A technique for bringing out the detail in your miniatures

by Bernard Harris

        There are many different ways to add detail and bring out a sense of depth in your miniature.  Some paint shadow on their figures after painting all of the primary colors and others paint in layers adding lighter and lighter colors each subsequent layer.  A technique that I have picked up during my modeling career is washing.  I use the following materials:

 1.  Two parts black ink - I use Games Workshop black ink 61-75

2.  One part Brown ink - I use Games Workshop brown ink 61-68

3.  Four parts water

4.  One part Future Floor Wax - I can get from any grocery store

            I take all of these materials and mix them up in a small bottle with a lid.  The amount of ink and floor wax you use is up to you, I just recommend keeping it in the stated proportions whether you are mixing a small bottle or a large bottle of the wash.  In addition, this mix of wash will produce a dark colored miniature after it’s applied and allowed to dry.  Therefore, I strongly recommend for you to go back and dry brush your figures to bring out any light colors that you want to highlight and emphasis.  Once I dry brush, I then spray my miniatures with a coat of gloss sealer and after that dries, I spray them again with a dull sealer to flatten out the colors and make a more realistic looking figure.  The biggest benefit of using the wash is that the floor wax allows the ink to collect in the folds of the miniature, thereby adding depth to the miniature like shadows created when a figure faces a dull light. 

Please look at the example photo I have attached.  In the photo, you will see four tanks in various stages of painting and washing.  The tank on the far left has just been painted but not washed.  The second tank from the left has been painted and half washed.  The third tank from the left has been completely washed and the fourth and final tank has been washed, sprayed with gloss and dull sealer and finally a little weathering for affect.  I think you will agree that the wash brings out the armor bolts and armor plates in the fourth tank, and gives it a more realistic appearance.  

I hope you have found this article both informative and useful to your future modeling efforts.  Oh one final point, you can go back and use the wash on miniatures you may have already finished.  It works well on vehicles, planes and individual soldiers to bring out the hidden details with less effort on your part.  

 Happy Washing.

 Disclaimer:  I am only a user of this technique; I do not claim to take the credit for inventing this technique, that belongs to the fine people at Table Top Hobby Store in Overland Park, KS.