Thinning varnish.

[Gern]

Hi guys. Can anyone recommend a thinner for Humbrol Gloss and Matt varnishes? Every time I try to spray them, I end up with puddles of varnish even as low as about 12 psi.

[Tim Marlow]

Which sort bud? They do acrylics and Matt/Gloss Cote…..

[Gern]

Which sort bud? They do acrylics and Matt/Gloss Cote…..

Ooops! It's both their Acrylic Gloss and Acrylic Matt.

[Tim Marlow]

Ooops! It's both their Acrylic Gloss and Acrylic Matt.

Hi Gern. I would try just water, if you are not thinning by much, or something like Vallejo airbrush thinner if you need to go a bit further. Obviously test it on something disposable first, just in case you get the dreaded varnish frosting.

[Gern]

Thanks Tim. I'm hoping a bit of thinner will help it level itself. I'll try water first.

[Tim Marlow]

Thanks Tim. I'm hoping a bit of thinner will help it level itself. I'll try water first.

Best thing to give it self levelling properties is probably a drop of flow aid ?. Airbrush thinners has that already in it. When spraying VJ model air I always add a couple of drops of flow aid and dilute a little further with thinners. It minimises tip drying.

[Jim R]

Does a drop of washing up liquid work as a flow aid? I read that somewhere.

[OldWalrus]

Great question and answers, I've had the same issues. No varnishing needed in the immediate future but will bear these solutions in mind next time, Thank you all.

[Tim Marlow]

Does a drop of washing up liquid work as a flow aid? I read that somewhere.

Can’t see that working too well Jim. It will reduce surface tension, which flow aid also does, but it’s surfactant effect will probably disrupt the paint film and materially reduce paint adhesion. I’d stick with the proper stuff. A small bottle lasts ages so it’s not overly expensive.

[stillp]

Does a drop of washing up liquid work as a flow aid?

It'll attract moisture so your varnish might not dry.
Pete

[Guest]

Is it possible to thin VJ Gloss varnish too much?

I think I made a big mistake of going with a 50% Varnish/25% thinner/25% Flow Improver (25PSI) as this had worked well with my colour coats (advised on a youtube video prior to joining here) but the varnish mix went on really pimply/orange peel like even though it went through the airbrush fine.

If anyone has a VJ gloss/Thinner/Flow Improver mix ratio. for next time, please let me know

[Tim Marlow]

Is it possible to thin VJ Gloss varnish too much?

I think I made a big mistake of going with a 50% Varnish/25% thinner/25% Flow Improver (25PSI) as this had worked well with my colour coats (advised on a youtube video prior to joining here) but the varnish mix went on really pimply/orange peel like even though it went through the airbrush fine.

If anyone has a VJ gloss/Thinner/Flow Improver mix ratio. for next time, please let me know

Hi DJP. Orange peeling is due to spraying too far away at too high a pressure. Basically the paint/varnish partially dries before it hits the surface so doesn’t spread out properly before it dries completely. I’d say your mix has far too much flow improver too.

[stillp]

I’d say your mix has far too much flow improver too.

That's what I was thinking.

[Guest]

Brilliant, thankyou. Think I need some practice with my airbrush before the next model