I am still using diluted inks for washes. I do have a few new ones, but find them not as controllable for pigments as the inks. Some also seem a little grainy when they dry. To be honest, have not tried the Vallejo washes. I do like their transparents though!

No brush in the world was picking up pigment from the "Dry"pot I opened. It was not even staining the stirrer I attempted to use, thinking it might have separated in the pot. It is soft, maleable plastic.