I applied a wash of India Ink diluted with 91% alcohol on one of Intermountain's new War Emergency Boxcar's. I applied with a Q-tip like I have on many other rolling stock and structures only this time the results weren't so good. I ended up with a white residue on parts of the roof and roofwalk. (see pic). Has anyone here ever had that happen and know how I might be able to remove, or normalize it? I've try washing it off with water, but I just reappears. The solvents in a solvent based clear-coat might do it, but if it doesn't I will have sealed it and may never be able to remove it. I'm also wondering what may have caused it. Possibly the alcohol reacting with the paint or (possibly in this case) plastic. I'm not sure if these models are painted or molded in brown plastic. Thanks, Mike
The white residue is definitely from the alcohol. Don't use 91% for solvent (removes paint) but use distilled water or the alcohol more diluted with water. You'll get pretty much the same staining with 70% isopropyl alcohol, just not as extreme. It actually looks fine to me, since rooftops fade more than sides, and not necessarily evenly. The solution pooled just like rain would, if you think about it. Blackish roof grime mostly comes from steam or diesel exhaust after going though tunnels. Clearcoat/dullcoat will eliminate or reduce the white stain. If you don't trust me, just try it on the roofwalk. A brush is okay for this kind of work.
Thanks guys. I think I'll brush it with some powders and then hit it with a flat finish. I'll post a pic of the result's this weekend. Mike
Try one of the enamel based washes the military guys use. I like Ammo of Mig. It would cover this problem.
Plus 1 that the alcohol is the culprit. Testers Dullcote will make the frosty haze disappear. Dullcote first to give the powder a surface to cling to.
India ink with 50%, and even 70% alcohol is fine...I use it all the time...I use 91% alcohol as a PAINT STRIPPER! do NOT use 91% alcohol for anything by a serious cleaner and stripper. Bruce
