Thinning Model Master Acrylic Paint

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I usually use solvent paints, but I have purchased some Model Master Acrylic paints when the LHS was out of the color I needed in solvent. Some of this paint is too creamy to be of much use even for brush painting. Testor Model Master makes an acrylic paint thinner, but I was wondering if there is a less expensive generic thinner that will work. With the acrylics, I am more interested in brush painting than airbrush.

2

I use Model Master acrylics from time to time, mostly in brush-painting figures (they have several versions of caucasian skin tones for one).
I have found water to be OK for thinning, but actually standard (bluish) windshield washer fluid seems to work much better, so I filled an old water bottle w/ washer fluid, and use that for on the fly dilution (dip brush in paint first, then thinner, so you don’t contaminate the paint w/ washer fluid).

Can’t vouch for thinning w/ washer fluid for airbrush usage, however.

3

Alcohol for me.

4

I use a 80/20 mix of water/70% Isopropl alcohol for all acrylics. Any more alcohol and it will affect the drying time (it speeds it up, which can be desirable for weathering). For airbrushing with any acrylic paint, you want to add thinner until you get a “milky” consistency.

5

I use acrylic paints exclusively because I like the soap and water clean-up and their less toxic nature. I don’t own an airbrush, so I brush paint exclusively. I use Model Master Acrylic Thinner.

I think this is one of those areas where you don’t need to worry about economy. OK, it’s almost seven dollars a bottle, but a bottle lasts me years (my current one has been with me for 3 years, and it’s only about half gone). Three or four drops (to start) in the thick bottle will thin it right out. For best coverage, it should run freely off the stirring stick when you’re done stirring.

6

I tried Acetone once and it worked fine.

7

Thanks everyone, as usual the forum has come through with some good answers! [:D]

8

Whatever you use as thinner, test how it works with the paint thoroughly on scrap first.

Saving a nickel on thinner and then ruining the shell of $100+ loco ain’t exactly the best way to economize.

Craig

9

G -

I’ve been using MM Acryls for decades (old and “new” formulas) and have used their thinner, alcohol and plain water. For some air brushing, I tend to used their thinner, but most of the time water works just as well. especially for washes.

Archer