How To Thin Every Type Of Hobby Paint For Airbrushing & Brushing

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#acrylic #thinner #tamiya

[@ibidesign]

Thanks for all the fantastic content you produce and the way you present it without coming across as a self-appointed 'expert.' You genuinely know your stuff, Robert. I find those who claim to be experts seldom are as knowledgeable as they think they are.

[@melvynkersley-nc8fx]

This country (uk!) over flows with “experts” and “ lighthouses in the desert”, most of which are politicians!🤔!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you for t he kind words, it's very much appreciated 👍

[@Bob-b7x6v]

YAAAAAS! I love comprehensive paint usage guides!

[@vortexmodeling]

Very underrated channel, we are blessed to have you in the community.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you Vortex, it's much appreciated

[@ibidesign]

Thanks so much, as always. This one gets bookmarked for future reference.

[@larrydelaruelle5778]

Excellent demonstration! Thanks. Next, could you talk about air pressure?

[@bobsmith3790]

That was a great video! I learn something new every time I watch your channel . Thanks for this!

[@c123bthunderpig]

First, Bill up at Hobby Center Canada just sent me your way, I'm so glad he did because this is exactly the video I need. I stopped building in the 90's, retired in 2022 and I'm reentering hobby. However I feel like Rip Van Winkle due to the evolution of all the materials.. I have a small walk in hobby shop but it is mostly RC. However they have Vallejo and Tamyia. On my first build I have been all over the place, ( awful ). Vallejo has air and regular formula, Tamiya nice colors but couldn't get viscosity right. I'm a lot more confident now that I have watched your video. I want to review the application of isopropyl alcohol again with Tamyia and the other solvents. Once again you have been a lifesaver as I try to get my skill level back up. I'm not into a lot of weathering yet, that and panel lines look interesting. The other problem is kit cost. I have a nice stash but current kits have really jumped in price. That's why I found Hobby Center, Bill has some good pricing on auctions. My go to paint in the past was Humbrol but most of my 30 year old collection is pretty much unusable Thanks again, Cheers from the Pacific Northwest USA

[@davidpalmer4184]

Thank you Barbatos, Very educational! You have simplified a very complex subject. Well done!

[@JohnCScaleModeling]

Robert, thank you for this very informative video. It will be a continuing reference for me.

[@dwightatnorthernstar1820]

I quit buying plastic cups. Now use a glass shot glass, wash it out, reuse, and has measure marks on side...Leveling thinner stinks to high heaven, and also trying to stay with pure acrylics only...

[@cobyhughes9347]

That is the same thing that I do it is a waste of money to buy plastic cups

[@nismojukerich2994]

🌨️❄️😂

[@maizhing]

I use these glasses i got from a dessert i bought, same principle just larger diameter

[@strinity511]

I do the exact same thing lol, less waste.

[@brandonjelinek8963]

This was a great video. I totally have been having issues with glow paints and paints with perl

[@blodhemn413]

Great video as always. Again... I really like that you revisit the basics.

[@zazen69]

Back to tha Benchhhhh!! See it?

[@brent_the_programmer9108]

Fantastic explanation, and now I finally know what milk consistency is. Thank you!

[@PeacefulKey]

All the information you give us is so helpful!! Thanks for the great videos!!

[@UriskOfTheFae]

Super useful to have this all aggregated! Many thanks!

[@ivanupton6586]

have you ever thought of using plastic Test Tubes for mixing/thinning paints with your vortex mixer? which was desinged for mixing the contents of test tubes?

[@cruzer2123]

You are always a Godsend my friend.....

[@SuperTexasBlues]

Hey Rex Your videos are always SO informative and well done... I have learned a LOT from watching your channel, and thank you for your generosity! if my SKILLS would improve, then I could use the paint/equipment better FIRST RATE, as always mk

[@travisgorman517]

Thanks for a great demonstration

[@barbatosrex9473]

You're welcome Travis

[@lftysmit]

I’ve had a bear of a time finding something that works with Humbrol acrylic (they come in a little dropper) and Mission Models acrylics. I hope this thinner works with either of these. Alcohol really plays havoc like you described in your video so I’m eager to see the results.

[@hedsy]

Disposable jello shot cups work from the dollar store for mixing. I had the same issue with those medicine cups.

[@Nosferatuklown]

Can you PLEASE...Pllllleeeeeaaaaasssssseeeee make a tutorial video on how to snap your finger to clear your workbench.

[@rendellhutchings6456]

Another great video buddy, thank you for all you do😊👍

[@Avalanche523]

Very well done, learned a lot. Thank you.

[@andrewleo3282]

Thank you Sir, your videos have helped me a lot. I took up airbrushing very recently. I do have a silly question, since different coloured surfacers will give a different feel when you paint it over with your chosen colours. Will it be possible to pre-mix both the surfacers and the colours together into the airbrush?

[@barbatosrex9473]

It's not recognized because it changes the chemistry. Primer has the properties that helps it cling to the surface plus it porous to help the paint to grab on to. You lose all the when mixing the two together. But sometimes I will use a primer as my main color like flat black or red

[@Scalemodeller_au]

Love the channel. Can you test the Mig Ammo Atom range? I’ve seen and heard good things.. would like your take on them. Thanks

[@brmscalecustoms9788]

Im new to airbrushing. Love your channel! Some noob questions for you, can you use too much thinner? How would one know, and what will happen?

[@barbatosrex9473]

Well too much in a lacquer is tough. Some lacquers let you thin them 3 parts paint and 7 parts thinner. Acrylics are a different story, too thin and the surface tension breaks and it will just run off the piece being painted.

[@williamsharp5973]

The difference between Mr. Color Leveling Thinner from Mr. Color Thinner is that Leveling Thinner has retarder added to slow drying - this is what gives the paint time to level out to a smooth finish. Gunze/CREOS also sells Mr. Retarder, which can be added to the either of the two thinners. I've never found it necessary to use with Leveling Thinner, but it is very important to add it to Mr. Color Thinner when the paint is being airbrushed. Also, the Tamiya and Gunze 'water' based acrylics are water/alcohol based, and the alcohol makes them 'solvent' based though they are most commonly referred to as 'water' based acrylics. This is what makes them friendly to either of Tamiya or Gunze lines of 'acrylic' or 'solvent' thinners. However, their 'solvent' based paint lines are not compatible with their so-called 'acrylic' thinners - the 'acrylic' labeling in this case refers to their water/alcohol lines. As to 'leveling' it's important to learn the signs of the paint drying too fast as it hits the target surface - if it is too dry at the time it reaches the surface, it will not be able to level smooth before drying so much it cannot level. This could be technique with the airbrush, such as holding the airbrush too far from the surface - the paint has too much 'travel' time in the air. But it can also be the paint drying too fast on its own - that is why they have Mr. Color Leveling Thinner. Properly thinned and applied, and with a retarder, paints like Mr. Color should dry smooth.

[@naj87528]

It's been pretty cold in my area...hovering around 30°f. How much does the cold weather affect lacquer paints and thinners? Your videos are awesome! Thank you!

[@barbatosrex9473]

I find cold weather only effects acrylics, lacquers your fine

[@EricGalley-i3y]

I have a question for you. Have you seen the hand held paint mixer/spinner from "Green Stuff Works" out of Spain? I have watched some videos on it and it looks like it works pretty good. Thanks for all your videos.

[@greenzorse]

thank you !! could you please do one on properly thinning the many kinds of varnish/top coat? i got some vallejo polyurethane, but, when adding mr leveling thinner, it just forms GLUE instantly instead of thinning down, i dont get it. i got 2 jars of tht stuff since you praised it but ...how do i even use it?...help plz?

[@busterscustoms]

Cool Video Thanks Robert

[@Paul-yh8km]

I use Mr Hobby Hobby Colour Thinner 400 for water based acrylic paints including Vallejo, AK, Mr Hobby, Tamiya etc. I think the issue of thinners for water based acrylics causing paint to congeal and block airbrushes might be linked to the percentage of isopropyl alcohol in the thinner. If it is high I think it causes problems. This is from experience when I trialled isopropyl alcohol that was 91% and water was 9%. The Mr Hobby thinner I mentioned is mainly water I think, with a little isopropyl alcohol, probably the same for the Ultimate thinner.

[@bobrivett7645]

Amen brother

[@PopArow4702]

Do you use the same thinner on your enamel paint?

[@noblebrightTV]

Hello Are the Milwaukee battery compressors good for airbrush?

[@itsurboy379]

Just wondering, are these paints suitable to be used on metal, for instance, diecast cars like hot wheels? sorry for the newbie question, but all i kept hearing was plastic.

[@kenpiscitelli2703]

Very informative video thanks

[@raular5513]

I can't find mr leveling thinner only mr thinner. Can I mix it with some mr retarder mild to have the same effect? How much mr retarder would you use? Thanks ❤

[@barbatosrex9473]

Yes you can. About 5 drops in the cup you mixed the paint in

[@rodneynoble452]

Is your mecca Empire paint, much like the MCW paint that you can purchase? I've noticed, that the MCW paint, also has a hardener that they want you to use. Is that harder required?

[@barbatosrex9473]

No hardener is required for my paint line

[@matski7690]

Can you use Vallejo thinner and flow improver with tamiya paints?

[@barbatosrex9473]

You can

[@dmb531sull]

Do I really need to get all those thinners

[@samuelvasquez8170]

Where did you buy the Mr. Color Leveling Thinner for $12. I went to Amazon and it was $30.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Local hobby shop here in Rhode Island

[@mytdck1]

Can you start putting where you purchase your paints when you do reviews?

[@jjsmsalas1]

Ok, great video! I can not get consistent good sprays but i have been trying my own thinner mix lol. Just gonna buy the bottle on amazon but question i have is, what is the diff between thinner and flow improver?

[@barbatosrex9473]

Flow Improver helps with tip dry. And also slows down the drying process a little which helps with getting a smoother finish. My friend uses just Flow Improver but you only need a few drops per mixture.

[@kokomon5]

Is there a reason, you seem to never use createx paints?

[@barbatosrex9473]

I have a full set of Wicked Colors. I'm just not the biggest fan of acrylics

[@angelcastillo-qk8vk]

Need help, using Ammo one-shot black primer, and it keeps clogging my air brush. I have a 0.5 mm nozzle, and I thin it down and still clogs. Any suggestions, thanks.

[@barbatosrex9473]

One Shot is Stynylrez with a different label. I've never had a problem with it. Sounds like it could be a airbrush problem. You spraying it with a high psi? 25 to 30?

[@angelcastillo-qk8vk]

About 25, could it be the thinner I'm using? I'm using Army painters airbrush medium.

[@barbatosrex9473]

@@angelcastillo-qk8vk I would try switching from the medium to a thinner

[@oilguygamer1744]

Hi BarbatoS, I watch all your videos, so a couple of weeks when you were releasing you Black/Blue paint that you said was a good amount of paint in the bottle. I followed your link and was a wee bit surprised that the bottles are 17ml. I am not making any Chritism at all but I live in Thailand and so not see the point of buying so little amount of paint at one time. I was planning to paint a Porsche 993 with it. But to ship 17ml of paint from the USA to South east Asia is hard to juatify. A gecent amount, as you mentioned, to me would be along the size of alclad, Sms< Mrp etc. Please no offence meant at all and I am a very avid subscriber.

[@fredyates3061]

I thought the golden rule was, the consistency of milk. the end

[@barbatosrex9473]

Skim milk

[@joyg2526]

Beware using solvents with Born paints. There's no literature and solvents used vary within the Born paint line. Their labels are in Japanese and the translator is useless because their labels don't have any useful information. You can' mix some of their paints together, because they'll clump, and there's no indication what Born paints are good with what solvents. I ruined several paint jobs before realizing this.

[@gruvin4602]

Most paints here r 5 bucks plus for the half or 1 oz jars like tamiya wish I had ur prices here in Canada makes it very difficult to afford this hobby for regular working folk let alone us old guys on a fixed income

[@teddyjones8027]

STANDING OVATION !!!! My goodness what a Fantastic video my friend, Thank you soo very much, you are a wealth of knowledge and dedication and it's very much appreciated. Can't wait for the next video, Thank you again. Everyone keep yourselves and love ones safe and healthy and remember to SMILE 😊God Bless 🙏

[@BrendanRaymondKoroKoro]

Settle down there buddy... Dont get a hard on

[@hope4ourfallen]

You are a wealth of knowledge good sir. With so many types of paint this stuff gets confusing, but you always find a way to help clear things up🙂 Another neat topic would be tips for painting flexible stuff, like latex or rubbers masks. Those things can be tough to paint on without a good knowledge of what sticks to what. Lord knows my chemistry isn't good enough to get it right without peeling or clogging stuff up😄

[@CharlieHague-m8u]

Very informative video. I am still amazed at the number of paints available. Makes me want to try them all😄 I do thin my solvent paints with lacquer thinner though. However, I want to start using the leveling thinner soon. I believe it's similar to lacquer thinner with a retarder added in, correct? I do use your blends for acrylics (water based) both thinner & cleaner and they work great. I always look forward to your latest videos👍

[@bobrivett7645]

Ah, thinners, and thinning. I was taught to tge skim milk trick ages ago buy guys who were in to customer car paint jobs. A few of them were into scale models, and thats what told to thin my enamel paints to for air brushing. Still i like you tips about tge one and go thinner for all solvent paints. Great video and congratulations to the future winner of the paint booth.

[@Ultimaniacx4]

7:23 Like Ron Swanson said, skim milk is just water lying about being milk.

[@alankelly7076]

Hi. The link for the Acrylic Paint Thinner doesn't seem to work now . Could you update this link ,please?

[@oculusangelicus8978]

I would be VERY cautious of using DSPIAE products as they are Chinese and they are prone to using substances that are extremely damaging to human health, because they do not care whom they harm with their products. things like Xylene and other extremely toxic and cancer-causing substances are included to make the product as cheap as possible to make and because they are from China, they pay no attention to health laws regarding certain Chemicals. Formalin, Xylene, chlorine distillates everything is on the table with them. So, I myself refuse to buy anything from China anymore as they have gotten worse for such offences, not better. buy what you like but just remember that most companies much forfeit a certain amount of money to the CCP, regardless of how big or small. I refuse to support the Chinese Communist Party.

[@bobrivett7645]

Amen brither

[@alvinchu5351]

Very informative!! Just a beginner question. Can I use Mr.hobby retarder mild on Tamiya acrylic paints for hand brushing?

[@jesse-got-dolphins-into-heaven]

so i broke a cheap airbrush when i was cleaning it and broke off the nozzle, then i pulled out the Gaahleri that i bought during your black friday video, and i totally noticed the difference in quality and ease of use and how much less paint i was using.

[@FTWBIFY6667]

Wow what a break down of thinners! Thanks for the information and always a great resource to go back to when I’m scratching my head 😂

[@woodman29]

Another fantastic video sir! Thank you for your continued contribution to this fun hobby!

[@garretambrosio93]

How far can I thin the Silver Oak stuff without spider webbing?

[@hhaste]

Do you have a favorite water-based acrylic for car bodies? I know you prefer lacquers, but I was thinking about trying out an acrylic, since I've never tried one.

[@Luv2ripFPV]

Great video! was trying to find the IMPRESA paint thinner here in Canada and they what $70 for an 8oz bottle on Amazon.

[@nelsonolivierjr3994]

Great video to save in my archive for later watching. I also wanted to know if you can on another video of course maybe turn some of these paints into Panel lining paints due to the different colors you could add instead of black, grey, and brown. I wanted to turn Red Vallejo paint cause the red pen paint was god awful color of red. Didn't give me that Red vibe I was going for which I wanted a color style of red to be Barbartos color Red. I was working on a mini version of him and I wanted the panel lining to have that same red that Vallejo does have.

[@BobBlarneystone]

Any advice for airbrushing wood? A hottor solvent should be ok since wood can't melt like plastic. However, some woods such as bloodwood, will leach when exposed to organic solvents.

[@barbatosrex9473]

I've never painted wood. My dad did wodd crafts and I believe he uses enamels or latex.

[@Chipum]

Hi Robert great channel I use you for everything really appreciate what you do. On the tamiya paint that you are gonna use only for Airbrushing what do you use to top off bottle? Thank you

[@barbatosrex9473]

Anything I recommend here. You can just top it off with Isopropyl Alcohol 91% and that would be fine. I end up thinning half of my Tamiya with rubbing alcohol. But you can use the Leveling Thinner too

[@Chipum]

Thank you

[@LarrysModelShop]

Another awesome video. There are so many different paints and thinners today that it can get pretty confusing. Having this type of informative guide to fall back on really is a fantastic reference. Thank you again for another very informative video in which you impart your vast knowledge with the rest of us. Take care!!

[@KitbashCustoms]

Absolutely love these videos, all those thinners are gone on Amazon btw

[@CrimsonFlagg]

Here's hoping all of you are doing well.

[@mathewcollins5546]

I continue to learn so much with each video you post. Outstanding sir. Simply outstanding.

[@dethscythe7734]

Great Video! I have issues with thinning my Vallejo paints. It usually stops spraying because it clogs. Although I did recognize I have a leak in the cap. I get it to work eventually. I even used lacquer thinner on a test piece, so it would not clog on me. It worked pretty good, and I found out you are not supposed to do that. So I went back to using acrylic thinner.

[@kryptone3032]

Where did you get the cups without the nub in the bottom

[@barbatosrex9473]

The link to buy them is in the description below the video

[@4trialsin]

Super video! Createx is the one that drives me nuts when I try to spray it. Thanks again

[@kafunkalear]

Thanks , I sure as hell going to start using other brands of paint.

[@FelipeGonzalezHerrera]

My wife got me a full kit of acrylics for xmas but they're the toothpaste tube kind... If I thin them enough to go through the airbrush they don't paint, it's more like a wash. They're so thick I can even paint small details with my brushes. I can't tell her she bought a ton of acrylics I can't use...

[@JuanM759]

He did a video on thinning those type of paints. Maybe it will help 🙏

[@FelipeGonzalezHerrera]

I'll give it a look.

[@CFster]

There’s many reasons not to top off a new bottle of paint with thinner.

[@Chipum]

How come?

[@CFster]

@@Chipum I say this in response to thinning Tamiya bottles specifically, but many points apply to other paints as well. 1. The optimal thinning ratio for Tamiya is at LEAST 1:1. Filling to the brim is much less than a 1:1 as there isn’t anywhere near that much space in the bottle. It’s more like 2:8 and results in wasted paint because you’re spraying it on thicker than you have to. 2. Tamiya performs the best when thinned MORE than 1:1. Sometime 2:1 or 3:1. I’ve gone to 8:1 for preshading and tinting. 3. Another one who’s spreading this tip is Andy’s HQ. Gee, a guy who sells paints. 4. Thinning to one-size-fits-all ratio is fine for solid areas of color, but simply won’t work for doing things like layering, marbling, filters, shading, staining etc… 5. People say there’s a line in the bottle for this. There is no magical “line”. It’s simply where the bottle changes shape - a mold line. 6. Some colors require more or less thinning than others. 7. Filling with X-20A can cause the pigments to clump up over time - sometimes in as little as a month, and it can’t be mixed back into solution again. There’s a reason why they don’t come prethinned. This is verified - people using Tamiya have experienced this. Including me. 9. When someone informs you hobby lacquer thinner makes Tamiya perform better than X-20A, you can’t use it, since your bottles are already prethinned with X-20A and you’re stuck with them that way.

[@Chipum]

Thank you

[@bobrivett7645]

I think my tamiya acrylic lacquers with Mr. Leveling thinner, it works just fine me. Also tamiya alot depending what I'm trying to accomplish, modulation, or washes, panel lining, etc.

[@predatron4197]

Do you think I could brush some of Tamiya's bottled 10ml acrylic paint over their Metallic Color Sprays?

[@selay333]

This channel has been a great help as I'm getting back into doing models and painting. Got a chuckle when my father recommended the channel as I was already subbed.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Your father is a wise man

[@minutemanmac]

I use Mr Color with Vallejo and it works pretty well.

[@Keddlecorn]

Take a shot for every "flame logo".

[@Sh4rkNeo]

Thanks for your great video! Does your homemade thinner works for all acrylic paint? I just followed the old video and purchased all stuff for your homemade thinner

[@alternatecanidate]

Amazing video!!! Clear useful information with excellent visual representation. Could not ask for anything better. Thank you.

[@omarpatino5936]

What would you recommend for painting with brush Rc light buckets that are made either from lexan plastic or chrome plated plastic so you can make them look semi black housings? Also best thinner and cleaner for your recommended paint. Great channel and glad I found it. Very helpful!

[@jeremysears9964]

I have been using Mission thinner with Vallejo acrylics, getting great results.

[@nathalieproulx1632]

Thank you so much for that break up video! So useful, as all of your videos 😊

[@daniellabra4186]

If it's useful: I always have use Vallejo, and I use "Glassex" as a thinner, which is some alcohol based glass and windows cleaner. I've never have any problem with it, none at all. I also have use it with AK acrylics (regular and 3rd gen) with equally good results. Interestingly, it doesn't work with MIG acrylics (I have to use the brand thinner with MIGs).

[@CreativeChaosCraftz]

I love your videos! I've bought your paints, panel liners and airbrush! One question I have the whole series of arteza acrylics and their metallics, I ruined an airbrush trying to airbrush them, could you play with them. Thank you. LeEllen (Lee)

[@Phoenixflame87]

With Mr Color (Not just the aqueous line) and Gaia both using acrylic binders (also whatever Tamiya has going on) I've stopped referring to any paints as just acrylic. I refer to them as lacquer-based acrylic, water-based acrylic, alcohol-based acrylic, etc now. Categorizing some paints by their binders and others by their thinner never quite made sense to me, especially since some different binder chemistries can use similar thinners.

[@hangerbird]

How does this method compared to the video (How To Make Your Own Acrylic Thinner & Airbrush Cleaner - An Easy How To) that you did 2 years ago?

[@markgordon2260]

Damn Vallejo! I have tried to get ultimate thinner here in Oz, but most places are sold out. Was doing some spraying this afternoon, and swapped to Vallejo for a last job. Unfortunately there was a trace of other thinner in the brush... It was for the white underside of my Anson, which has given me grief previously. Maybe it is trying to tell me something.

[@DarksouIjah]

Great video topic! I'll have to fully check it out later.

[@glynnburnage6890]

Hi the Vallejo thinners a flow improver do they work with other paints like Tamiya.other one if you like I can get ultimate thinners an all there other bits they do.so if want can get it and ship out to you.regards Glynn

[@bobdankiewicz9939]

Thank you so much for this guide! I take more crib notes from your videos than any other youtuber I subscribe to. Great job!

[@richardjordan5036]

Boy oh boy how label's have changed over the years.i have testor paints from some 30 to 40 years ago.they are still good but the label's at one time you had to read.then the red stripe and now the flame symbol.....

[@geo0711]

Hobby Mio makes paint that isn't pre-thinned. I have an image of it. No one seems to carry them though, so maybe it's past tense 🤷‍♂️

[@Jimmy-sb3fc]

I have several airbrushes that don't have any markings on the needles. How do I measure them to determine what sizes they are? Thank you so much!

[@okamichi_factory]

Quick question! Would you thin Vellejo Mecha colours similarly to games air?