Sinanju WIP 2: Washing up

Most sleeves mobile suits have some form of emblem or insignia to mark their rank and affiliation. These are graphically represented by raised areas over armor that are very difficult to paint either free hand or through tedious masking. To make painting these details easier I will be using a technique called a wash.

Whats a wash?

Wash is a term used to describe using two or more different types of paint together to achieve a desired effect or finish.

A common practice is to use enamel paint thinned with lighter fluid to fill in panel lines over a model which has been top coated, this is called a panel wash.
To paint the Sinanju's sleeves I will be doing this process in reverse. First painting the base color in lacquer and then spraying enamel over that. When I remove the top coat of enamel the bottom coat of lacquer will show through unharmed.

Here's what you will need:

Lacquer paint. I'm using Tamiya spray lacquer which i've decanted.

Enamel paint. I''m using Model Master semi gloss black.

Gloss clear top coat. I'm using future floor polish.

Odorless Mineral Spirits.

Cotton buds.

Patience.

Step 1:

Prime your parts 

Step 2:

Lacquer coat. 

This is the color you want your raised details to be.

Step 3:

Gloss coat. 

Step 4:

Enamel coat. Thin your enamel 50/50 with mineral spirits.

Just enough to cover fully. Let dry for 12-24 hours.

Step 5:

Clean up.

Gently wet your cotton bud with mineral spirits and remove the excess paint by rubbing over the raised surfaces. Take your time with this and change buds often, I used 4 buds for this piece alone.

Done:

Just like magic!

I hope this article helps you paint your own sleeve details. Check back later this week for a short how to for candy colors.