Watto Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 Hi, whilst spraying a camouflage pattern into my latest project using Lifecolor acrylic paint, I experienced a lot of tip drying issues. After reading the forums, I decided that the lack of flow improver was my mistake. After looking to buy some on line, there seemed to be some conflict as to wether the product described was thinner or improver. Am I right in thinking that I would only need to add a small amount of flow improver to my already thinned paint? Are any brands better than others? Thanks for any help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogsbody Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 From my limited experience, yes, just a small amount of flow improver/retarder. Probably no more than a few drops per airbrush cup. I have these: I'm sure more experienced folk will be along soon to give you better information. Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 Windsor & Newton do one, but I've forgotten the name. Just test it before you use it, as some acrylics are different than others. Also, don't drink that stuff, as it's bad for you. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogsbody Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 32 minutes ago, Mike said: Also, don't drink that stuff, as it's bad for you. Did you learn this from experience? Chris 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 26 minutes ago, dogsbody said: Did you learn this from experience? How do you think I got this way? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LorenSharp Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 55 minutes ago, Mike said: How do you think I got this way? I thought it was from taste testing some of CC's rocket fuel at Christmas time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watto Posted January 18, 2023 Author Share Posted January 18, 2023 Thanks chaps, I didn't think flow improver was anything more just an additive but, the reviews I read made me doubt myself. Sounds like I ought to avoid a taste test though.... 😁 Thanks again for your replies. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binbrook87 Posted January 22, 2023 Share Posted January 22, 2023 I use the Vallejo flow improver for airbrushing all my acrylic paints. Tamiya, Mr Hobby Aqueous, Xtracrylix, Humbrol, Revell and of course Vallejo. Never had any problems 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFster Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 Dr. Strangebrush’s recommendations changed my airbrushing life. https://modelpaintsol.com/guides/liquitex-flow-and-slow-the-tools-for-taming-acrylic-paints 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stef N. Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 1 hour ago, CFster said: Dr. Strangebrush’s recommendations changed my airbrushing life. https://modelpaintsol.com/guides/liquitex-flow-and-slow-the-tools-for-taming-acrylic-paints That's great, cheers. I have just been experimenting on Tamiya and Liquitex and have found it to be great. Still perfecting the mix rates but have found it nearly as easy to spray as lacquer paints (without the heavy duty smell which is a massive bonus.) The tip of not using it with Flat clear coats also makes sense of the finish I have recently got. Tamiya flat is normally very flat but is coming out satin. So I will try it without Liquitex and see what happens.👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stef N. Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 2 hours ago, Stef N. said: That's great, cheers. I have just been experimenting on Tamiya and Liquitex and have found it to be great. Still perfecting the mix rates but have found it nearly as easy to spray as lacquer paints (without the heavy duty smell which is a massive bonus.) The tip of not using it with Flat clear coats also makes sense of the finish I have recently got. Tamiya flat is normally very flat but is coming out satin. So I will try it without Liquitex and see what happens.👍 And it works. I used it with just thinner and the finish is great. Top tip.👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogsbody Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 While looking for something else, I found this: It must have got knocked of the shelf and landed on the mass of various paint containers on the storage unit below it. I've never used it yet, so can't comment on it. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 (edited) 32 minutes ago, dogsbody said: I've never used it yet, so can't comment on it. I dit. It's working quite well - it is not as concentrated as some solutions (like, for example, Liquitex which you need to dilute 1:10-1:20 first before even using it). It's exactly the same thing as @binbrook87 and others used just in a smaller bottle. Edited February 26, 2023 by Casey 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogsbody Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 2 hours ago, Casey said: I dit. It's working quite well - it is not as concentrated as some solutions (like, for example, Liquitex which you need to dilute 1:10-1:20 first before even using it). It's exactly the same thing as @binbrook87 and others used just in a smaller bottle. Can it be used with other brands of acrylic paint? Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 6 minutes ago, dogsbody said: Can it be used with other brands of acrylic paint? I did use it with Golden, Tamiya, Vallejo, Revel, AK Interactive and Humbrol. Worked fine all time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogsbody Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 3 minutes ago, Casey said: I did use it with Golden, Tamiya, Vallejo, Revel, AK Interactive and Humbrol. Worked fine all time. Thanks, Casey! Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binbrook87 Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 13 hours ago, Casey said: I did use it with Golden, Tamiya, Vallejo, Revel, AK Interactive and Humbrol. Worked fine all time. Yep same here. I've used with Tamiya, Gunze Aqueous, Xtracrylix, Humbrol, and Vallejo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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