Help please with blending

[wideattion]

Hi chaps I bought some new models recently and I thought i'd better learn how to wet blend as in the past I've used other technics to paint.
But as you can guess I'm struggling.
First of all how do you guys keep your paints wet as I belive that is one of my problems.
Secondly how thinned does the paint need to be?
Also I understand when you lay the two paints next to each other how do you cross them over.
i.e do you lay one colour down and then overlap the colour with second and use the clean brush to pull down the colours.
or do you lay them down next to each other and then blend them.
Any help is much appricated thank you

[speiread]

I second this question. I normally use layering, as opposed to blending, but I'd like to give it a shot. Any veterans with some pearls of wisdom to share?

[krakenfiend]

Ok..there are a couple of factors to consider.

1. Do you put any additives in your paint?

2. What is the consistency of the paint you use?

Additives:

I generally use more than just water to thin down my paints. There are certain things you can add that will help your paint stay wet longer and also help it apply smoother.

1. Vallejo Glaze Medium -- This is my number one additive. I use it when I want to do some serious blending. It increases the drying time for acrylic paints. Therefore it is easier to meld the wet colors together since both paints will be wet. A couple of drops goes a LONG way.

2. Future Floor Finish -- I use a mixture of 15% Future floor finish and 85% water. I add them with an eye Dropper straight to the paint. This is my primary thinning agent. It helps me get a very smooth coat and keeps my inks and washes from pooling (breaks the surface tension).

3. Reaper Flow Improver -- Another thinning agent. I use this on really thick paints that have been sitting a while. Sometimes I use it instead of the FFF mixture...just a feel thing...no real need for it.

4. Water -- you need this...just accept it.

Paint Consistency:

This is extremely important. If you want to do really nice blending, you need super thin paint. I mean REALLY thin. Next time you pour yourself a glass of milk....think to yourself "this is how thin my paints need to be". My blending powers increased a ton after reading this article:

www.john87.com/warhammer40k/article001.htm

I realized I was not thinning my paints nearly enough. After reading this article I painted my BT Chaplain with stunning results...Thin paints are a must.

As far as my personal blending techniques go:

thetyranidhive.proboards28.com/index.cgi?board=painting&action=display&thread=1160775900&page=4

Look toward the end of the page...you should see my rather lengthy post....That thread is full of good info...


krakenfiend

[speiread]

I usually just thin my paints with water (I use an eyedropper, too, for uniformity). Is Future Floor Wax the only brand that works, or can I purchase a generic?

I've seen your work, so I know that these should be good tips.

[wideattion]

Thank you for your replies I shall try again and let you know how I got on.

[krakenfiend]

speiread said:

I usually just thin my paints with water (I use an eyedropper, too, for uniformity). Is Future Floor Wax the only brand that works, or can I purchase a generic?

I've seen your work, so I know that these should be good tips.

I'm not really sure to be honest...I KNOW that Future Floor finish works...how other floor waxes would work is unknown to me...I guess they would be fine as long as they were acrylic floor waxes.

wideattion: No problem sir...if you need any other help....let me know.

krakenfiend

[boristfrog]

That article was really interesting - 300 hours, wow!