Hey fellow painters! In today’s post, I’m excited to share with you a fantastic technique that will take your miniature painting skills to the next level: making your own oil paint wash. This versatile and customizable technique can add depth and realism to your tabletop miniatures, making your army truly stand out on the battlefield. So, let’s dive in and learn how to create your own oil paint wash and some helpful tips for beginners and advanced painters alike!
First, let’s talk about what an oil paint wash is. An oil wash is a mixture of oil paint and thinner that when applied to a miniature, seeps into the recesses, enhancing the details and giving the model a more realistic appearance. It’s a simple but effective way to add depth to your miniatures.
What you need to make an oil wash
- Oil Paint in Your Desired Color
- White Spirits / Enamel Thinner
- An old brush to mix with, I use synthetic bristles
- A small mixing container
- A small bottle to store it in (optional)
Now that we have our materials let’s get started making the wash.
Mixing an Oil Wash
Begin by squeezing a small amount of oil paint into your mixing container. A little goes a long way with oil paint, so start with a pea-sized amount. Next, add a few drops of the mineral spirits or thinner. Stir the mixture well, ensuring the paint and thinner are fully combined. The consistency should be thin and runny, similar to ink or watercolor paint. Test the wash on your palette or a piece of cardboard to see how it flows. If it’s too thick, add thinner; if it’s too thin, add more paint.
Tip for beginners: Start with a small amount of paint and thinner and adjust as needed. It’s easier to add more than to take away. Experiment with different ratios to find the perfect consistency for your desired effect.
Continue Mixing
This part is going to take quite a while. The paint will want to stick together and you will have small clumps until you mix it for a long time. During the mixing process, I like to drag the brush up onto the side of the mixing cup to see if there are still clumps and also to check the consistency of the mixture and see if I need to add any more paint.
In the photo below you can see that the consistency is good where I have just dragged some of the wash onto the side of the cup, but it still needs to be mixed longer as you can still see some small dots of oil paint that have not broken up yet. Those would really ruin your day if they settled onto your paint job.
Preparing the Miniature
Before applying the wash, make sure your miniature is clean and dry. If the model has any dust or debris on it, use a soft brush or a clean cloth to remove it. Ensure that the base paint on your miniature is fully dry, as applying the wash over wet paint may cause unwanted mixing or smearing.
Applying an Oil Wash: Techniques and Tips
Applying an oil wash to your miniatures can be a simple process, but knowing the right techniques can make all the difference in achieving a professional-looking finish. In this section, we’ll discuss various methods for applying oil washes, along with some helpful tips to ensure the best results.
Pin Wash Technique: A pin wash is a precise method of applying an oil wash to specific areas or details on a model. To do this, use a small, fine-tipped brush to apply the wash directly to the recesses, panel lines, or other areas you want to emphasize. This technique is ideal for miniatures with sharp details and defined lines, as it allows you to target specific areas without affecting the surrounding paint.
Tip: Use a brush with a fine tip and a good point for the best control when applying a pin wash.
All-over Wash Technique: This method involves applying the oil wash over the entire surface of the miniature, allowing it to flow into the recesses and create shading. The wash will naturally darken the recessed areas while leaving the raised surfaces relatively untouched. After applying the wash, you can use a clean brush or a cotton swab dampened with mineral spirits to remove any excess wash from unwanted areas.
Tip: When using an all-over wash, it’s essential to start with a thin, even layer to avoid a muddy appearance. You can always apply additional layers to deepen the shading as needed.
Drybrush Technique: While not a traditional method for applying washes, you can use a drybrush technique to create subtle highlights and contrast after applying your oil wash. To do this, lightly load a dry brush with a lighter shade of paint and gently brush it over the raised surfaces of your miniature, creating a gentle highlight that contrasts with the darker, shaded areas. This can help to further enhance the depth and realism of your model.
Tip: Make sure the oil wash is completely dry before attempting to drybrush your miniature, as the dry brushing process can inadvertently disturb or remove the wash if it’s still wet.
Streaking and Weathering: Another application of oil washes is to create streaks and weathering effects on your miniature. You can use a fine brush or a toothpick to apply thin lines of wash in the direction of the weathering, such as rain or rust streaks. Once the wash is slightly dry, use a clean brush or cotton swab dampened with mineral spirits to gently blend the streaks, creating a more natural and realistic appearance.
Tip: For best results, use a reference photo or real-world examples to guide your weathering and streaking placement and direction.
Tip for advanced painters: Experiment with different wash colors and layering techniques to achieve unique effects and shading. You can also apply multiple washes to build up the intensity of the shading gradually.
Blending and Clean Up
Once the wash is dry, you may need to clean up any excess or unwanted wash using a clean brush dipped in mineral spirits. Gently remove the unwanted wash, being careful not to disturb the underlying paint. You can also use this step to blend the edges of the wash into the surrounding paint, creating smooth transitions between the shaded and unshaded areas.
Sealing and Finishing
After you’re satisfied with the appearance of your miniature, seal it with a matte or satin varnish to protect the paint and maintain the desired finish. Make sure to choose a varnish that’s compatible with oil paints. Apply the varnish in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. It’s essential to seal your miniature, as the varnish will protect the paint from chipping, scratching, and wear during gameplay.
Tip for beginners: Practice applying varnish on a test model or an inconspicuous area of your miniature before coating the entire piece to ensure a smooth, even finish.
Oil Wash vs. Other Types of Washes: When to Choose Oil Washes
Understanding when to use an oil paint wash over other types of washes can help you achieve the best results for your miniatures. Here’s a section outlining the advantages of using an oil wash and situations where it might be more suitable than other washes, such as acrylic or enamel washes.
Advantages of Oil Washes:
- Longer drying time: Oil washes take longer to dry compared to acrylic washes, allowing you more time to manipulate the wash and correct any mistakes before it sets. This is particularly helpful for beginners or when working on complex models with lots of details.
- Blending and reworking: Oil washes can be easily blended and reworked, even after they’ve dried. This makes them ideal for creating smooth transitions between shades and achieving a more realistic appearance. If you’re not satisfied with the result, you can easily clean up or adjust the wash using mineral spirits.
- Versatility: Oil washes offer a wide range of colors and can be easily mixed to create custom shades. This allows you to achieve the perfect hue for your miniatures and create unique effects.
Situations Where Oil Washes Are Ideal:
- Models with intricate details: Oil washes are excellent for miniatures with lots of fine details, such as panel lines, crevices, and textured surfaces. The thin consistency of the wash allows it to flow smoothly into the recesses, accentuating these details and adding depth to your model.
- Large-scale miniatures: Oil washes work well on larger models, where you may need more time to apply and blend the wash evenly across the surface. The extended drying time of oil washes gives you the flexibility to work on larger areas without the wash drying too quickly.
- Weathering and realism: If you’re aiming for a realistic, weathered appearance, oil washes are an excellent choice. Their ease of blending and reworking allows you to create subtle variations in shading and achieve a more natural, worn look.
- Experienced painters: While oil washes are beginner-friendly, they also offer advanced painters the opportunity to experiment with more complex techniques, such as layering, glazing, and blending. The unique properties of oil washes can help you achieve stunning results and elevate your painting skills.
Oil washes are a versatile and effective tool for miniature painting, offering several advantages over other types of washes. They are particularly suitable for models with intricate details, larger miniatures, achieving a realistic weathered appearance, and for painters looking to explore advanced techniques. Of course, the choice between oil washes and other washes will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your project.
Storing Oil Washes: Tips for Longevity and Reuse
After you’ve created your oil wash, you might find yourself with some leftover mixture that you’d like to save for future projects. Proper storage of your oil washes is essential to maintain their quality and ensure they’re ready to use when you need them. In this section, we’ll discuss the best practices for storing your oil washes and ensuring their longevity.
Choose an appropriate container: Select a small, airtight container to store your leftover oil wash. Glass or plastic containers with screw-top lids work well, as they prevent the wash from drying out or evaporating. Make sure the container is clean and free of any residue before transferring your wash.
Tip: Repurpose small containers like empty paint pots, pill bottles, or even baby food jars for an eco-friendly storage solution.
Label your container: Clearly label your container with the oil wash color and any additional information, such as the date it was mixed or the specific ratio of paint to thinner. This will help you easily identify the wash for future projects and keep track of its age.
Store in a cool, dark place: To maintain the quality of your oil wash, store the container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Extreme temperatures and light exposure can cause the wash to deteriorate or change in consistency over time.
Keep away from moisture: Store your oil wash container in a dry location, away from moisture or humidity. Exposure to moisture can lead to the growth of mold or mildew, which can ruin your wash and potentially damage your miniatures.
Check for separation: Over time, the oil paint and thinner in your wash may separate. Before using your stored wash, make sure to give it a thorough stir to recombine the ingredients and achieve the desired consistency.
Test before use: If you haven’t used your stored oil wash in a while, test it on a spare piece of cardboard or an inconspicuous area of your miniature before applying it to your project. This will help you ensure the wash is still in good condition and hasn’t become too thick or thin over time.
By following these storage tips and best practices, you can extend the life of your oil washes and ensure they’re ready to use for your next miniature painting project. Proper storage not only saves you time and money but also helps you maintain consistent quality in your work.
Beginner’s Corner: Tips for Getting Started with Oil Washes
If you’re new to using oil washes for your miniatures, it can seem a bit intimidating at first. But don’t worry! With a little practice and some helpful tips, you’ll soon be creating stunning effects and bringing your models to life. In this section, we’ll share some essential tips for beginners to help you get started with oil washes and achieve fantastic results.
Start with a test model: Before diving into your prized miniatures, practice your oil wash techniques on a spare model or an inconspicuous area of your project. This will help you become familiar with the consistency and application of the wash, as well as how it interacts with your base paint.
Experiment with ratios: The ratio of paint to thinner in your wash will determine its consistency, transparency, and flow. Start with a small amount of paint and thinner and adjust as needed. A good starting point is a 1:5 ratio of paint to thinner, but you can experiment to find the perfect consistency for your desired effect.
Work in a well-ventilated area: Oil paints and thinners can emit strong fumes, so make sure to work in a well-ventilated area with good airflow. This will help minimize any potential irritation and ensure a comfortable painting environment.
Clean your brushes properly: Cleaning your brushes thoroughly after using oil washes is crucial to maintaining their quality and prolonging their lifespan. Use a brush cleaner designed for oil paints or odorless mineral spirits to clean your brushes, gently working the cleaner into the bristles until all traces of paint are removed. Rinse the brush in clean water and reshape the bristles before allowing it to air dry.
Be patient: One of the most significant advantages of oil washes is their long drying time, which allows you more flexibility when working on your model. Don’t rush the process; take your time to apply the wash, make adjustments, and allow it to dry properly.
Watch tutorials: There are countless video tutorials and online resources available to help you learn and master oil wash techniques. Watching experienced painters apply oil washes to their miniatures can provide valuable insights and tips to improve your own skills.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: As with any new technique, there will be a learning curve when starting with oil washes. Remember that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and can often be fixed with some mineral spirits or by reapplying the wash. Embrace the journey and enjoy the creative process!
With these beginner tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of oil washes and achieving stunning, realistic effects on your tabletop miniatures. As you gain experience and confidence, don’t hesitate to experiment with different techniques and colors to create unique, eye-catching models.
Advanced Techniques: Tips for Experienced Painters
If you’re an experienced miniature painter looking to further elevate your skills with oil washes, there are numerous advanced techniques and tips to explore. In this section, we’ll delve into some ideas and suggestions to help you push the boundaries of your oil wash expertise and create truly impressive effects on your models.
Layering and Glazing: Oil washes can be used for layering and glazing to achieve smooth transitions between shades, subtle color shifts, and realistic depth. Experiment with applying multiple layers of washes in varying colors and transparencies to create complex, nuanced effects.
Custom Color Mixes: Take advantage of oil paint’s versatility by mixing your own custom wash colors. Combining different colors, pigments, and additives can produce unique shades and effects, allowing you to achieve a more personalized and artistic touch on your models.
Wet Blending: Wet blending is an advanced technique that involves mixing and blending two or more colors directly on the model while the paint is still wet. With oil washes’ extended drying time, you can experiment with this method to create smooth color transitions and unique gradients, adding depth and realism to your miniatures.
Combining Wash Types: Don’t limit yourself to just oil washes—explore the potential of combining different wash types, such as acrylic or enamel washes, to achieve distinct effects. For example, you could use an oil wash for deep shading and an acrylic wash for more subtle, blended transitions.
Texture and Volume: Use oil washes to create texture and volume on your models by strategically applying the wash to certain areas and allowing it to pool or thicken. This technique can help emphasize details and create the illusion of depth and dimension.
Oil Paint Filters: In addition to washes, you can also use oil paints to create filters—a thin, translucent layer of paint applied over the entire model to subtly shift or unify colors. Experiment with oil paint filters to enhance the overall look of your miniatures and achieve a more cohesive color scheme.
Work on Multiple Models Simultaneously: Take advantage of oil washes’ longer drying time by working on multiple models at once. This approach allows you to make the most of your time and helps ensure a consistent application of the wash across all your miniatures.
As an experienced painter, you have the skills and knowledge to push the boundaries of what’s possible with oil washes. By experimenting with advanced techniques, custom colors, and combining different wash types, you can create striking, one-of-a-kind miniatures that showcase your artistic prowess. Remember that there’s always more to learn and discover, so continue to push yourself and explore new techniques to elevate your miniature painting to new heights.
FAQ
The drying time for an oil wash can vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the wash, the specific oil paint used, and the environmental conditions in your workspace. Generally, an oil wash can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to dry completely. However, you can work with the wash within a few hours of application if you need to make adjustments or remove excess wash.
No, oil paint and water do not mix. To create an oil wash, you’ll need to use a compatible thinner, such as odorless mineral spirits, turpentine, or a dedicated oil paint thinner.
If you’re unhappy with your oil wash application, you can use a clean brush or cotton swab dampened with mineral spirits to gently remove the wash from the model’s surface. Make sure to do this before the wash dries completely, as it becomes more challenging to remove once it has set.
Yes, you can apply an oil wash over acrylic paint. However, it’s essential to ensure that the acrylic paint is fully dry and cured before applying the wash. It’s also recommended to apply a protective layer of varnish to the acrylic paint, as this will help prevent any unwanted reactions or damage to the paint when applying the oil wash.
While not strictly necessary, applying varnish after your oil wash has dried can provide additional protection and enhance the appearance of your model. A matte or satin varnish can help unify the finish, while a gloss varnish can add depth and shine to specific areas, such as metallic or wet surfaces.
Yes, oil washes can be used for a variety of painting techniques, including dry brushing, glazing, and layering. The extended drying time and versatility of oil paint make it well-suited for these techniques, allowing you to achieve smooth color transitions and build up layers of shading and highlights.
Yes, oil washes are generally safe to use on both resin and plastic miniatures. However, it’s essential to test the wash on an inconspicuous area of the model or a spare piece of the same material to ensure that there are no adverse reactions between the wash and the miniature’s material. Additionally, applying a protective layer of varnish to the model before using the oil wash can help prevent any potential damage or unwanted effects.
I always clear-coat my models with a gloss varnish before applying an oil wash. This gives me the ability to back up and start the process over if I don’t like how it is going. Technically you can do anything that you want to do, it’s your model. Experiment with different methods to see if you like the results better.
These are my recommendations of things that I use all the time when painting miniatures
The Starter Paint Set That I Recommend for small budgets
The Starter Paint Set That I Recommend for large budgets
I like to listen to books on Audible while I paint
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