all areas of the figure.
Next, you'll want to scrub the figure with dish soap and an old toothbrush to remove any mold releaser, a compound added at the factory to prevent plastic parts from sticking to molds. This step may not be necessary for all figures, but it's a good idea to be thorough. Ensure you scrub any crevices or small details where mold releaser may be hiding.
Once the figure is clean and dry, you can decide whether to paint it first. Some sources suggest applying the wash directly to the figure, allowing it to settle into the recesses to create a shadow effect and bring out the details. Others recommend painting the figure first and then applying the wash to add contrast and depth to your paint job.
If you choose to paint your figure before applying the wash, select an appropriate paint type, such as acrylic craft paint, and apply it carefully to the figure, ensuring not to overload your brush and accidentally cover fine details. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Now your action figure is ready for the paint wash!
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Mix the paint wash
To mix your own paint wash, start by choosing an acrylic craft paint in the colour of your choice. Black and brown washes are commonly used to make action figures look older and worn. Next, add water to the paint to dilute it. The more water you add, the thinner and lighter the wash will be. You can always add more paint or water to adjust the consistency until you're happy with it. It's important to mix the wash thoroughly to ensure that the paint and water are combined evenly.
You can also add a flow agent to your paint wash. Flow agents help break down the surface tension of the water, allowing the wash to flow more easily into small crevices and recesses. This can be especially useful if you're working with highly detailed action figures or trying to create intricate shading effects.
When mixing your paint wash, it's important to consider the desired outcome and the type of surface you're working on. If you want a more subtle wash, use less paint or dilute it further with water. For a stronger colour or shading effect, you can make a more concentrated wash by adding more paint.
It's always a good idea to test your paint wash on a small, inconspicuous area of the action figure first to ensure that you're happy with the colour and consistency. This will also help you practice your technique before applying the wash to the entire figure. Remember that you can always add more layers of the wash to build up the intensity and create a deeper shadow effect.
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$16.97
Apply the paint wash
To apply the paint wash, start by mixing acrylic craft paint with water. You can adjust the consistency of the wash by adding more or less water—the thinner the wash, the more subtle the effect. You can always add more layers to achieve the desired result. If you want to create a darker wash, you can use black or brown paint, depending on the colour of your action figure. For beige, gold, or bronze pieces, for example, a brown wash is recommended.
Before applying the wash, ensure that your action figure is clean and free of any mould releaser, which can prevent paint from adhering properly. Use a mild soap and an old toothbrush to gently scrub the figure. Once the figure is dry, you can begin painting.
Using a paintbrush, apply the wash to the figure, ensuring that it doesn't pool in one area. A light touch is recommended, as a little wash goes a long way in bringing out the details. The wash will naturally flow into the small crevices, creating shadows and adding contrast. Allow the wash to dry completely before deciding if you want to add additional layers for a more pronounced effect.
Remember, the purpose of the wash is to enhance the details and give the figure an antique or worn look. It's normal for the wash to darken or cover some of the finer details, so you may want to save certain highlights for after the wash has dried. You can always add more paint or wash to specific areas to create the desired effect.
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Let it dry
Once you've applied the wash to your action figure, the next step is to let it dry. This is a crucial part of the process, as it will determine how the final paint job looks. If you try to wipe off the wash or apply another coat before it's completely dry, you might end up with a blotchy mess, as one painter learned when painting their Baby Yoda figure. They had to scrub the figure with soap and a toothbrush to start over.
The drying time will vary depending on the type of paint you use and the thickness of the wash. Thinner washes will dry faster, so if you're not sure, it's better to start with a thinner coat and add more layers once it's dry. You can test the drying time on a separate surface before applying it to your figure.
While you're waiting for the wash to dry, you can clean your paintbrush and prepare any other materials you'll need for the next steps. This could include mixing additional paint colours or preparing a topcoat if you plan to apply one.
If you're painting in a humid environment, it may take longer for the wash to dry. You can use a hairdryer on a low setting to gently speed up the drying process. Make sure you hold the hairdryer at a safe distance from the figure to avoid any damage.
Once the wash is completely dry, you can inspect the figure for any areas that need touch-ups. You might notice some spots where the wash didn't reach fine details or areas that need additional shading. At this point, you can carefully apply additional layers of wash to these specific areas, letting it dry between coats.
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Add details
Adding a paint wash to your action figures is a great way to bring out the details and make them pop. The wash helps to deepen shadows and recesses, creating a natural-looking shadow effect and enhancing the figure's texture.
To add details to your action figure using a paint wash, start by cleaning the figure to ensure any mould releaser or dust is removed. You can use dish soap and an old toothbrush for this step. Once the figure is clean and dry, you can begin the painting process.
It is recommended to paint your figure as you normally would first and then apply the wash. When choosing a colour for your wash, opt for darker shades as they will accentuate the details by pooling in the crevices. You can create your own wash by mixing acrylic craft paint with water, or you can purchase a pre-made wash. If you are using a black or dark-coloured figure, consider a black wash or black ink, and for beige, gold, or bronze-coloured pieces, brown washes work well.
When applying the wash, use a paintbrush and be careful not to apply too much at once. You can always repeat the process as needed and build up the layers to achieve your desired effect. Focus on applying the wash to the recesses and crevices of the figure, allowing it to pool and create shadows. The wash will naturally flow into the small crevices, but you can also use a flow agent to help break down the water's surface tension and enhance this effect.
After applying the wash, let it dry completely. Once dry, you can add the final touches to your figure, such as any fine details or highlights.
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Frequently asked questions
A paint wash is watered-down paint that is applied to an action figure to make it look older and accentuate its details.
You can make your own paint wash by diluting acrylic craft paint with water. You can also buy pre-made washes from hobby shops, with brands like Vallejo and Citadel offering "black wash" or "black ink".
First, clean the action figure to remove any mold releaser or dust. Then, brush on the paint wash, ensuring it doesn't pool. Wait for the wash to dry, and repeat as necessary to achieve the desired effect.
If you apply too much paint wash and it dries, try scrubbing the figure with soap and a toothbrush to remove some of the paint.
A paint wash is typically applied after the figure has been painted. However, some people apply a wash to unpainted figures to give them a matte appearance and get rid of any shiny plasticky surfaces.
