A lot has been asked about filters in the past few years. What are they? How do they work? What’s the best color for use with Panzer Gray? How much do I thin the paint? Should I use enamels, acrylics, or oil paints? To help the modeler answer some of these questioNs, MIG Productions has created SIN Industries Filters for models.

MIG Productions offers over a dozen different colors. The pre-mixed filters come in a sealed 35ml plastic jar and save time having to custom mix the right consistency and color. Since you only use a small amount each time each bottle will last for numerous models. MIG also packages selected filters into three jar packs which fit specific model themes such as. #P403 Afrika Korps Filter Set, #P247 Allied Filter Set, etc.

These pre-mixed enamel based filters are designed to add subtle color effects to a painted surface. The most important tip to remember is that filters are most effective on a Matt/Flat/Dull surface finish. There are microscopic pits in a Matt finish which trap the pigment once the filter is dry. On a gloss surface, these pits are smoothed over and the pigments have nothing to settle in to and settle on the surface which can be wiped off.

Some tips from experience.

1. Control how much filter is on your brush. Don’t flood the surface of the model. Dip the brush then draw some of the filter out with a paper towel, then apply it to the model.

2. Filters can be layered to reach a specific color or intensity. Be sure to allow the filters sufficient time to dry between coats.

3. Colors can be mixed if you want a specific effect.

4. Don’t be limited to thinking of these as just filters. They can be used for numerous other effects.

5. Be creative. Use a blue filter over certain areas that may be more in shadow and a tan or yellow ochre filter for areas which catch sunlight.

6. When properly stirred, the filters are very strong. The filters can be thinned further with MIG Thinner for Washes, Turpenoid, or any mild odorless paint thinner.

7. MIG Filters can be mixed with oil paints for further color options.

8. The pigment which has settled in the bottle can be scooped out for more intense applications or pigment for specific effects.

 WASHES AND FILTERS - Differences and How-to (by MIG Productions)