Bf 109E-3 Weekend

Christian Widmer
Nice one ! Did you apply the MIG wash over the whole surface or only into the panel lines ?

Ingmar Stöhr
Hi Christian, I applied the wash over the whole surface. Then I let it dry more or less completely (1h and more). The I carefully wiped the surface with a clean cloth. But I'll say you definitely need a coat of future (or something similar) under the wash. I'm sure this will not work on a matte surface.

Christian Widmer
OK. Everytime that I try that, there either remains too much wash after wiping or the wash is also wiped out of the panel lines. I guess I need a little more practice.

Ingmar Stöhr
On my first try I also removed the whole wash at once. The trick seems to be, to let the wash dry almost completely. Then the panel lines will keep the wash. But if you wipe to often or to hard, the you'll also remove the wash from the panel lines. It was the first time, i tried this technique... and it worked surprisingly well.

Bill Gilman
In my experience, Ingmar is right - a sludge wash will not work on a matt surface, not if you're applying the wash all over the model anyway. Future or Kleer is a good choice, but it depends somewhat on what the wash is made from. I also agree to let it dry completely, and to wipe the dried residue off by wiping perpendicular or across the panel line - don't go along the line, or you'll risk removing it completely from the panel line. Use as little pressure as possible. I've had no luck with cotton swabs or ear buds, as the stray fibers tend to find their way into the panel lines. I use a premium paper towel folded into a small (40 x 40mm) square and try to keep the entire surface of the square in contact with the surface of the model. You can use smaller squares for smaller areas.

Ingmar Stöhr
I used peaces of an old t-Shirt. But I'll have to take a closer look to see if I have any fibers somewhere.