Pin Washes

[Bartali]

I've always had trouble getting the consistancy of a pin wash on minis right. I use it line the recesses of armoured models such as 40K Space Marines and Terminators.
Either it's too strong and overpowers the mini, or its too weak and becomes 'dirty'. I've tried acrylics and oils, and with a gloss varnish to try to get the pin wash to stick to the recesses.

Any recommendations as to how I can improve my pin washes? I have various mediums, thinners and aids.

 

[mjs101]

Bartali -

I had the question a while back:

http://www.coolminiornot.com/forums/showthread.php?55131-Looking-for-help-with-pin-washes

I've had the most success with Magic Mix (20% Future floor polish and 80% distilled water) and 1-2 drops of Daler Rowney Acrylic Artist inks per milliliter of Magic Mix. I have the magic mix prepared and measure out a one milliliter dose into a mixing pot and add one or two drips of ink. I believe the gloss coat before this is very important, but I am able to get the black lines where I want them without staining the upper surfaces too much.


I tried oils, but they didn't cut it for me. Maybe I used too think an oil or sabotaged myself by using sansorder thinner instead of another more stinking thinner.

 

[Bartali]

I've heard good things about artists inks, and it's on my list of things to try.

The other thing I'm considering is if I need to do pin washes at all (or at least not as widespread as I do them now). After reading the excellent as ever Massive Voodoo, I found Roman has done a couple of Terminator tutorials. From what I can see, he doesn't pin wash, but shades the recesses using glazes whilst shading/lighting the rest of the armour.