Thinning Vallejo paints for airbrushing

[Adam Baker]

Does anyone here use Vallejo paints?

I got a couple bottles today for a build Im working on, but Ive never used these paints before.

They are acrylics, and Im not sure how to thin them for airbrushing.

I dont know whether to use pure water, or isopropyl alcohol, or a mixture of the two.

[mikeyc5usaf]

which kind? Model Air? Model Color?

Model Color I use 91% alcohol and it works great, i fill about half the cup with alcohol and put just a drop of paint in (these paints are really thick, but lots of vivid color) mix it in and your good to go. The paint will be as smooth and translucent as gunze laquers but without the smell. Make sure to add the thinners first.

Model Air is supposedly pre-thinned, but I personally thin these down more, as they have a habit of clogging up and spitting through my airbrush. I also use just a few drops of 91%. Although to tell you the truth I just like using model color better.

Edited July 21, 2010 by mikeyc5usaf

[madmike]

Distilled water is the thinner of choice.

[yambretta]

Any chance on more info in the mix of model color I have load of this paint but never seem to get the mix correct. (I know the mix to milk)

Anyone able to stretch on the half a pot and a few drops of paint ;)

[mikeyc5usaf]

i just measured it out, using a pipette 20 drops of 91% alchohol to one drop of paint from the vallejo eyedropper bottles. Like i said this stuff is really thick and after you mix that up it should be good to go. I try to get the paint as thin as possible though without having it actually being runny, it should take a few coats of paint for the area to be fully covered. Remember several light coats is better than one thick coat. Spray a few tests pieces of plastic if your not sure.Again this is just my way and I am sure there are lots of others.

Edited July 22, 2010 by mikeyc5usaf

[yambretta]

Many thanks

I think my problem is that I'm using way too much paint in my mix as I'm nowhere near 20:1

[Adam Baker]

Sorry, things got really insane yesterday, and wasnt able to reply.

The paint is just the regular Model Color line. I noticed the paint was really thick, but I didnt realize it was as thick as your saying it is, thats for sure. I'll probably give the paint a try this weekend and see how it goes.