Tutorial: "Magic Wash" Panel line wash

Here's my take on the acrylic panel line wash mix called "Magic Wash" Not sure how many Gunpla or large scale figure modeller know of this technique but it is a technique mainly used by miniature figure painters.

The "Magic Wash" mix only works with acrylics or water-based inks since the wash in involve water and Pledge Future Floor Shine or Pledge Wipe and Shine, depending on your country.
Making "Magic Wash" is simple. 4 parts water is mixed with 1-2 parts Future. This is the stock. You can pre-mix this in large quantities and store it. You can then mix one part of paint or ink to 4-5 parts of the "Magic Wash" stock to create your panel line wash. Alternatively, you can just mix 4:2:1 or water:Future:paint whenever you need some wash.

Tutorial: Painting battle damages

Continuing on after applying the weathering, I now go on to paint the battle damage I applied earlier.

In painting the battle damage, I started by dry brushing black in the bullet holes and explosions. I also dry brushed a bit outside the bullet holes and explosions but kept it close to the edges.

Tutorial: Drybrush weathering

After applying the battle damages, I proceed to do the weathering and painting of the battle damages.

I start with applying the weathering first using the drybrushing technique.
First off is the drybrush. I use what's called a stencil brush (that's what's written on the label) because it comes with stiff bristles; which is important in drybrushing. But any old brush with stiff bristles will do.

Tutorial: Applying battle damages.

This is a simple tutorial of the battle damage I did on a project I did about two years ago.
This was done on a Perfect Grade Zeta and was the first time I did battle damage.

Hobby Knife Maintenance

A hobby knife is one of the important tools needed in our hobby and having a good sharp hobby knife is essential. I use an X-acto knife and from what I have read, X-acto blades rust easily if they are not stored properly.

One solution is to apply oil to the blade before storing. Some people use WD-40.

Before storing the knife and applying the oil, always wipe the blade clean and dry. Moisture and humidity is what will cause the blade to rust so if you store the blade without wiping it dry, it is bound to rust. Apply oil on both sides of the blade then wipe off the excess. All you need is a thin film of oil on the surface to protect the blade so the excess oil will just make the blade dirty and possible cause corrosion.