AK Interactive Paneliner washes review
Did you know you can also get washes from the popular Spanish-based company AK interactive?
Different companies make wash paints for miniatures and scale models, from Army Painter to Games Workshop Citadel and Vallejo. AK Interactive is best known for its high-quality paints and primers.
So, if you are wondering about their paneliner washes, we discuss everything you need to know about AK Interactive Paneliner washes in this article.
Are AK Interactive Paneliner washes Good?
Overall, AK Interactive Paneliner washes are great for miniatures and models due to their enamel base. They are easy to use, flow nicely into recessed lines, and provide a strong and solid contrast.
Although their color range may not be as extensive as other brands, they have 5 colors to choose from that are suitable for different camouflage effects. To get the best results, it’s important to avoid using them on large flat surfaces, and to be mindful of the flow rate when applying them.
With proper use, AK Interactive Paneliner washes can enhance the realism of your miniatures and models, making them stand out from the rest.
Is there a difference between a paneliner wash and a surface wash?
One reason both are used interchangeably is that as paneliner washes, surface washes can also get into panel lines while paneliner washes can also act as surface washes.
A paneliner wash is mainly used as a way to give the miniature more depth by darkening the deepest parts of it. It helps you create quick shadows in the crevices and recesses of your model that are hard to reach.
On the other hand, a surface wash is a pigment used on the model’s surface to accentuate its entire surface area. It also helps create depth, and shading or weathering effects such as dirty, snowy, muddied, oily, exhaust smoke, or a heavily-worn used look, thus increasing the realism of your models.
What is it based on?
AK Interactive washes are enamels. Hence, they are alcohol-based, instead of the typical water-based washes many brands like Vallejo and Citadel make.
Is AK Interactive Paneliner wash good for miniatures and models?
A paneliner is a pigment that will sit in the recessed lines scribed on the surface of your miniatures or model kit.
You can find a typical example of a recessed line on an aircraft, as there are lines scribed into the plastic to represent actual separate panels of material that make the plane. But, that’s not where we’re driving at.
AK Interactive paneliner washes are hands down amazing and a complete game changer when it comes to shading models. Not because of the brand, but because they are enamel. Enamels have more durability and sturdiness.
Most people fear using enamel-based paints on their models because they might brittle the plastic material. But, the good thing about using enamels on miniatures is that when enamel paint dries, you can also remove it with white spirits for a few days. So, if you have a plastic model, you don’t have to worry about difficulty removing the paint.
Besides this, AK Interactive paneliner washes are great for miniatures and models because they can be used straight from the bottle and will draw along the recesses line of your kits like magic.
AK Interactive Paneliner wash breakdown:
- How does it flow?
The wash flows very nicely into panel lines and other recessed detail. So, when I used it on my model, I found it adequate to simply dab the paintbrush into a panel line at strategic points along its length, and it flowed effortlessly into the recessed lines. Even directly painting it along the panel line was quite effective.
- Is it easy to use
AK Interactive paneliner washes are easy to use. While they may be enamel-based, they easily sit on your model, giving it a strong and solid contrast. Just ensure they don’t pool as they may brittle the plastic or resin of your miniatures.
- Should you thin it?
AK paneliner washes are already pre-thinned to sit on the recessed line. But, they can also be thinned using white spirit or odorless turpentine. Thinning the wash gives you better control over its flow rate. Then again, we recommend plying them thinners in small quantities so that it does not damage your paint.
- Is it easy to clean
Water-based paints may be the easiest paints to clean, but enamel washes also clean up well with a moistened brush and a dry cotton bud.
AK Interactive Paneliner washes has 5 colors to choose from
Vallejo and Citadel have a wide range of colors when it comes to their wash color range. But, AK Interactive doesn’t offer these perks.
Regardless, they have a decent range of wash colors to suit your miniature and scale model kits. They include:
- AK2071 Brown and Green Camouflage
- AK2072 Grey and Blue Camouflage
- AK2073 Sand and Desert Camouflage
- AK2074 White and Winter Camouflage
- AK2075 Black Camouflage
Of all these colors, my favorite is their AK2071 Brown and Green Camouflage washes. They give a more subtle effect on recessed lines.
What is the best way to use AK Interactive Paneliner wash for the best results?
Washes differ from regular hobby-grade paints in their pigmentation, viscosity, flow rate, results, and dry time. So, if you’re planning to use AK Interactive washes, here are some things to consider:
- Avoid using them on large flat surfaces
Washes only work well on surfaces with natural recesses like clothes and fur. This way, the liquid can easily flow into them. Applying them on large flat surfaces that they flow into odd places and pool there. It creates uneven shading.
- Use PVA Glue for special effect
Washes help you shade and create shadows. But, there are sometimes you don’t want one of these effects. In this case, add a small amount of PVA glue to the wash. In small amounts, the PVA glue won’t distort the color of your wash. But, PVA glues work best for shading. It makes the wash more tactile so that it runs less, stays on the raised surface of your recesses as it dries, and gives a high-quality shading effect.
- Use wash over a gloss coat
It is important to apply the wash over a gloss coat acrylic or lacquer-based, especially when working with a plastic or resin material. Plastic can easily be brittle under enamel solvents. So, adding a gloss coat before the washes means you can easily protect the underlying paint and avoid damage to the plastic.
- Ensure the paint finish does not appear rough
It prevents the wash from flowing and may cause smudges when you wipe it. It also makes the paint want to grip onto every little bump on the surface. Applying a gloss or a satin varnish will help yield a nice, smooth surface for washes.
- Make sure your paint can handle the washes
In short, ensure the underlying paint will not react with your topcoat enamel-based finish. Meaning, if you are using oil washes on your panel line, you need an acrylic topcoat. Likewise, if you apply enamel washes, you should use a basecoat that can handle the alcohol solvents. Otherwise, the thinner in the panel liner wash will eat right through the paint, either removing it all or blending them together, not just sitting on top to be removed.
Is AK Interactive the best wash for miniatures and models?
While their wash paint range may not be on par with Vallejo, Citadel, or Army painter, AK Interactive paneliner washes are great on miniatures and scale models.
They dry in 5 to 10 minis, flow well into recesses, clean easily, and work well on plastic kits as long as you gloss them first.
Plus, they help you create quick shadows on recess lines and crevices, giving your models more detailed pop.
Do you really need a wash for your miniature?
Basically, washes are not as important as regular paints, But, it is the easiest way to dramatically improve the appearance of your models and miniatures.
The key point of painting miniatures is to add contrast between the raised surfaces and recessed areas on the kits. Using a wash is the easiest way to achieve that. While it is not a required step in painting a mini, skipping it is like building a skill level 5 model when you don’t have the skill for a level 3 model.
Washes offer several advantages, from helping you create shadows to making your models pop. In fact, you can easily use them as a glaze paint when put in an airbrush. These facts make washes a must-have for miniature painting.
Conclusion
AK Interactive ashes make a massive difference; it really can’t be overstated. In fact, they are an essential piece of my kit. Without them, my miniatures would look considerably worse. As such, I think they work terrifically well.
While they only have five colors in their range, their brown and green camouflage is exceptional, easy to apply, flows well, and cleans up easily. Plus, despite being enamel-based, they look good over your model so long as you gloss it first.
