inks?

[Bako]

Though I've been painting for a while, my hand has never been steady enough for a lot of the finer detail. It's a shame really that I never got into inks earlier, but plain old dry brushing had always been my way. Now however I've managed to get a hold of some inks, so I thought what the heck.

I've made this thread to ask all you folks out there with some experience which is the best way to ink miniatures. If I can figure this out might get a platoon's worth of dude out by the end of the week. A big feat for sure(haven't painted that much since MGP's Light Armor Mobile Infantry were new).

And for those curious, I have black, and brown inks.

[Orctrader]

I use inks for washes and glazes.  (Sometimes)

Approximate measurements:-

one drop of ink.
eight drops of water
Two drops of "Magic Wash"

Mix and wash over figure.  For a glaze, don't let it pool into recesses.  (And my glazes are even thinner than my washes.)

Best advice if you have never used inks before is to experiment yourself (make notes) on figures you don't need.  Take one and paint it white, for example.  Make washes and see the effect.  (Always allow to properly dry before drawing any conclusions.

I use CDA inks.

[Bako]

Thanks, but what is 'Magic Wash'? I've never seen that stuff before. Oh and should I apply it with a brush or a cloth or something?

[Orctrader]

Thanks, but what is 'Magic Wash'? I've never seen that stuff before. Oh and should I apply it with a brush or a cloth or something?

Magic Wash LINK   (Don't worry if you don't have it.  Start experimenting with just water.)

Application by brush - for me.  Depends what you are trying to do.  I cannot emphasize too strongly the need to experiment yourself, on figures that you don't mind ruining if it all goes horribly wrong.

This applies to all painting techniques.  You can read volumes but until you try something yourself...

[Bako]

Thanks for the input. Most of my minis are metal so I can just strip them if I don't like it.

Pics later after I go home and get to work.

[JollyBob]

Brown ink is one of the most useful things you will ever have as a painter. I'm gutted that GW has stopped making theirs as I thought it was great for so many things. I'll have to try the CDA ones from now on.

Personally, I find inks better for shading metals that cloth or skin/hair etc, as they give a deeper (harder?) colour, if you follow me. New washes or just thinned paint work better for everything else.

Anyway, that's my opinion. Like Orctrader says, the best way to go is experiment and see what works for you. Everyone has different opinions on how they like things to look.

[Hammers]

Try Windsor&Newton as a replacement for GW. I find the quality even better. I recommend Peat Brown and Nut Brown.

[JollyBob]

Do you know, I used to use their Nut Brown all the time a few years ago, then the art shop up the road closed and I forgot about it.

Well reminded. Thank you. 

[Orctrader]

Brown ink is one of the most useful things you will ever have as a painter....I'll have to try the CDA ones from now on.

I recommend "Brown" and "Chestnut."

[Bako]

Uhh, JollyBob, I just baught some brown ink from them two weeks ago . I'll look into this Windsor&Newton stuff, thanks.

[JollyBob]

Uhh, JollyBob, I just baught some brown ink from them two weeks ago . I'll look into this Windsor&Newton stuff, thanks.

Really? Well, you can't get it over here (UK) anymore, unless you find an independant stockist with some left to clear. At least that was my impression from what I've seen in the shops. I'm more than happy to be proved wrong in this case though. 

[Bako]

Hmm, well happy hunting. GW does a lot of that kind of bull where you can buy something from one online store, yet it isn't available to other countries' online sections. The American section usually has everything, leaving the rest of us English-types out in the cold.