Thinning Paint & Varnishes

One of the major problems I have had and hear about with others revolves around thinners for paints or airbrushing. Because acrylics tend to dry quickly, they can clog the airbrush or dry on the needle tip. Now, lacquer thinners eliminate this and work well with nearly all acrylics. However, you need good ventilation, so I've moved away from lacquers altogether.

Vallejo Airbrush Thinner MIX

• • Mix 80% Vallejo Airbrush Thinner (green label) with
    • 10% Liquitex Flow Aid (purple label)
    • 10% Liquitex Slow-Dri (purple label)
  • Works well with anything, even Tamiya
  • Easiest to mix in a 100ml container
  • Shake well before use

VMS Airbrush Thinners 2.0

• • Works well for acrylics, great bottle.
  • I've noticed more tip dry with this one than my Vallejo Mix

Ultimate Airbrush Thinner

• • Another good thinner for any acrylics
  • Seems to cause pigment separation from some paints, like Tamiya

Mr. Leveling Thinner

• • Lacquer thinner for Tamiya and Mr. Color paints
  • It's extremely strong. You WILL NEED good ventilation and a respirator.
  • For less odor, use Tamiya's Lacquer Thinner is similar, but you'll still need a respirator.

So, I RARELY use any kind of clear coat or varnish over my models. The ONLY time I tend to use it is when I want to change the sheen, like from gloss to matte. I don't even use varnishes for decals because a good setting solution does much better.

1. Varnishes hurt contrasting sheens, like glossy oil spills on matte paint.
2. Dead flat/matte varnishes will kill color contrast, especially work with oil paints and modulation.
3. Varnishes are only as strong as the paint layer beneath them.
4. Varnishes may hinder decal application if applied poorly, especially gloss.
5. Varnishes will change the color of pigments.
6. Some varnishes do offer UV protection.
7. Varnishes with poly-additives will harden over time.

In other words, think about what you want to achieve. If you want different sheens, don't use a vanish. If you want better decal application, ensure your paint is smooth and use a setting solution. If you want to handle the miniature, use a stronger paint/primer.

Now, I'm not saying varnishes are bad at all, but they tend to be used more as band aids for issues you can take care of beforehand.

However, I do LOVE the Lucky Varnishes line from Mig Ammo. Their "Matt Varnish" doesn't go overly flat but just takes away the shine slightly. It doesn't seem to alter colors either.

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