Washes and decal help

[Mysterion]

I barely remember using a wash on chrome for detailing grilles and such as a kid. IIRC, we used India ink back then, but I don't remember if it was thinned or not.

What are you guys using for washes on the following surfaces? Also, what are you reducing with and your application methods?

Chrome

Lacquer

Enamel

Acrylic


My current project will require covering pleated seats with a Leopard print decal. Are Micro Sol and Micro Set the best for this?

Any tips are greatly appreciated.

Dave

[rocketeer]

On chrome, I use Tamiya's Clear Smoke, perhaps thinned a bit with their thinner.

I only use enamels to paint with, and I use oils for washes, thinned with odorless paint thinner.

For decals, I usually use Micro Set and Micro Sol; when a decal is especially stubborn I use Solvaset. I had an old bottle of Solvaset that just wasn't doing the job any more; I bought a new bottle and all was well again, so apparently it can lose its "zip" over time. I am also careful to rinse my models after the decals are dry (before clearcoating), to flush away any remaining solvent, which can yellow over time otherwise.

[ira]

I use "The Detailer", washes.
They come in a few different colors and are water soluble.
You can find them on Ebay...