Frequently Asked Question
Water is the simplest and most common thinner for hobby paints. However, dedicated mediums offer advantages: flow improver reduces surface tension for smoother application, retarder extends drying time for blending, and glazing medium creates transparent glazes without reducing pigment too much.
Airbrush thinner is formulated to thin acrylic paints to the correct consistency for airbrushing without affecting paint adhesion or causing issues like tip dry. It gives more consistent results than water alone for airbrushing.
Retarder medium slows the drying time of acrylic paints, giving more time to blend colours on the model surface. It is used for wet blending and other advanced techniques where extended working time is needed.
Glazing medium thins paint to a transparent consistency while maintaining its colour intensity, allowing painters to apply thin colour glazes over painted surfaces for colour modulation and blending without muddying the underlying paint.
A good rule of thumb is to thin paints to a skimmed-milk consistency for brush painting and a water-like consistency for airbrushing. Add thinner or medium a little at a time and test on a palette before applying to the model.
Yes — we stock paint thinners and mediums in our Barry, South Wales shop and online at loadeddice.uk with fast UK dispatch.