When it comes to painting wargaming terrain and miniatures, a good wash can make all the difference. It helps bring out fine details, adds depth, and gives your models that gritty, battle-worn or grimey look. The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune on pre-made washes.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to mix your own terrain washes using affordable and accessible materials.
What You’ll Need
To make your own terrain wash, you only need a few basic ingredients. Most of these can be found at art supply stores or online:
- Acrylic matte medium
- Brown and black acrylic inks
- Flow aid (or flow improver)
- De-ionised water (helps avoid mineral build-up or streaking)
Optional Tools (Highly Recommended):
- Dropper bottles or empty paint bottles
- Mixing balls (like stainless steel ball bearings)
- Small funnel
- Paper towel (for spills and cleanup)
The Mixing Process
This recipe is super flexible depending on the consistency and strength you want. Here’s a basic formula to get you started, based on 100ml bottles of wash:
- Mix equal parts matte medium and de-ionised water – This is your base and fills most of the bottle.
- Add a couple of drops of flow aid – This helps the mixture flow better into recesses.
- Add 10–20 drops of acrylic ink – Brown or black work great, depending on the effect you’re going for. Start with less and build up the intensity as needed. More ink means a darker wash.
- Adjust the thickness – For a thinner wash, simply add more water.
Once everything is in the bottle, pop in a (rust-proof mixing ball, shake well, and you’re done!
How to Use It
Apply your wash over dry, painted surfaces using a large brush or sponge. The wash will settle into the recesses and details, enhancing texture and creating natural shadows. You can:
- Use brown washes for a dusty, earthy finish
- Use black washes for grime and contrast
- Layer them for complex weathering effects
These washes work beautifully on 3D printed terrain, foam scenery, and even miniatures.
Why Make Your Own Washes?
Here are a few reasons hobbyists love DIY washes:
- Cost-effective – You can make large batches for a fraction of the price of commercial washes.
- Customisable – Adjust the colour, intensity, and flow to suit your project.
- Easy to store – Dropper bottles keep them fresh and ready to use.
- Works on a variety of materials – Great for resin, plastic, foam, and more.
Final Thoughts
Making your own terrain washes is a game-changer for miniature and scenery painting. It’s simple, affordable, and lets you tailor the effects to your specific style. Give it a try—you might never go back to store-bought washes again!
Have your own wash recipe or tip to share? Drop it in the comments or tag us on social media!
Want more hobby tips and terrain tutorials?
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