Which wash?

[36feet10inches]

Not sure if this comes under painting or weathering TBH. I'm trying to up my game a bit with my current build and am going to have a go at using an enamel wash to bring out the panel lines. As the plane is basically a light grey in colour I thought I'd use a dark grey wash so it doesn't look too heavy, but it occurred to me that for the "movey bits" (flaps, rudder etc.) I could use a black wash to give the impression of a deeper recess than the panel lines and give a bit of delineation. Would this work or would it look daft?

Thanks!

 

[Airframes]

The wash sounds OK, but for the hinge lines of the control surfaces, try using a pencil. The retractable type are good for this, having a fine 'lead', which can be sharpened to a chisel point on a piece of fine grit wet 'n dry or sandpaper.
Do one pass with the pencil at first, and if you then think it needs more highlighting, do a second pass. Blow off any graphite dust that may be left in the groove, and any 'silvery' shine from the graphite will disappear under a clear matt coat.

 

[Crimea_River]

Pencil works but I have used black wash with good effect as well.

I think the suggested approach of dark grey wash in panel lines and black along hinge lines reflects a good approach and I agree that a healthy respect for the potential of overdoing washes is a good thing.

 

[36feet10inches]

Thanks for the tips. I'm not really in a position to judge but I've seen pics of models with panel lines so black it looks like the plane was held together with bitumen...

 

[Crimea_River]

Yep, it's a matter of taste and I personally don't like them to stand out like that. Subtle is my preference.