Thinning Acrylic Paint

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Apr 07, 2005 5:45 pm

Hi!

Just a quick question:

I am a 'newbie' in airbrushing, and am looking at using Testor's
MM Acrylic paints.

I noticed on the label that is can be used for airbrushing.

Can it be used straight of the bottle, or should it be thinned?

If what is the proper thinner to used and the thinnier/paint ratio.

I am currently using the Testor Mighty Mini set, with the Medium and Light grey MM acrylic paints.

Thanks.

<Gleason>

Devin · Post by **Devin** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 12:40 am

If you're going to airbrush the Testors MM, I'd suggest using their specific thinner. Yes, you can thin with water, alcohol, or windshield fluid, but I've tried all of the above and I get a much nicer, and predictable, finish with the Testors thinner.

The thinning ratio varies from color to color. You're looking for a consistency like skim milk for a typical medium tip airbrush setup. For the MM acrylics, I generally start with a 3 parts paint to 2 parts thinner mix, and then adjust from there.

-Devin

les · Post by **les** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:40 am

A general rule with paints is to thin the paint with the manufacturer's thinner. Clean brushes or the air brush with anything that will cut the paint.

Post by **Cadman** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:44 am

I'm going to echo the Testors brand thinner. I have tried everything else and it has made all the difference in the world.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:09 am

Thanks to everyone for the info.

Testors it shall be then.....

<Gleason>

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 8:54 am

Distilled water works for me! Costs 99 cents a gallon at your local grocery store.

I use Testors Model Master Marine Acrylics all of the time with my Badger Crescendo 175 airbrush using the fine tip and head. I add 10 to 15% distilled water to the paint and stir extra well. Paint results are terrific!

Devin · Post by **Devin** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:58 am

I forgot to mention this, and Martin reminded me it when we were talking about airbrusing at the show yesterday:

I also put a drop of dry retarder in my mixed acrylics. I use Liquitex "Slow-Dri" Fluid Retarder. It keeps the paint from drying as fast (like while in the air or building up on the tip) and helps with a smoother finish (more time for the paint to settle). Use it sparingly, though! Only one or two drops per full Badger sized bottle of mixed paint. Too much and the stuff will never dry.

-Devin