You can prevent under-binding from occurring by adding an acrylic medium to your paint once you have added the reducer. Here are 3 best airbrush thinners with prices and useful notes: To mix homemade acrylic airbrush thinner for water-based paint, you can use distilled water, Fantastik all-purpose cleaner, glycerine, and isopropyl alcohol. There are certain brands that can be used straight from the bottle in the airbrush, but keep in mind that you may require a higher psi (pounds per square inch) to get the desired spray pattern, should you use the paint without reducing it. The optimal ratio is 1:1 pouring medium to paint. 
Add 30% water when your work with pre-primed surfaces. This is a ready-to-use product that offers a great choice for creating color washes or certain watercolor techniques.
To thin acrylic paint with pouring medium, you add 10% to 20% medium to your paint. The paint will also overwork the airbrushs compressor, as the need for a higher psi is required to move the thicker paint through the airbrush system. These two ingredients will not mix Thinning acrylic paint with white spirit is NOT a recommended thinning method for beginners. The right ratio for thinning with water depends on what effects you need and the surface you paint on. If there is any type of finish that claims that it does not require thinning before use with an airbrush, it is more than likely a transparent paint. The durability and overall consistency of the paint will also remain the same when using this paint thinner. This medium will not yellow, is water-resistant once dry, and will improve the adhesion of your paint to its surface. You need to be careful that you do not experience under-binding of the acrylic paint when you use only the reducer (either store-bought or just water). You need even consistency and viscosity. It is a piece of important information because colored products can affect viscosity. How To Fix Cracked Acrylic Painting in 3 Easy Ways, 27 Tips How to Paint Without Brush Strokes or Marks, 25 Acrylic Painting Techniques For Beginners to Paint like a, 11 Amazing Painting Surfaces for Acrylics: What Do You Use, Terms and Conditions for Acrylicpaintingschool.com, Privacy Policy of Acrylicpaintingschool.com, AcrylicPaintingSchool Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). You also should consider thinning when the weather makes your paint thicker (temperature, humidity, and air pressure). The ratiois a 4:1 ratio ofpainttoacetone. Recipe #2: mix 2/3 of distilled water with 1/3 of isopropyl alcohol and add 1 drop of glycerine per every 50 ml of the thinning mixture, e.i. Do not use plywood. The best part is that you can adjust the proportions of each of the four ingredients until you find that perfect mix. I made up a mixture of water and alcohol using the proportions above, then added around 10 ml of Flow Improver and 10 ml of Fluid Retarder for this test batch. You do not have to worry about acrylic paint giving off any smells or harmful fumes, which is great as you can work with it indoors with limited ventilation. You can NOT thin water-based acrylic paint with mineral spirits because they are petroleum-based and will significantly decrease paint adhesion. If you use acrylic latex paint in a non-friendly environment, you can mix your paint with a paint conditioner without thinning. 
Mediums still bond the pigment with the surface, increase UV resistance of the pain and help to achieve different effects, e.i. Add water in small drips. For airbrush applications, the suggested thinner-to-paint ratio is 1:4, although you may need to experiment a little to achieve the effect you want. There are a variety of ways in which to reduce your acrylic paints, from using a manufactured product or acrylic medium to using distilled water or making it yourself. I use 99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol as the lesser strength alcohols are not as effective (according to the folks that taught me the alcohol approach years ago) and is likewise recommended in the video. As manufacturers recommend special thinners, I will also provide you with the 14 best acrylic paint thinners and some extra tips to make your painting process more enjoyable. The amount of water does not matter, as any excess is absorbed, and the pigment will remain on the surface when you paint onto an unprimed surface. This product is no different, and will dilute your water-based paints without any risk of color loss. Make notes and remember which ratio was the best for you. Water-based acrylic paint thinning reducer and extender base. One should experiment to determine what the correct consistency is for your particular project, and how much thinning you may require. Normally, by taking the time to thin your airbrush paint before using it, the airbrush will provide you with a more consistent spray pattern. The thinning acrylic paint also creates lighter consistency and viscosity. Yes, you can use certain airbrush cleaners as a thinner. We have included some basic directions on thinning your acrylic paint for airbrushing in a number of ways. Distilled water doesn't have the contaminants/additives found in tap water or well water. It is easy to apply, quick to dry, and emits a low odor. This product will work to create a paint solution that has the right viscosity for airbrushing. Plus, the manufacturer will usually have full instructions. This is NOT a recommended thinning method for beginners. One of the reasons for this is that transparent paints are a lot thinner than opaque paints. Even if the paint is marked as airbrush paint, this does not mean that it is 100% perfect and ready to use in an airbrush. The best way to thin acrylic paint for a spray gun depends on the type of sprayer. They create a stain effect and as the name says improve paint flow. Thinning acrylic paints is a process of adding to acrylic paints water or any other medium which will slowly dissolve paint making it thinner as a result. Please, follow some easy recommendations on how to thin acrylic paint for the spray gun below. With a recent test build, I used Tamiya, Italeri (Vallejo), Gunze Sangyo Aqueous (Mr.Hobby) and Akan acrylics, all thinned with this mixture. The majority of paints, should you choose to use them in an airbrush without first thinning them, will result in the clogging of the airbrush, as well as giving an inconsistent spray pattern. You can thin acrylic paint with acetone.
That's when I saw this YouTube video from Genessis Models in the UK. Some artists prefer to use various chemical thinners for thinning acrylic paint. On the contrary, a binder can add more shine and gloss and will prevent paint from soaking into the surface. Water doesnt contain any acrylic polymer emulsion.
Non-yellowing, a liquid binder with a translucent, glossy film. Acrylic polymer emulsion is a binding and pigmenting agent that makes acrylic paint water-soluble and sensitive to thinning acrylic paints. In fact, many people, especially artists who worked with oil before, wonder if you can thin acrylic paint with alcohol, spirits, or acetone. This is available to purchase from your local hobby store, craft store, or even Walmart, and is quite an inexpensive product. The few times I've tried water were enough to keep me on the alcohol path (sounds like W.C. Fields, doesn't it?). Once you have mastered the technique of applying even strokes of paint, you will then be, Read More Airbrush Clothing How to Airbrush T-Shirts and FabricsContinue. If you are working with paints that have a transparent finish, on the other hand, you will only have to reduce them slightly. Pouring mediums you can use: Liquitex Professional Pouring Effects Medium, Golden Artist Colors Color Pouring Medium, DECOART Pouring Medium. However, as there are so many different paints available to purchase, it is not easy to advise as to the exact chemical composition you should be using for your particular solvent-based paint. We need to thin paint to get better results in painting and the right method and thinning mixing ratio will come with experience, but I recommend you start learning and trying right now with my full guide. A good rule of thumb when thinning paint for an airbrush to begin with a paint to thinner ratio of 1:1, which you can then increase as needed. Tap water has a variety of impurities that can negatively impact the composition of the paint. You can also use an airbrush acrylic medium to thin out your airbrush paint. You will need to whisk or shake the thinned paint mixture often, as you will notice the pigment flakes tend to settle at the bottom of the container. The most effective way is to use specially made thinners. It is a good idea to consult the manufacturers technical datasheet; that is, if the manufacturers have one available. In this case, apply additional coats of paint. These include the size of the needle, the size of the liquid nozzle, the type or make of airbrush you are using, and of course the air pressure you use. Your project and particular brand of paint you have chosen to use will be the ultimate decider as to whether you will need to thin the paint out at all or leave it as is. Liquitex manufacturers in their official FAQ do not recommend water for thinning acrylic paint. You will, however, have to use distilled water and cannot simply use ordinary tap water. As long as you then follow the instructions for combining the paint and the thinner, you will be guaranteed no problems. Be careful when reducing paint, as excessive thinning can compromise the colors and may cause the paint not to adhere well to the surface you are spraying on. Airbrush medium is almost as thin as water and provides smooth application. Gently remind you that the best way is to choose paint thinner of the same brand as your paint. If youve achieved desirable consistency, fill the spray gun and start spraying. Contrast this with a 250 ml bottle of Tamiya X20A thinner for almost $9.00 USD. The thinning medium method is the best way to thin acrylic paint for beginners because you dont have to worry about the ideal ratio and eventual peeling of the paint. Paint. When you use any a store-bought reducer or a homemade reducer, they include ingredients that assist the drying time and fluidity of the thinned airbrush paint. This is because you have impacted the actual bind that holds the pigment particles together. Here, in one of the sections below, I sum up the best acrylic thinners for you with prices and notes. Water on its own will not add these properties. The Windex doesn't thin the acrylics, it dissolves them and running Windex through the airbrush doesn't leave any foul smells (but if your spouse does ask about the smell, tell her you're cleaning your room). When thinning your acrylic paint, use a 50:50 mixture of Windex or rubbing alcohol to acrylic paint, and then spray it through the airbrush. When using an alcohol-based solvent to thin out the acrylic paint, the alcohol will give off odors and fumes. The best way to thin paint is to use mediums, not spirits. if you have 50 ml of isopropyl alcohol and 100 ml of water, your mixture is 150 ml and you add 3 drops of glycerine. Acrylic paint is a great medium for your airbrush, as it is safe to use and comes in both transparent and opaque forms. Your airbrush paint may need to be thinned out before you can use it in your airbrush. Learning how to spray paint is not the easiest skill in the world to learn, but it is extremely useful. It is always best to aim for thinner paint as opposed to thick, as you can always apply multiple coats. Copyright 2022 TacAir Publications, LLC. To, Read More Best Airbrush Kit Your helpful Guide and Comparison TestContinue. I will not cover oil-based paints here because my experience and blog are focused on acrylic. You must mix it thoroughly the best way to ensure this is to have the mixture in a lidded container that is tightly sealed, and then to shake it with vigor for at least a few minutes. If youve achieved the consistency you were looking for, start painting. Cheaper craft store acrylics tend to have smaller flakes and can be used with ease. While, Read More Best Paint Sprayer for Furniture A Furniture Paint Spraying TutorialContinue, Creative design with the airbrush technique has become very popular in recent years, not only among professional artists, but also as a hobby that is relatively easy to learn. If you need, repeat steps 3 to 5. This particular acrylic medium is great because it decreases the amount of clogging and tip build-up, thus making the airbrushing process that much easier. Water is the easiest way to thin acrylic paint because water affects the composition directly, more specifically the binder, and slowly dissolves it. Use your thinner according to the manufacturers instructions. Celebrating 23 years of hobby news and reviews. The only setback that most people find with spray guns is how they work. Can you dilute acrylic paint with water? You can also use a flow improver, which increases the flow of the paint and helps you to avoid the tip drying out. Related post: Floetrol for acrylic pouring: Full Guide [Floetrol Recipe & 9 Substitutes]. Affiliate links mean no extra costs for my readers but support my blog with little commissions I get. Shake vigorously for a minute or two or use a whisk. I will help you to see all the precautions to each method and help to choose the best method how to make acrylic paint thinner. You can thin water-based acrylic paint withisopropyl (rubbing alcohol). But this method is not highly recommended for beginners because even a slight over-pouring of water can potentially ruin the painting. You can also use this medium in paints for normal brushing as well, provided that your paints are water-based. We are supposed to thin acrylic paint when the viscosity seems too thick for us. This paint thinner is ideal for model air and liquid acrylic paints, although it has been found to work with a variety of other mediums as well. In fact, this product will work with any acyrlic, watercolor, or gouache paint. In addition, please see some well known options below: This paint thinner is made by the same manufacturer as Vallejo Paint, which is a reputable brand that is well-known for producing top-quality products. I did try a few shots of acrylics straight out of their bottles to see the difference in performance. : watercolor look, glazing; matte, satin, or gloss finish effects; extended dry time; color extension; increased flexibility; additional cracks; shaped surface, etc. Glossy.
For a better understanding of why we need to thin acrylic paint and what do you thin acrylic paint with, you should know exactly what is acrylic paint and what are its main characteristics. Do not add too much paint because latex paint becomes even thicker drying. This reducer offers a specialized blend of mild solvents that will allow your airbrush colors to atomize and flow smoothly and evenly. The paint responded extremely well out of my airbrush. This is an effective alternative for thinning your paints for airbrushing.
There are 2 most popular ways to thin acrylic paint: water and range of mediums. Shake vigorously for a minute or two or use a. As an artist, acrylic allows you the flexibility to create an assortment of textures and to layer your paints. In fact, the thinning process will also depend on what paint you choose to use with a spray gun. There I was one sleepless night cruising through YouTube videos and I happened across a subject that caught my eye - making your own acrylic thinner. The binder assures waterproofness, gloss, and fast and even drying of the paint.
Yes, you can thin acrylic paint with water. Flow improvers are expensive and good for professional artists. Please make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated area and that you are wearing a mask when working with this product. Water-based premium reducer for thinning. You must work in a well-ventilated area if you choose to use an alcohol-based solvent. The suggested recipes that follow are ideal for water-based paints, and should not be used with solvent-based paints: Another option to thin your paints is to use distilled water. You can also try it with all precautions and strictly following manufacturers guidelines. Acrylic Painting for Beginners to Paint like Pros. The need to thin metallic paint is often determined by the size of the metallic flakes in the paint. Take your palette knife or squeezed brush and apply paint to check if the consistency is right for you.
But if you thin paint with water, remember that water dilutes thepaintand lightens itscolor. For the majority of the time, you will see the benefit from reducing your airbrush paint through thinning it, and the positive impact that this has on how your airbrush operates. It is therefore up to you to do the necessary research on the paint you have selected before turning to an alternative reducer option. The best consistency is similar to honey. So what about costs? You have to control the ratio for thinning: Please, make a note that thick, not thinned, or not properly thinned acrylic paint can damage and slow the airbrush, and alter the spray pattern. We agree now that before painting we should thin our paint. I didn't try using this mixture for airbrush cleanup as I use Windex window cleaner with ammonia for that job. Alternatively, you could place the mixture in a generously sized mixing cup and whip the mixture using a mini whisk. We went through why we thin acrylic paint, what you can potentially use to thin paint and now we move on to how to thin out acrylic paint. The airbrush cleaners and paint thinners can be quite pricey, so your own homemade option may be the way to go. What makes the process so difficult is handling the airbrush itself. One of the main characteristics of acrylic paint is its water-soluble property. This exercise can seem quite daunting if you lack the experience, but with some practice and knowledge of the fundamentals, you will soon be on your way to reviving more than just the odd chair and table. 3. Maintains the stability and strength of the color and slightly slows drying. We may earn a small commission from purchases made through them, at no additional cost to you. Most come with large compressors which can be cumbersome to lug around with you between the different job locations, not to, Read More Best Airless Paint Sprayer Your Guide to Airless Paint GunsContinue, Should you wish to tackle an airbrushing DIY project, the first question you should ask yourself is what safety precautions you should take to ensure that you can complete the task successfully whilst protecting yourself at the same time. Pouring mediums you can use: Liquitex Professional Pouring Effects Medium, Golden Artist Colors Color Pouring Medium, DECOART Pouring Medium, Floetrol. Creates easy paint flow. If you have chosen to use a solvent-based paint (also known as an oil-based paint), we highly recommend that you only use the reducer that has been specifically recommended and formulated for use with the particular paint you are using. With airbrushing you can simply use special airbrushing paints that already contain a thinner. Using alcohol as a thinner has a side effect an odor. I used a 500 ml bottle for my mixture and calculating the costs of materials, it cost about $2.65 USD to mix 500 ml and I have ample fluids to make more batches. The thinning acrylic paints process can seem easy, but without proper experience and guidance, it could be difficult to achieve the desirable effects. It is very simple to mix your acrylic paints in order to be used in an airbrush, which we will explain how to do in this article. The easiest but contradictory method is adding just water.There are also some ingredients that should be never used as thinner such as spirits even though people keep using them.
Contains acrylic polymer. In this article, I will share with you the whole process of thinning acrylic paints depending on the medium, technique, and preferences. Thus, these paints will need to be reduced more so as to achieve the right consistency for airbrushing. The best way to thin acrylic paint with water is to mix 30-50% of the water with the paint (1:2 ratio). As we remember, a binder is a part of the acrylic paint composition. acrylicpouring You can NOT thin water-based acrylic paint with white spirit. In any other case, do not use paint conditioner, because technically it is not thinner. Thinning acrylic paint for spraying is a key step to successful spraying. I've had really great results using alcohol as an acrylic thinner for paints from Tamiya, Gunze Sangyo (Aqueous/Mr.Hobby), Vallejo, Italeri, and Akan (don't try this with Testors Acryl, it took some time to clean the resulting goo from my airbrush). This prduct will work best with any Createx Colors paints. You can airbrush with metallic acrylic paints, as long as you use one of the above methods to thin out the paint. What Happens if You Do Not Thin Your Airbrush Paints? The third ingredient is a few drops of Acrylic Flow Improver to remove surface tension of the fluid (you might have heard of folks using a drop of dish soap for the same purpose). Thinning products for airbrushing come in different colors from transparent to opaque. Using alcohol was okay when I was single, but using alcohol today will get some less-than-polite feedback from my wife. If you are looking to cut costs, then water on its own is a suitable alternative to use as a thinner for airbrush paint. If you experimenting with thinning for the very first time, try to thin your paint with a different amount of water on different palettes. When using acrylic paint with an airbrush, sometimes a build-up of paint can form at the nozzle, clogging the device. It thins acrylic paints and increases flow. Under-binding is something that happens if the paint has been reduced too much, and results in the paint being unable to provide you with the correct finish. This will make your paints less sensitive to environmental factors and thinner. The cheapest way to thin acrylic paint for airbrushes is to make your own, homemade paint thinner. Remember also to consider the overall size of the airbrush nozzle. Thinning acrylic paints may become a real headache for beginners and experienced artists. There are of course some alternative options available, although this is all dependent on the make of solvent-based paint you have chosen to use. I've discussed this with some knowledgeable folks who thin their acrylics with water (or windshield washer fluid).
This is a premium reducer that will thin your water-based paints quickly and effectively. Sometimes, even if we had images in our heads or on sketches, the real painting, colors, and shades dont look as we wanted. 55+ Easy Star Wars Painting Ideas & Crafts for Star Wars Day, 55+ Easy Christmas & Winter Canvas Painting Ideas For Beginners, 201 Best Art Captions & Painting Quotes for Instagram [+ Painting Hashtags]. You can choose from an assortment of recipes, should you wish to make your own paint thinner and airbrush cleaner. Basically, you will need 10% to 30% of water. The most common types are HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) paint guns, and airless spray guns. The thinning mediums were designed to thin acrylic paint. The majority of acrylic paints that are manufactured specifically for airbrushing come with an acrylic airbrush thinner. It is simple enough to reduce your acrylic paints, where most thinning products come with a set of instructions. 99.9% Isopropyl Alchohol can be found for around $3 USD/pint (473 ml). The question remains: do you use an extender or a thinner? It is important to remember that solvents contain chemicals, and that certain chemicals can actually work against each other, resulting in them being harmful to your health and negatively impacting the finish of your paint. Alternatively, a web search may provide you with the answers you are looking for. You thin acrylic paint for the HVLP gun with 10-30% water depending on your preferences. If you have caused under-binding to occur, you will notice that your acrylic paint does not seem to bond with the surface that you are painting; instead, it can be wiped off with ease or begin to flake. Dilutes without loss of color adhesion, durability, or consistency. Your best option is to buy acrylic paint that has been specifically formulated for airbrushing. Acrylic binders you can use: Chroma Fusion I.A. Can you use white spirit to thin acrylic paint? Keep in mind that distilled water is not as effective in thinning paint as a homemade reducer or a store-bought reducer. One question that is asked frequently is that of whether or not it is necessary to, Read More Airbrush Mask Should You Wear a Respirator for Airbrushing?Continue, Airbrushed T-shirts are a trend that has once again become very fashionable and popular, despite the fact that these items of clothing are not the easiest to create.
