Quick Answer

Choose Vallejo Grey Wash for fast, controlled panel lining and grime shading; choose Chipping Medium when you want to create realistic chipped paint effects. Both serve different weathering goals, so your pick depends on the look you're after.

Different Effects, Different Techniques

Vallejo Grey Wash and Chipping Medium achieve distinct weathering results. Grey Wash is a water-based wash that flows into recesses to bring out panel lines and create subtle grime, while Chipping Medium is used to create a chipped paint effect by layering and then removing top coats. Understanding this fundamental difference helps you choose the right product for your project.

Grey Wash is ideal for adding depth and contrast to flat surfaces, especially on vehicles and armor. Chipping Medium, on the other hand, is a technique-driven product that requires a bit more planning and experimentation. Both are water-based and easy to clean up, but they are used in very different ways.

When to Use Grey Wash

Grey Wash is perfect for panel lining, shading recesses, and adding a worn, dirty look to light-colored surfaces. It dries to a matt finish and has high capillarity, meaning it flows easily into fine details. Use it after your base coat and before sealing to create subtle contrast without overpowering the underlying paint.

It's a quick and forgiving product: apply it, let it dry, and clean up excess with a damp brush or cotton swab. This makes it a great choice for beginners or for painting large batches of miniatures.

When to Use Chipping Medium

Chipping Medium is for modelers who want to simulate worn paint, scratches, and flaking. The technique involves applying the medium over a base color, then painting a top coat, and finally using a stiff brush or water to chip away the top layer. The result is a highly realistic, distressed finish.

This method requires more steps and a bit of practice to control the amount of chipping. It's best suited for vehicles, terrain, or any surface that would naturally show heavy wear. Because the effect is permanent once sealed, you'll want to test on a spare piece first.

Trade-offs at a Glance

  • Speed vs. Control: Grey Wash is fast and forgiving—apply, let dry, clean up. Chipping Medium requires more steps and practice to control the amount of chipping. If you're new to weathering, start with Grey Wash before trying Chipping Medium.
  • Effect: Shading vs. Texture: Grey Wash adds depth and contrast to recesses; Chipping Medium creates physical texture and worn paint layers. Decide which look you want: subtle grime or heavy wear.
  • Surface Suitability: Grey Wash works well on smooth surfaces like armor panels; Chipping Medium is better for larger areas where chipping will be visible. Consider the scale of your model—small miniatures may not benefit from chipping effects.

Product Facts

  • Vallejo: Model Wash, Grey Wash 35 ml.: Vallejo Grey Wash is a water-based wash with a matt finish and high capillarity, designed to bring out minute details and contrast from wear and grime. It flows into recesses easily, making it ideal for panel lining and shading on light-colored surfaces.

    Vallejo: Model Wash, Grey Wash 35 ml.

    Vallejo: Model Wash, Grey Wash 35 ml.

  • Vallejo: Model Wash, Chipping Medium 35 ml.: Vallejo Chipping Medium is a water-based formula that enables techniques for rendering ageing and exposure to the elements. It lets you create realistic chipped paint effects by layering and then removing top coats, perfect for heavily weathered vehicles and terrain.

    Vallejo: Model Wash, Chipping Medium 35 ml.

    Vallejo: Model Wash, Chipping Medium 35 ml.

Which Should You Choose?

Best for

  • Modelers who want quick, subtle shading and panel lining
  • Beginners looking for a forgiving weathering product

Not for

  • Heavy weathering effects that require chipped paint texture
  • Projects where you want to avoid multiple layering steps