Hard Water - does it make a lot of difference?

[Spoontoes]

Hi all,

I'm very new to painting minis, been interested in starting the hobby for years but only recently have I gotten down to it. I must say I'm enjoying it even more than I thought I would

On with my question, I live in an area with very hard water, for example - after cleaning the stainless steel sink in my kitchen - one splash of water is enough to leave a white mark when it's evaporated - and it's impossible to get a glass clean and clear if left to dry by standing.

Will the hard water make a lot of difference to my paintjobs? Obviously I'm a rank noob so my skills are very lacking (plus I'm a righteous perfectionist a lot of the time) but my results always seem to look chalky - would the water be a culprit and should I get some distilled in do you think? Or should I keep going with the practising - safer in the knowledge that I just need to practise more?

 

[Torn blue sky]

If it's chalky, describing what the water does to things left standing to dry, i'd say just use bottled water. I wouldn't have thought it would have made a difference, but won't hurt to try it out and see =)

 

[khavor]

Honestly, it might. If you're just starting out you're probably better off doing just one or two nice solid layers, with a simple highlight or two, and then a wash. The wash is where the water may kill you.

I have noticed a difference before when using processed "city" water as opposed to the well water at home. The processed water seemed to make the wash want to bead up more as opposed to covering smoothly. Water here at home seems to work better (and, coincidentally is probably harder). Of course, I live in the country, so it could also be the cow manure or Christmas tree spray in the water. In your case though that white residue would definitely not be your friend, so that's my long, round about way of agreeing w. TBS: use something different.

 

[BarstoolProphet]

I suggest a Brita filter, or something similar. Eight bucks, and you filter your tap water through it. Long-term, cheaper than bottled water.

 

[wiccanpony]

yes hard water will effect the paint .... from grainy to a chalky look, I use distilled water now

 

[supervike]

I used to have hard water (finally broke down and bought a water softener)...but I'd use distilled water for mixing with paint, but just regular tap for my brush rinse.

 

[Spoontoes]

Many thanks all for your help and advice - I nipped out to the local garage and bought some de-mineralised water - it does seem to make a difference . Now to paint a mini to a standard I'm happy with.........

 

[Torn blue sky]

Good stuff! Now get cracking! I'd invest in one of them water softeny doohickeys that was mentioned too. It'll save you a bomb in the long run.