Thinning Acrylic Paint?

Hey all thanks for the reply's. Once again like I said you guys have a wealth of knowlege and there is alot to learn from you guys! I will go with the Tamiya Thinner, like you guys are saying why skimp when working on a nice model. Thanks again for all the help!! I'm sure you guys will be hearing from me again. Take care!
Scott

Welcome to the forum!
I use denatured alcohol for my acrylics with pretty good results since I have no real availability of the proper thinners. As afr ratio, I do like others and go with what works.

Welcome, Scott. I've got to go with the above. I usually try and use the matching brand for thining my paints. However, that doesn't mean I use it to clean my airbrush. (I use a Badger for enamels and an Aztec for acrylics). To clean my brushes (whether they be regular brushes or airbrushes) I use generic alcohol for acrylics and paint thinner (mineral spriits) for enamels.

Good luck and, again, welcome to the forum.

HI Scott,

I'm going to have to go with the Tamiya Thinner as well if you are using Tamiya Acrylics. It is more expensive, but you will be suprised how long a bottle will last you. It's not worth trying to get something cheap to save a few bucks as it can really affect the quality of coats of paint when you lay them down.

As for ratios, it does depend on the airbrush and the colour, but a starting point of 1:1 or even 1:2 paint to thinner is good and start from there. After a few goes you will get the feel for it and know by looking at it when it is right. I know that sounds like a cop out when your just starting out agoing when everyone says it will come with practise, but trust, after few months it dows become second nature.

Adam.

Welcome to the forum Scott

Personally, I use the Tamiya Thinners, although it is a little expensive. I have found that it is the best to ensure the pigment is properly broken down.

After all, you spend AUD$50+ on a Tamiya or DML kit, maybe a small fortune on PE and replacement tracks if you are that way inclined, another AUD $4 for each jar of Tamiya Acrylic paint, why then skimp on the AUD $1-$2 worth of thinner that you will use?

Thinning ratio depends on your airbrush and the colour you use. I find that darker colours can be thinned better than the lighter ones. I use an Aztek, and although a few people bag this brush, I have found it far superior to the Badger I have and the Paasche my friend has and I have used. Testors (Aztek) recommend the consistancy of milk (they don't say full cream or skim!). I judge it by eye, but test on scrap before touching the kit.

You could use rubbing alcohol. Try to find the 90% stuff. Tamiya thinner is also available in big containers, but it's still expensive. Still, IMO there's no beating it for thinning Tamiya acyrlics. Other companies make stuff called "acrylic airbrush medium," but try it first on the particular paints to see if it works.

Do not and I repeat do not use wiper fliud. I foolishly did that once and flirted with liver damage.