airbrush thinners and airbrush flow improver ??

[Guest]

carrying on with my theme of dumb questions could i ask what is the difference between the two products ?? and their differing uses ?? (if ya dont ask ya dont learn :relieved: ) and i guess im talking about the vallejo series

[Mr Bowcat]

As far as I know, thinner thins the paint (obvs :smiling3 whereas flow improver reduces teh surface tension and helps the paint flow over the surface better, and I believe reduces tip dry.

[Guest]

so one uses both products in differing ratio's ??

[Mr Bowcat]

I guess so. I've not used flow improver, and I hate Vallejo paints.

You would definitely need to use thinner, few paints are airbrush ready (at least the ones I've used). The flow improver more so if you need it, ie if you are having tip drying issues or other flow issues. I coulds be massively wrong here, in which case someone will be along shortly to correct me.

[Dave Ward]

Alan,
I've only really used flow improver when the weather has been hot - like last summer. The paint was virtually drying as it came out of the airbrush, and giving a very poor finish, so the improver increases the drying time. I also feel ( just my opinion ) that it reduces the paint adhesion, a thing that thinners does not do. If you can not use flow improver, it's probably better! I've been using Vallejo, Hataka, AK, & Mig Acrylics, and to be honest, I don't think that any one brand is better than the other! ( again just my opinion !)
Dave

[Guest]

ta dave and would i be right in assuming "thinners" would be universal (acrylic) against differing manufacturers ?? if so what do you guys use ? (dumb question no 8) !!!

[Dave Ward]

Alan,
I don't use thinners - I just use tap water - it works for me, so I don't bother with the makers brews. I'm not at all sure about compatibility between brands - I'd have to defer to others with more experience of this
Dave

[Guest]

i got some peckham water at home already lol

[Steve Jones]

I use Vallejo paints Alan and I assume you are referring to Model Air and Model Color. Model Air is designed to be used in the airbrush and Model Color for the paintbrush. However the range of Model Color colours is a good one and more often than not you will want to put them in your airbrush. At this point they will need to be thinned down for use in the airbrush. Water is effective however I use blue liquid windolene. You will also come across issues with the odd bottle of Model Air as well. So if you find the flow is poor or the needle is clogging then add some water/windolene. If you are airbrushing for some time using any acrylic keep a damp cloth handy to repeatedly clean the needle and nozzle to prevent the build up of drying paint. I personally use airbrush cleaner in this instance. Happy painting

[Guest]

hmmm i have so so much to learn :anguished: was just wondering to maybe buy some primer to practice using the airbrush

[Si Benson]

Hi Alan,

I’ve recently switched over to using AMMO Mig acrylics after years of using Tamiya paint.


The thinner seems to work well but I had the paint drying on the needle tip, a common problem when ever I’ve used true acrylics in the airbrush. No big problem as I used a damp cotton bud to clean the tip.

I’ve also recently used vallejo flow improver with Vallejo paint and had some reasonable results.
I would go with your instincts and get some to try.
Hth

[Steve Jones]

I started airbrushing a few years back now. I spent ages practising using different paint makes, as well as acrylics v enamels. The market place is so big because every one is different. Also what a figure painter may use could be totally different to an AFV painter. So have a good practice and keep watching the You Tube vids and as always ypu can ask this motley crew :smiling3:. There will always be help and advice here from someone

[Guest]

ultimate primer seems to get good feedback / reviews anyone used it ??

[Dave Ward]

Alan,
I've used Ultimate Primer - it's very good. Then, I tried Stynylrez Primer ( SMS have it in stock) when I couldn't get any UP, and I found it even better! It seems to suit the way I use my airbrush, pressure, distance etc. I'm afraid it's a matter of trying a few, and settling on the one which gives you the best results
Dave

[stillp]

I've always thought you should use thinner from the same manufacturer as the paint - if you use paint A with thinner B, and it doesn't work, who are you going to blame? Water seems to work well with all the acrylics I've tried though.

Also if you try flow improver, be aware that it slows the drying time, so spray thin coats and leave plenty of time between coats, or the paint will stay tacky for ages - don't ask how I know!

Pete