Quick answer
The StarDriven Gateway Invasion INK-WASH Upgrade gives you pre-mixed washes that flow into recesses and leave raised areas clean. Apply them after a base coat to bring out sculpted details on your starship crew and Warbound raiders.
Why use the INK-WASH Upgrade instead of mixing your own
The Invasion expansion adds 3 cooperative scenarios against Warbound, Nautiloids, and a Dreadnought. Each miniature has fine panel lines and alien textures that a single-color base coat can hide. The INK-WASH Upgrade comes with washes formulated for the specific plastic blend used in these miniatures, so they flow consistently without beading up or pooling unevenly.
Mixing your own wash from paint and thinner is cheaper but risks inconsistency. The upgrade saves you trial-and-error time and gives repeatable results across all your Invasion miniatures.
Step-by-step painting process
- Prepare your miniatures: Remove the Invasion miniatures from their sprue and clean mold lines with a hobby knife. Wash them in warm soapy water to remove release agents, then let dry completely. Common mistake: Skipping the wash step can cause paint to bead up on greasy plastic.
- Apply a base coat: Spray or brush a light gray or white primer over the entire miniature. A light base helps the INK-WASH show its true color and keeps shadows deep. Common mistake: Using black primer makes the wash too dark and hides detail.
- Shake the INK-WASH bottle thoroughly: Shake the bottle for at least 30 seconds until the pigment is fully mixed. The wash separates during storage, so incomplete mixing leads to uneven coverage. Checkpoint: If you see streaks or bubbles, shake 10 more seconds.
- Apply the wash to recessed areas: Load a medium brush with the wash and touch it to panel lines, gaps, and crevices. Capillary action will pull the wash into the details. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Common mistake: Flooding the entire miniature creates a muddy look. Work one section at a time.
- Remove excess wash from raised surfaces: Use a clean, slightly damp brush to wick away any wash that settled on flat or raised areas. Wipe the brush on a paper towel after each pass. Common mistake: Letting the wash dry on raised areas dulls the highlight contrast.
- Let the wash cure fully: Allow the miniature to dry for at least 24 hours before handling or sealing. The wash needs time to bond with the base coat. Checkpoint: Touching it too soon leaves fingerprints that require a repaint.
Product used in this guide
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StarDriven: Gateway - Invasion INK-WASH Upgrade: The Invasion expansion adds 3 distinct cooperative scenarios to the starship simulation game, StarDriven: Gateway. Each scenario is highly replayable for 1-4 players with different objectives and adjustable difficulties. Painting the miniatures helps you quickly identify Warbound raiders, Nautiloid ships, and Dreadnought parts during gameplay, especially in low-light conditions.
StarDriven: Gateway - Invasion INK-WASH Upgrade
