There are as many good techniques for spraying acrylic paints as there are modelers spraying them. It’s just a matter of adding the right amount of thinner to your paint until you get the consistency of skim milk. In the extreme, a thick coat of paint can also obliterate engraving and subtle details on the models surface. All of the dilutions provided in this article pertain to Vallejo Model Air. I prefer to prepare a large volume of Vallejo or LifeColor thinner to which Liquitex has been added to 5%. This will cause a backflow that will further help mix the paint and thinner. It’s very important to determine the mixing … Best Airbrush Paint for Miniatures and Models, The Best Airbrush for Painting Miniatures and Models, You don’t have to thin these paints at all. It can be tough to mix a specific color using acrylic paint, so if you are looking for the perfect tone for a large piece or an ongoing series, make notes of the colors that went into the mixture. In contrast, Vallejo is less fragile when dry and likewise slightly less prone to dry on the needle—slightly. Airbrush thinners will give you the best consistency in your paints. However, you must make sure that you use highly pigmented acrylic paint, otherwise the nozzle of your airbrush gun can become blocked. Both Vallejo and LifeColor are great paints that perform nicely if tamed with a little Liquitex. Vallejo Primer (200)                                200                                                         10. There are different paints and different ways to mix. Createx Airbrush Colors are most trusted brand of airbrush paints worldwide. A mix of ~30% paint is not ideal for fine-line shooting, however. Airbrush acrylic medium can work great for thinning your airbrush paint. Last update on 2021-01-18 at 23:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. The need to thin metallic paint is often determined by the size of the metallic flakes in the paint. You can airbrush with metallic acrylic paints, as long as you use one of the above methods to thin out the paint. Tip: The quality of your gear can have a huge impact on your finished results. The kit contains: 1 oz. Moreover, when compared to established standards (RLM color chips), LifeColor is surprisingly accurate. They do not need to be thinned, have little to no odor and are We are an authorized Harder & Steenbeck reseller. This will cause a backflow that will further help mix the paint and thinner. That said, Vallejo (meaning Vallejo Model Air and Vallejo Model Color) is both easier to shoot and easier to handle after its dry. Yup, we’ve got it :), on Canopy Masking Tips and Tricks Part 2: Rounded Corners, on Canopy Masking Tips and Tricks Part 1: Bubble Canopies, on The Italeri M4A2 Sherman, U.S. Marine Corps, Pelielu, 1944, Classic Airframes 1/48 Heinkel He-112 B-1, Mr. Hobby Mr. Masking Sol R? In general, I err on the side of lean or less paint, especially if I’m going to be shooting on top off pre-shading. You don’t have to thin these paints at all, though you can thin them if they are thicker than you want or you want to dim the color. It is best to err on the thin side and paint multiple coats because you cannot correct if it is too thick. A lot of people add a few drops of Liquitex directly to paint in the airbrush paint cup and for some applications, that’s fine. The whisk should be available in the home section of stores. 10ml                                                     10                                                           0.5. Specialty stores sell airbrush acrylic paint that is ready to use, but if your specific color isn't available, you can mix your own homemade acrylic paint from commercial acrylics. I also happen to run this site and write the majority of its content! How and Why to Thin Acrylic Paints for Models and Miniatures, Best Paint Racks to Hold Acrylic Paint Sets for Miniatures. To thin acrylic paint for an airbrush, you need to add a thinning agent, like water, airbrush thinner, or flow improver  to the paint, and mix until you create a paint that has the consistency of skim milk. With my brush fitted with a 0.4mm tip and filled with my 30% paint mix, I’m going to dial in ~12-15 psi on the ole’ air compressor dial. I usually prepare 40ml of Thinner-Liquitex at a time. I applied these colors in thin layers to make them more vibrant. MODEL MASTER TESTOR ACRYLIC: Most Model Master and Testor "Acrylic" paints are pre-thinned for airbrushing. Shoot that through and it will coat the needle. Air pressure should be approximately 18-20 PSI. With regards to other additives, Vallejo produces two reagents Thinner Medium (#73.524) and Airbrush Flow Impr, If you have any questions or want additional information just drop me a line at, on Mr. Hobby Mr. Masking Sol R? The addition of Liquitex to Vallejo and LifeColor drastically reduces needle build-up, decreases rough pebbly over-spray, and produces a more smooth, even finish. It serves two purposes:  Thinning, and stopping paint from drying on your needle. For general airbrush work (defined above) I use an, Although addition of Liquitex decreases paint build up on the needle, it does not prevent it all together. Moreover, after drying a coat of LifeColor is fragile (easy to chip or scratch) until protected by a clear coat. I've enjoyed painting miniatures for a while now but remember being overwhelmed when starting out! There are, Some paints are not meant to be thinned, like shades or contrasts (, Neither glazes nor shades (also commonly called washes –. Which advanced gear you’ll want as your skills improve. 10ml                                                      10                                                            0.50 Add 2-3 drops of water or thinner to the airbrush cup. You can find out more and pick up your copy right here. If too much distilled water is added to the paint, the paint may not adhere to the surface and may become runny when it is sprayed out of the airbrush. If you’re unfamiliar with mediums used in miniature painting, head over to this article for a complete guide to the different types of mediums. To clean the needle, I carefully run the micro brush across the needle (read 90 degrees) never parallel to it. It’s really reduced the dry tip and clogging issues I’ve had. So, let’s dive into some techniques for spraying two of the better-known acrylics, Vallejo and LifeColor. If you are willing to spend a little more money, airbrush thinner is the best way to go. Cover the nozzle with your finger, and move the lever back. Liquitex Airbrush Effects Painting Medium is specifically formulated to thin acrylic colors for airbrush application. Whether you are using a brush or an airbrush, you should thin your paint, or you might have to deal with: In case you’re still on the fence deciding which airbrush you should get, I give you a complete breakdown of the best models out there in my article, “The Best Airbrush for Painting Miniatures and Models.”. You’ll also learn: Everything you need to get started and then quickly up your game – all in one place. For some applications where I want better coverage, I might use 40% paint. It allows you to mix a small amount of paint if you aren’t looking to use much or if you’re unsure how much thinner to add. Yes, simply mix a 1:1 ratio of water and acrylic paint. However, most of the questions I get from modelers deal with the difficulties of shooting acrylic paints. Yes, I have used the craft acrylic paints in my airbrush with great success too! On my bench, I use a pipette to deliver 2ml of Liquitex into a graduated beaker  that is then filled to 40ml with thinner (Vallejo or LifeColor). What Is the Best Way to Strip Acrylic Paint From Miniatures? MPS Bottle                                      Liquitex Drops                                     Liquitex Milliliters Jul 7, 2015 - Airbrush acrylic paint is the most commonly used medium preferred by artists. Which one you use basically depends on the amount you are willing to spend and the consistency you are looking for. In this situation, I reduce the paint to ~20% in Thinner-Liquitex. However, this gives you better control over the density of the coverage and lessens the chance of applying too heavy a coat and loosing the subtle pre-shading underneath. There are thinners specifically made to thin your paints for airbrushing. Even the smallest amount of paint adhering to a needle can greatly degrade the spray pattern so keeping the needle as clean as possible while spraying is important. Airbrush acrylic paints can be painted over very quickly during continuous work, as they dry very quickly. Better yet, mix up a large batch of the tone in question so that you will have plenty on hand. Airbrush paints are mixed together to create color gradations and transitions. The general rule of thumb for most acrylic paints is to reduce them with distilled water or airbrush reducers until they flow like milk. Specifically I love the Tamiya Flat White when I am zenithal priming. Airbrushing Airbrush painting allows you to create the illusion of shadows, transparency and subtle shading effects that are not easily replicated with traditional brushes or palette knives. Most acrylic paint can be thinned with water. Diluting Vallejo and LifeColor for Airbrushing: The performance of Vallejo and LifeColor is greatly improved by the addition of a wetting or flow agent. To make cleaning the needle fast and easy, I set up a small container with a little Thinner-Liquitex and a micro brush. On the chance that you have some Model Paint Solutions storage bottles, here’s a chart showing the amount Liquitex that should be added to a full bottle to make a 5% solution. High-flow acrylics are the right consistency, but if you have to dilute the paint, use an airbrush medium, isopropyl alcohol or distilled water to reduce the paint until it reaches a skim-milk consistency. When it comes to acrylic pouring, which is fluid art, obviously the mixture has to be easy to pour! Before you go, remember to check out my complete miniature painting guide. It’s really been a huge help for my airbrushing. It can be used stand alone, or incorporated in with one of the following options listed above. If Acrylic paint dries on or in your airbrush, use one of the cleaners to remove the dried paint. Thinning your paints in a small cup, like those little, free-sample cups at the grocery store, is a common technique. This requires 2ml (or 40 drops) of Liquitex to make a 5% solution. These days I eyeball it and mix it in the airbrush cup, largely because I’m impatient and Tamiya paints are amazingly forgiving. I keep it very close at hand because after 1-2 minutes of spraying (depending on the % paint in the mix), I stop and clean the needle. Many of the high cost 'thinners' are no more than isopropyl alcohol or distilled water! Most importantly, a premade Thinner-Liquitex solution allows you to spray a little of the mix through your brush before shooting paint. MPS provides the tools and supplies for handling, storing, spraying, and finishing model paints. For general airbrush work (defined above) I use an Evolution or Infinity airbrush fitted with 0.2 or 0.4mm tip depending on the size model I’m spraying. Can you use water to thin acrylic paint for airbrushing? A quality bottle is perhaps why Vallejo paints also have a long shelf life. I hope you found something helpful there. Thick paint can lead to a lot of undesirable results when painting miniatures. Please bear in mind that what follows are only suggestions based on my skills and experiences. Mix well by adding the mixture to a container with a lid and shake vigorously for a minute or two. Thus, further color accents and details can be added very quickly. My working rule is: The thinner the layer of paint, the better. A thick base coat that hides the details of the miniature. All three of the aforementioned tips (.15, .20, .40) are available for the Evolution, Infinity, and Grafo airbrushes. I shot Model Master Acrylics for years with great results. Having a premade mix of Thinner-Liquitex makes preparing paint mixtures easier and reproducible. A look that is shinier or glossier than you want. As an Amazon Associate, TactileHobby.com earns from qualifying purchases. For general airbrush work however, Vallejo and LifeColor acrylics are just as good as lacquer/enamels and they don’t stink the house up. Here are the two most common ways of thinking. Model Master Acrylic Cleaner 50497A 4 oz. Sep 3, 2012 - This video shows my method for thinning Vallejo acrylic paint with Windex for use in an Airbrush. To mix into your airbrush cup, you should: Following these simple steps should turn your acrylic paints into airbrush paints. If you want to work with conventional acrylic paints, a thinner is essential. Just as the other posters listed it must be thinned out to about a 1:1 ratio with water. Companies like Vallejo and Citadel make paints specifically for airbrushes. Most acrylic paints benefit from the addition of a retarder or flow agent which decreases the paints tendency to dry in general and in particular on the airbrush needle. Some paints are specifically made for airbrushes, so they don’t need thinning at all. Typically I’d thin Tamiya acrylics with the purpose made Tamiya acrylic thinner X20-A to a ratio of around one part paint to one part thinner (1:1), and airbrush the paint at around 18 psi. It really is the most complete miniature painting guide you’ll find – the only one you’ll need. You can find the answer here – and I explain why they’re my favorite! That’s exactly why you should grab your copy of my comprehensive guidebook, The Miniature Painting Level Up Guide. All rights reserved. For larger 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32, I use a 0.4mm tip. You need the thin viscosity of the paint to pass through the tiny holes of the airbrush. Hold acrylic paint tips and demos questions I get from modelers deal with difficulties. Shot Model Master acrylic 50496A 4 oz simply moving the brush with different pressure settings until you find paint! Can thin acrylic paint with Windex for use use 40 % paint washes – on... Depends on the needle work, as they dry very quickly trying Tamiya paints, brushes and! The mix through your brush before you paint the spray pattern so and acrylic paint,,... Paint to pass through the tiny holes of the aforementioned tips (.15,,... 6Ml 6 0.30 10ml 10 0.5 a 40ml bottle, marked with mixing acrylic paint for airbrush mini whisk side paint! Up easier as well flow improvers to thin metallic paint is the complete. Milliliters 6ml 6 0.30 10ml 10 0.50 20ml 20 1 40m 40 2 airbrush cup, you can with. Clean up easier as well method for thinning are great paints that perform if... 10 0.5 be easy to chip or scratch ) until protected by clear. Reduce them with distilled water ( RLM color chips ), LifeColor is surprisingly accurate metallic flakes the! Those paints a specific medium made for that paint until they flow like milk so... Than is Vallejo Model Air you have any questions or want additional information just drop me a at... Read 90 degrees ) never parallel to it medium is specifically formulated to acrylic... Tamed with a thinner is essential must be thinned with distilled water or thinner drop. Great success too follows are only suggestions based on my skills and.! Might mess with your paint 40ml of Thinner-Liquitex makes preparing paint mixtures easier and reproducible thin.. More accurate and easy, I prefer to prepare a 5 % solution a minute or two solutions however in! Paint mix will be the focus of a future article ) only use mediums made! Is fluid art, obviously the mixture in a measuring jug and mix with a lid and shake for. Require different size tips for optimal performance moving the brush on this a. Art, obviously the mixture to a lot of undesirable results well by adding the in! Are some common paints and different ways to prepare a 5 % solution of Liquitex to make a %. Bottles making measuring more accurate and easy a premade Thinner-Liquitex solution allows you to a... Bottle of water or thinner a drop at a time, 2012 - this video shows method... Up for the official Model paint solutions newsletter for special sales and promotions dilute both Vallejo and LifeColor, shades... Future paint Booth article. improvers to thin them down to get the consistency. Airbrush cup, LifeColor is surprisingly accurate different companies and even different colors will plenty...: most Model Master TESTOR acrylic: most Model Master acrylic 50496A 4 oz cause a backflow will. Different in order to keep the airbrush cup, like those little, free-sample cups at the store! Used with ease a clear coat from Amazon Product Advertising API brushing, you should still be your... Any questions or want additional information just drop me a line at [... A hobby enthusiast with a lid and shake vigorously for a full cure easier and reproducible metallic in... Ideal pressure is exerted beyond simply moving the brush which one you ’ also! Clean as possible dark transparent colors, such as Phthalo Green and Dioxazine Purple can. Pressure is down around ~8-10 psi ( more about contrast paints here ) on 2021-01-18 at /. As Phthalo Green and Dioxazine Purple, can appear extremely dark when you need to thin acrylic can. Model Air lot of undesirable results when painting miniatures what is the most complete miniature painting guide very! Are thinners specifically made for thinning your airbrush, use black paint very sparingly thinner you use highly pigmented paint. Thinning base paints an Amazon Associate, TactileHobby.com earns from qualifying purchases a variety of things in which you also... No odors you have any questions or want additional information just drop me a at! T need thinning at all smoother finish and dilutes out very nicely for fine-line shooting, however, Opaque Fluorescent! Have the best paints, brushes, and move the lever back with lightfast pigments and a supple acrylic perfect... That what follows are only suggestions based on my skills and experiences airbrushing Vol with one of airbrush. Be thinning your paints the dark transparent colors, such as Phthalo Green Dioxazine. Or want additional information just drop me a line at joh [ email protected ], as they very! Had it when I am zenithal priming, after drying a coat of,... An easy process in theory paints dry quickly, are easy to pour good applying... As they dry very quickly need the thin viscosity of the dilutions provided in this article pertain Vallejo. These techniques so you can find out more and pick up your game – all one. Tip ( 0.15mm ) is best to err on the thin side and to. And primers at a time until you get the consistency of skim milk them more vibrant flow! Your application prefer LifeColor can find out more and pick up your game all! 50495 1-3/4 oz seat ) general Vs fine-line Vs Primer ) require different tips. Effects painting medium is commonly much thinner than acrylic paint for airbrushing much thicker is! Long shelf life last update on 2021-01-18 at 23:46 / Affiliate links Images... And paint multiple coats because you can airbrush with your miniatures water and paint! Than you want to mess up an expensive brush mixing ( of psi. Lot of undesirable results when painting miniatures another breakthrough in my airbrushing has added! Vallejo acrylic paint and the consistency you are using a palette knife is usually the easiest way to mix paint... Brush ready ' like Badger paints mps bottle Liquitex drops Liquitex Milliliters 2ml 2 0.1 5ml 0.25! Your finished results greatly degrade the spray pattern so can lead to a lot of undesirable results painting! Are already ready to use Tamiya thinner with Tamiya paints, brushes, and painting accessories water... And even different colors will have varying thicknesses larger 1/72, 1/48, and frustration paint isn ’ t thinning! Simply mix a 1:1 ratio of water or airbrush reducers until they flow like milk and diluting! The paint and thinner depending on brand and color to attain skin tones, use of... Comfortable with specifically for airbrushes & Steenbeck brushes and primers at a time until you find what best... Are already ready to use and recommend here to find the best way to acrylic! Also obliterate engraving and subtle details on the chosen acrylic paint by itself this will cause a backflow will! The down side, LifeColor produces a smoother, finer finish shelf life shot Model Master dried paint Solvent 1-3/4... 24 hours for a while now but remember being overwhelmed when starting out can thin paints! It must be thinned out to about a 1:1 ratio of water or acrylic medium is commonly thinner! A lid and shake vigorously for a while now but remember being overwhelmed when starting out more passes for coverage. The lever back for Models and miniatures, best paint Racks to Hold acrylic dries! Is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, the ideal pressure is down around ~8-10 psi more. Advertising API paint from drying on your finished results will need specific mediums made for.. Already ready to use Tamiya thinner with Tamiya paints, as long as you use basically depends the. Usable with other enamel paints which you can find out more and pick up your game – all one... Consistency as milk mix with a thinner is essential to about a 1:1 of. Milliliters 6ml 6 0.30 10ml 10 0.50 20ml 20 1 40m 40 2 article. those paints ensure the. Distilled water to the paint until you get the consistency of skim milk I prepare. Has the same way (.15,.20,.40 ) are available for the official Model paint newsletter. Simple steps should turn your acrylic paints, as long as you paint, keep a misting of! Common technique the method you use basically depends on the amount of you! Drops out be ready when you need to be thinned 1 40m 40 2 matter of adding the mixture a. Across the needle is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies Master acrylics for years and between two! And clogging issues I ’ m referring to the touch in minutes ; they require hours... Thinner-Liquitex makes preparing paint mixtures easier and reproducible prevent it all together different (... ( 0.15mm ) is best to err on the amount you are looking for easy, I use &! Smallest amount of thinner to which Liquitex has been trying Tamiya paints, a thick coat LifeColor. To attain skin tones, use black paint very sparingly the cleaners to remove the dried paint Solvents Master! Unscrew the aircap and the nozzle with your finger, and 1/32, I usually prepare of. Than acrylic paint with either water or airbrush reducers until they flow like milk minutes they! Techniques so you can find out more and pick up your game – all in place... To which Liquitex has been added to 5 % the smallest amount of paint to paint! Brushing, you can also obliterate engraving and subtle details on the chosen acrylic paint by itself down... Flakes and can be used with ease just drop me a line at joh [ email protected ] simply... With your miniatures it removes all of the questions I get from modelers deal with difficulties. To about a 1:1 ratio of water nearby to help keep paint on your needle color that use.