Weathering Question: Best Material for Absorbing a Wet Wash?

[Astyanax]

Hi all:

I've attempted to raise my weathering game a fair bit lately, but I've yet to land on the perfect absorbent material for picking up most of a wash after I've slathered it on my model:

1. Sponge: Not quite absorbent enough, a little expensive and non-disposable.
2. Paper towel: Too evenly absorbent, sometimes leaves patterns.
3. Cotton Balls: Perfect absorbency, shape and softness are great for edges, but leaves hairs behind.

For now, I've settled with cotton balls, and I use scotch tape to remove the hairs after its all dried.

Is there a better material that works particularly well for you? I'd love to see some recommendations.

Thank you in advance!
Bill

 

[TazMan2000]

I don't like using paper towel because it becomes saturated quickly and starts disintegrating on flat painted or textured surfaces. Have you tried a soft cloth? I picked up some microfiber cloths (dish cloths) from a dollar store and they seem to work fine for me.

Randy Cooper has a video here with him heavily applying a wash and removing it with a cloth.

TazMan2000

 

[N2darkness]

I've always used a blue shop paper towel, but just slightly damp. Completely soak the towel and then ring it out with a firm squeeze.

I also don't wipe, more than I blot with the towel slightly scrunched up.

I also add a bit of matte medium to all my washes as well which may help with the subtle gradients and less hard edges.

1 part acrylic paint
1 part matte medium
1/2 part water

 

[Jimmer]

I've always used a blue shop paper towel, but just slightly damp. Completely soak the towel and then ring it out with a firm squeeze.

I also don't wipe, more than I blot with the towel slightly scrunched up.

I also add a bit of matte medium to all my washes as well which may help with the subtle gradients and less hard edges.

1 part acrylic paint
1 part matte medium
1/2 part water

Gonna try the matte medium, sounds promising. (Good idea on shop rag as well).