Humbrol Enamel Weathering Washes

[Mike]

Enamel Weathering Washes
Humbrol

Enamel washes have become the de facto standard for adding accents to panel lines and creating a degree of shading in organic folds and creased for the modern modeller, requiring them only to use an acrylic paint system or apply a clear gloss acrylic barrier coat before they are used on enamel or lacquer paints. Airfix have formulated a range for the modeller, which has been released en masse and contains ten colours that should be of use to most modellers. They are easy to use, as can be seen in their helpful video below:

The colours are provided in 28ml glass bottles with white child-proof safety caps that can be a little tricky to open, as you have to apply downward pressure for almost all of the unscrewing process. They will need copious shaking before use, as the enamel paint sinks to the bottom of the jar leaving a thin film, while the rest of the bottle becomes more clear over time. The shades available are as follows:

• Black
• Blue grey
• Dark grey
• Dark green
• Dark brown
• Rust
• Gloss oil stain
• Sand
• Dust
• White

I have had a dabble with the various colours and they seem to work in an almost identical way to any other enamel wash I have used in the past. Their easy availability from your local model shop should encourage even the novice modeller to partake in this interesting technique. Removing the excess is simple with either a dry piece of kitchen towel, moist cotton bud or paintbrush. Once completed, you can seal it in place with a further gloss or matt coat, making it safe from smudging by your fingers during handling.

Conclusion
A very useful tool that will probably be easier to get involved with due to Airfix's almost ubiquity in the model shop. Of course washes aren't for everyone, and the debate will go on forever if you allow yourself to be suckered in. If you like the technique, and think it makes your models look good, then use it - it's your hobby afterall!

Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

[hacker]

l would like to try these but not available in Canada at the moment and not allowed to import them as they are solvent based.

[colin]

Can you get the Mig ones as a alternative in Canada

[Mike]

If Mig washes are available in Canada, someone's not being entirely truthful about why Airfix washes aren't. They're essentially made of the same stuff. The chemicals and mixes may vary slightly, but they're both enamel based.