Thinning Vallejo Model Colour paints

[AlanG]

I am used to using Vallejo Model air paints and they come pre-tinned, ready to spray.

But i have a few Model colour paints that i would like to use to spray and they are not pre-thinned. What medium should i use to thin them? Preferably cheap as possible.

[slupanter]

I am used to using Vallejo Model air paints and they come pre-tinned, ready to spray.

But i have a few Model colour paints that i would like to use to spray and they are not pre-thinned. What medium should i use to thin them? Preferably cheap as possible.

98% IPA mate.

I how this helps too

[AlanG]

Thank you very much Alexander

[Steven000]

I prefer using the vallejo 'airbrush thinner' because it helps the adhesion of the thinned paint (it's sort of sticky)
Cheers, Steven

[JayCee]

I use Vallejo paints all the time. The only thinner I have ever used is plain old water ! Possibly not the best, but it works for me.
John.

[adt70hk]

Alan

I do it regularly for my British armour. I use their own thinner. I start at a ratio of 1:1 and adjust from there if it's a bit thick or thin.

Depending on how much I'm mixing I use a drop or two of a drying retarder as part of the thinning mixture.

HTH.

Andrew

[AlanG]

Cheers guys

[Tim Marlow]

For airbrush work I would also add a drop of flow improver or you’ll probably get bad tip drying. I find that very useful with model air colour as well.

[AlanG]

For airbrush work I would also add a drop of flow improver or you’ll probably get bad tip drying.

I already have and use Flow Improver 71.362 . Works great

[Dave Ward]

I am used to using Vallejo Model air paints and they come pre-tinned, ready to spray.

But i have a few Model colour paints that i would like to use to spray and they are not pre-thinned. What medium should i use to thin them? Preferably cheap as possible.

Alan,
I always use good South Gloucestershire tap water - very soft water & I don't have any problems with residue in the airbrush - best of all it's on tap - unlimited supply!
Dave

[AlanG]

I always use good South Gloucestershire tap water

Bit far to travel from the north of Scotland to get some. But thanks for the info

[Ian M]

I started off using tap water but I found that the dried and cured paint was very fragile, allmost chalky and was very easy taking scratches and sucked up finger prints like a sponge.
Use the correct thinners and it was a joy. Hard when dry and didn't scratch, the finish was also much better.
In fairness I will add that our water here is pretty much as hard as it can be

[Dave Ward]

I started off using tap water but I found that the dried and cured paint was very fragile, allmost chalky and was very easy taking scratches and sucked up finger prints like a sponge.
Use the correct thinners and it was a joy. Hard when dry and didn't scratch, the finish was also much better.
In fairness I will add that our water here is pretty much as hard as it can be :sad:

I have an electric kettle that has been in daily use for 20+ years & the element hasn't furred up ( just using tap water - never been cleaned internally! ). A bar of soap lasts ages - you only have to pick it up and your hands get covered in lather!
Dave

[Ian M]

Oh David you rotter you. Cleaning the kettle and coffee maker is a twice a month job here...

[adt70hk]

Oh David you rotter you. Cleaning the kettle and coffee maker is a twice a month job here...

Oh David you rotter you. Cleaning the kettle and coffee maker is a twice a month job here...

Ian

I suggest a challenge to see who has the hardest water....I think I might win!

ATB.

Andrew