Observation while using acrylic paints...

[GonzoCRFan]

I'm a screwup.

But when you screw up as often as I do, you eventually learn ways to fix things and cover them up. With weathering, this is easy, and often accomplished with a little water.

But has anyone else noticed that if you wet the side of a car and then try drybrushing with artist acrylics, you seem to get a much more subtle and better-looking effect?

[tom mann]

I'm a screwup.

But when you screw up as often as I do, you eventually learn ways to fix things and cover them up. With weathering, this is easy, and often accomplished with a little water.

But has anyone else noticed that if you wet the side of a car and then try drybrushing with artist acrylics, you seem to get a much more subtle and better-looking effect?

yes, the brush strokes seem to vanish, yet a subtle streaking effect remains.  Is this what you saw, young screwup? ;D

[GonzoCRFan]

Pretty much. Also, the water tends to pick up some of the pigment and carry it away in all directions, which could make for some really nice rust spotting if you learn how to control it well...

[Chris333]

So it's sorta like a dry-wash or wet-brushing