substitute to army painter dipping medium

[Dekulus]

Is there a cheaper alternative to using the ARMY Painter dipping medium, It looks to me like it's some kind of wood stain material.

Thanks

 

[MAXXxxx]

because it is cheap wood-stain repackaged and sold for a much higher price.
Originally the dipping 'technique' started from woodstains, then went on to products like AP's quickshade.

So generally you could go to a DIY store (or similar), buy the shade you like (it helps if it can be thinned with water, not with spec thinners), use and be happy with the results.

 

[Dekulus]

oh nice, so something like this would work ?

http://www.diy.com/nav/decor/paint/...in/Dulux-Woodsheen-Dark-Walnut-250ml-11348406

I didn't know wood stain was water based, even better

 

[Niranth]

This is from memory so it may be a little off...
Army Painter - Minwax Polyshades
Dark tone - Antique Walnut
Strong tone - Pecan finish
Soft tone - Classic Oak


Edit, I have used the Antique Walnut and like the effect, but it is dark so use extra bright colors.

 

[nebelwerfer41]

This is from memory so it may be a little off...
Army Painter - Minwax Polyshades
Dark tone - Antique Walnut
Strong tone - Pecan finish
Soft tone - Classic Oak


Edit, I have used the Antique Walnut and like the effect, but it is dark so use extra bright colors.

Yes, Minwax Polyshades is what you want. Despite what was mentioned earlier upthread, it is NOT waterbased. You need to thin and clean up with mineral spirits.

FWIW, it might be just as economical to use the ArmyPainter. I bought a can of the Polyshades and got through about 20% of it before the can refused to seal shut anymore. Repeated opening and closing left a bunch of gunk on the rim and it wouldn't seal shut even with a hammer. So, you can buy a bigger can for the same price as a small can of ArmyPainter, but you may not get any more uses out of it than the small cans.

 

[freakinacage]

That said, i had that trouble with my army painter cans. Gummed right up. Managed to chisel them open and yank the gunk out though

 

[Niranth]

FWIW, it might be just as economical to use the ArmyPainter. I bought a can of the Polyshades and got through about 20% of it before the can refused to seal shut anymore. Repeated opening and closing left a bunch of gunk on the rim and it wouldn't seal shut even with a hammer. So, you can buy a bigger can for the same price as a small can of ArmyPainter, but you may not get any more uses out of it than the small cans.

I have also used Polyshades for it's intended purpose. I use a folded paper towel to clean out the channel on the top of the can after each use and have not had a problem sealing and opening the can. I also use a chunk of 2x4 between the lid and hammer to keep from deforming the lid. Finally, the large can of Polyshades at Walmart was half the price of the small can of AP at the FLGS. Of course, YMMV.