What is a black wash that is done on some waterfowl feet, and how is it done?
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A black wash consists of jet black acrylic paint, thinned down with water, used to highlight the scales on the feet of certain ducks
Seal the feet after painting them and then brush them with black watercolor that has some liquid soap in it. Let it dry and then wipe away the excess w/ a cotton swab. Once you like the effect, hit it w/ another coat of sealer and you are done.
This method is extremely forgiving and won't mess up yor paint job. If you don't like it, it will easily wipe completely off.
Mallard and shoveler feet look awesome if they are washed w/ a pale yellowish tint to simulate the skin between the scales.