Dirtveil Wash 18ml

Dirtveil Wash (AK19317) is a water-based acrylic wash from the Master Acrylic Wash range by AK Interactive, specifically formulated for inking, pin washing and shading on scale models, wargame miniatures and figures. Its Dirtveil tone is a very soft, translucent grey that adds delicate shading to white or very light surfaces, providing definition without creating a yellowed or dirty appearance. Available through Feroca, official distributor of AK Interactive in Spain.

Technical specifications

What it is used for

Dirtveil Wash is designed to add subtle depth, shadow and definition to white or very light surfaces without compromising their brightness or cleanliness. Its soft, translucent grey tone flows naturally into recesses and details, delivering a refined shading effect that is impossible to achieve with conventional paints. It is particularly effective in the following contexts:

• Shading white armour on science fiction miniatures such as Stormtroopers, White Scars and Death Angels, preserving their characteristic clean look
• Defining folds and textures on white or very light grey robes, tunics and fabric garments on historical and fantasy figures
• Marking subtle dust accumulation on the edges of vehicles or figures without adding a dirty or yellowed effect
• Applying delicate shading to pale skin tones on spectres, undead, vampires and other supernatural characters
• Adding a light shadow to polished steel or silver surfaces while maintaining a clean, bright finish
• Dioramas and display pieces where a neutral, translucent grey tone is needed to unify very light base colours without altering their overall hue

How to use it

1. Shake the bottle well: before use, shake the bottle for 30–60 seconds to homogenise the pigment with the acrylic medium.
2. Apply with a fine brush: load a fine or medium-tipped brush and deposit the wash directly onto the area to be treated (recesses, crevices, joints). For general shading, spread it over the entire piece with a soft flat brush.
3. Let it flow and work: gravity and surface tension carry the product into the details. If excess remains on flat areas, remove it with a clean, slightly damp brush before it dries.
4. Drying time: allow to dry completely at room temperature (approximately 20–30 minutes depending on the amount applied and ambient conditions).
5. Cleaning: clean the brush with running water immediately after use. If the product has dried on the brush, use an acrylic brush cleaner.

Tips and tricks

Control the amount of product

Overloading the brush can cause unwanted stains on flat areas and make corrections difficult. Work with small amounts and build up the effect progressively, especially when applying the wash over large surfaces with few details.

Combine with other tones for advanced effects

Dirtveil works particularly well in combination with darker or neutral washes in transition areas. Apply a darker tone first in the deepest parts and use Dirtveil in the intermediate areas to simulate a soft, diffuse ambient shading, very common on white armour, pale skin or polished metallic surfaces.

Temperature and humidity matter

In very humid or cold environments the drying time increases. In very dry or hot environments the wash may dry before it has had time to flow correctly into the details. Work in ventilated spaces at a moderate temperature and, if necessary, add a few drops of distilled water to adjust the fluidity without altering the formulation.

Frequently asked questions