Has anyone used India Ink for a wash on roads?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Was watching this Ken Patterson video the other night and I like the look of the ink on the roads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OMnUvFne8U

Its only 2 eyedroppers of ink mixed into a large amount of alcohol. Two coats applied. See 22 minute time stamp.

I think I will try this as the local Michael’s store has India Ink. I will try a less-diluted solution to give darker marks in the tire paths.

Have any of you used this method or do you prefer another for the appearance of well-worn concrete roads?

2

Luke Towan uses a dark wash technique on most of his roads. You can check out his videos on YouTube. He is a VERY skilled modeller.

3

Yep, I’ve used it and found it very realistic. But a word of warning…a little goes a very long way. As Emeril is fond of saying, you can always add, but you can’t take away!

4

True India Ink is black. Unfortunately there is some stuff out there sold as Inida Ink that has a way of turning blue, and weathering is when you tend to notice this most.

For road weathering I have used charcoal sticks (an art supply) feathered with a soft brush.

Dave Nelson

5

I’ve used India ink and found it very messy. I prefer dilluted black craft paints. I mix it with distilled water, and add a bit or alcohol to make it stick better to surfaces.

Simon

6

Thank you to all. Good food for thought.

7

i love the stuff

8

I find India ink too messy to use anywhere Indoors. I have used it a few times but I took the progect outside and did it there.