Acrylic drybrushing problem

I've been using a product by Liquitex, labeled "Slow-dry Fluid Retarder." I had the same problem as mentioned with Tamiya; paint drying on the brush often before application and the paint generally drying up on the palette. Using the fluid retarder, I simply add 1 to 2 drops of it directly into the Tamiya paint and mix it in. The paint dries very, slowly and remains workable like enamels. For airbrushing, I often add a small amount to the mix to prevent tip drying during paint sessions. Liquitex Fluid Retarder is available at most local Micheals Art/Hobby stores and art suppliy shops. In my area, it sells for around $3.00 for a 2 oz..bottle. Check it out at their website: www.liquitex.com.

I have had good luck with Vallejo acrylics, they have a very large line of paint and they dry to a very flat finish.

how about lacquers? have you guys ever used lacquers for drybrushing?

Thanks everyone, you're right, I think I'll grab some enamels for drybrushing in the future.

I used to ahve the same problem, but I went to my local art store and got a product that retards the drying time of acrylics, but doesn't thin them in any way.
The person at the counter said it was a reducer that is commonly used with water painters.
Haven't had a problem since

ditto on Stuka's comment. for myself Acrylics presented too much of a barrier in drybrushing so I bought a few of the basic colors (brown, black, silver, gray etc...) to drybrush with.

Karl (KJ200) does great work, so try his way and see if it works for you. I was too lazy and took the easy way out haha...

Good luck!

Oh yeah --- I had better luck drybrushing MM acryl than Tamiya... tamiya seemed either to flake like you said or "gob" up in places and look ugly...

From my own experiances I've found that enamel paints are some what easier to dry brush with!
Maybe you should go back to using them??

You might want to keep a small dish of Tamyia acrylic thinner out while your painting, just dipping the brush into every now and then.

This will stop the paint drying too quickly and flaking. I had similar problems with Gunze acrylics when i first tried dry brushing with them, but this seems to cure it.

Hope it helps.

karl