How do I paint puttees?

[ErikB]

I've been going crazy trying to get these painted right.

I've had success with large, deeply engraved puttees, like from Copplestone, only when using Vallejo paints and having to touch up from the Devlan Mud wash.

On more finely engraved minis, such as Hasslefree, Artizan, etc., or when I use Citadel paints, applying a wash over the puttees just discolors the whole area.

The washes seem to be too thick (viscous) to get in the smaller detailed spaces and the Citadel paint seems to absorb the wash instead of forcing it into the crevices.  That's nice for changing the color on a surface but that's the opposite of what I am trying to accomplish.

Any ideas?  Other than doing microsurgery with a 10/0 brush, which I simply cannot do?

Thanks!

[Cubs]

Try thin ink.

[The Gray Ghost]

I just give em a quick dry brushing

[warburton]

You can also try adding a drop of dishwashing detergent to a wash so it flows better (it breaks the surface tension).

And then drybrush, if all else fails!

[tin shed gamer]

Us a hairdryer to speed up your drying times it can also help keep washes in place.
then re highlight with the base colour in small amounts.A light dry brush of a milky coffee colour over the edges ,and your done.
The simple answer is paint and finish you putties first then paint the trouser's.
a good rule of thumb is paint what ever's furthest away from your brush first.In detail terms putties are further away than trouser folds.This allows you to focus on getting the shading where you want it,and not be too worried about what else it touches.
I use both brands you've mentioned and have never had any issues.The only reason I can think of is that I prefer to use a hair dryer to control the drying times and set rate of paint.So it only has time to go where I need it before its dried.
Mark.