Live steam refers to miniature, working models of steam-powered vehicles, such as locomotives, boats, and stationary...
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When airbrushing, should I use a thinner?
When using an airbrush, there are a couple of reasons why modellers use thinners. Firstly, if they are using paints that are not specifically designed for an airbrush, they will likely require thinning to pass through the fine nozzle without clogging or spluttering, and secondly, when a very thin wash is required.
The most convenient way to ensure paint to be used in an airbrush has the correct viscosity is to use a paint specifically designed for that purpose, however, other paints can be used if prepared correctly, and to do that you will likely need thinners. The correct consistency for paint used in an airbrush should be that of single cream or milk and adding thinners to thicker paints will help you achieve this.
If you are preparing a wash, your paint will need to be thinned even further. How much you should dilute your paint is a matter of personal preference and depends on the effect you are trying to achieve, the more thinner you add, the more transparent your wash will be. A mixture that you're truly happy with will probably take a while to perfect so you should test your mixture on a piece of card first before painting your model.
The range of paints designed to be used with airbrushes is large enough that the use of thinners can be avoided if you wish, but for using up other paints in your collection or creating fine washes, it certainly has its uses.
Posted in: Painting
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