Leman Russ Part 3: Using Acrylic Shades And Washes

(Note: In the gaming world, a wash is often referred to as a shade, thanks to Games Workshop. So if you see either term here… know they are referring to the same thing. Really thin acrylic paint.)

When I was in the US Army, I did some work in South America. In learning how to avoid miscommunication, we were told a story (long since debunked) about how the Chevy Nova didn’t sell well in Central and South America because a rough translation of “Nova” is “it doesn’t go”. (No va….)

Time and the wonders of the internet have shown that to be more urban legend than reality. But we do so love our urban legends, right? Still, regardless of reality, the point was made. Wording matters, especially as your audience widens.

As I’ve grown more and more to prefer acrylics washes, I’ve run into a “Nova” type situation that is most definitely not urban legend, because I have experienced it.

My favorite acrylic shade is Citadel’s Nuln Oil. And that is where the confusion starts.

To try and protect their intellectual property, Games Workshop gave up color names such as “red”, or “blue green”, and added elements from the games lore, coming up with names like Mephiston Red or Sotek Green. Which of course can be quite confusing unless you follow the TLAR color standard. (That Looks About Right.)

But when they added the word “Oil” into an acrylic shade (Nuln Oil) it created some confusion I didn’t anticipate.

I always try to be really clear about what products I use, and how I use them. And any time I use acrylic washes or shades, I try to be very pedantic about the fact that they are acrylic – an additive product, and not an oil or enamel – a subtractive product.

However, time and questions have made it apparent that either folks don’t pay much attention (most likely) OR when I speak they hear dolphin chirps. (A far funnier concept to me.) 🐬

Because as soon as I say “Nuln Oil”, no amount of additional context to provide clarity seems to be able to overcome the dolphin chirps. And inevitably I get angry comments or emails saying “I put this stuff on and let it dry and now odorless thinner won’t take it off.” To come full circle… “Nova”.

So here’s a video about using acrylic shades, or washes, whichever you prefer, and the basics of theory and application.

Just remember… Nuln Oil is not oil, despite the name. It’s acrylic.