How to thin Mr Surfacer | Quick and easy way

Hey everyone, in this video I'm going to show you how I thin my paints and primer particularly the Mr. Surfacer 1500. I recommend using a mixing bottle because you can pre-mix your paint for quicker setup and mess-free pouring.
I hope you'll learn something from this video and hopefully you can apply it in your work process.
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This video is sponsored by Masamune Studio.
They're one the largest online GUNPLA and Kotobukiya hobby store. Head on to their website to check their premium selection of model kits, and a wide selection of paints, tools, building materials, and many more.
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Thanks for watching and keep building!
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🧰Things I used:
Amazon US:
Mr. Surfacer 1500 Black: amzn.to/3YapuNm
Mr. Surfacer 1500 Gray: amzn.to/3P8Naha
Mixing Bottles: amzn.to/3VZfaWL
3M Reusable Respirator: amzn.to/3ICLLwn
Amazon Canada:
Mr. Surfacer 1500 Black: amzn.to/3XtCT2H
Mixing Bottles: amzn.to/3EtL3ja
3M Reusable Respirator: amzn.to/3Ya9f1R
Some of the links are referral links and Amazon referral links. I earn a small commission if you click on the link and subscribe to them or purchase the item. You are not obligated to do so, but it does help fund these videos in hopes of bringing value to you!

[@HobbyWorksbyRani]

good tips! I haven't try mr. color though, but I can definitely do this on my custom colors.

[@AGunpla]

Thanks mate! let me know about it when you've tried it.

[@JaydenAdams]

yooo i didn’t know guga did hobby tutorials

[@AGunpla]

Thank you for watching and your comment made my day, What made you say it's guga? Lol is it the sound? Or the hands? Are we thinking the same guga? The steak and the sous vide guy?

[@Bien_the_Degenerate_Weeb]

Bruh I was about to say I thought I was tripping, hearing Guga Foods 😂

[@MESIRlX]

​@@AGunplaI think it's just that your voice has the same nasality

[@aarono6559]

Iv seen alot of people have this kind of setup but not how it's done. Thanks for the tutorial

[@AGunpla]

Thanks for watching and hopefully it helps you in a way. 😁

[@barriefrench3371]

Great,simple guide on how to do it right,many thanks for posting .

[@AGunpla]

Thanks for watching @Barrie French! I'm glad you liked it,😄

[@TheSeanBampton]

Great video. I always use the bottle method because it's just so convenient to just pick up the bottle, squirt a bit into the airbrush bowl and then spray. I typically mix Mr. Surfacer 1500 at 1:1, but I'm going to test your 1:1.5 next time and see how I like it. Thanks!

[@AGunpla]

Thanks and let me know how it goes,😃

[@GiantRobolove]

Nice one! Just got started with airbrushing and this was very helpful 👍 I might have to alter the mixing ratio, because I use a cordless USB airbrush. But this video is a good starting point. Thx for sharing :)

[@AGunpla]

Yes, you can tweek it based on your airbrush output, if it's not that strong you can thin your paint, or vise versa. Let me know about your experience.

[@aaronjara6338]

Love the video and a fellow shopper in MSMN Studio

[@AGunpla]

Thanks Aaron! Great to hear from a fellow MSMN Studio shopper as well.

[@col72]

Great video, definitely going to try this when i start airbrushing. Thanks.

[@AGunpla]

Thanks! Yup this method helps me a lot.

[@AGunpla]

Yes, this method helps me a lot.

[@faris892003]

Good video!!

[@AGunpla]

Thanks for watching!

[@ferraro1959]

Good video thanks

[@DaJemmen]

Really curious about Mr. Color. Haven't tried. Will use your proportions when I do!

[@AGunpla]

Thanks mate! As of the moment, I am only using Mr. color, due current situation that we have around the world.

[@DeDoGunpla]

thanks for the info mate.. =)

[@AGunpla]

Thanks Mate,

[@DenXioTV]

Nice. 😊 👍

[@AGunpla]

Thanks mate!

[@AlmirTaranis]

Very good and useful video. I have thinned my primer this way and it works fine. This is some strong stuff and have sharp smell. I was use to Vallejo primer ...

[@AGunpla]

Thank you so much and really appreciate it. Yes they do have a strong smell and please work in a well ventilated place and wear safety masks,

[@greenjay8012]

Thanks this was really helpful! Would thinners such as tamiya enamel or acrylic thinner work with mr. finishing surfacer?

[@AGunpla]

Thank you! To answer your question, both thinner are not compatible with Mr. Surfacer. Mr. Surfacer is a lacquer-based primer, the enamel thinner is an oil base solvent while the acrylic is water base. You should use a lacquer-based thinner (Mr. Color Lacquer Thinner) to dilute Mr. Surfacer. Most of the brands carry their own thinners, if you are using 2 different brands just make sure to try it first in small amounts. There are times that companies use different formulas on their products, so just try it first just to be sure.

[@IcarusIcarus76]

Fantastic video! Can i also pre mix mr color lacquer varnishes at clear plastic bottles at a ratio 1 varnish / 2.5 Levelling thinner and keep them stored so as to use them anytime? Would this pre mix and storage harm them / yellowish by time ?

[@AGunpla]

I haven't experience any discoloration. Though I store my premix paints in a low light storage. Also be aware of the plastic you use, lacquer is kinda safe with some plastic compare to enamel which will melt some plastic, just make sure you are using the proper plastic container for your chemicals. I recommend that when you store your paints in plastic containers that you should regularly check them for container integrity,

[@IcarusIcarus76]

@@AGunpla Thank you!!!!!!!Greetings from Greece/Corfu

[@zaidedward2251]

Wonderful !! can you use the same ratio with Tamyia and Vallejo paints ???

[@AGunpla]

I'm not sure with Vallejo but you can try it with tamiya, Last time I've used it with tamiya it works fine. But then again adjust according to your spray gun and preference.

[@timothybogans3905]

A Gunpla great video can you spray this outdoors i don't have booth setup but i do have a respirator or would that still be risky, thank you for sharing.

[@AGunpla]

Yes, you can do this outdoor. However, you have a lot of things to consider when spraying outdoor. The wind should be decent to avoid blowing up your spray or affecting the direction. Also please make sure that the location is clean to avoid any particles sticking to the part you are spraying, And lastly, always use a PPE when spraying or make sure your location is well ventilated(if you are doing this outside you're ok). Respirators are the best protection which I recommend when spraying but if you don't have one, 2 layers of medical mask will do the job.

[@timothybogans3905]

@@AGunpla thank you love your content again great video GOD BLESS.

[@narha_syd]

Interesting method, and it can save some paint, however how long can the paint be kept diluted like this?

[@AGunpla]

The mixing balls helps in keeping the paints setting in the bottom of the bottles, I have paints that are mixed like this more that 2 years now that still works properly. Just make sure you use a airtight bottle to keep the paint from evaporating and shake the bottle every now and then to keep them diluted,

[@samuelvasquez8170]

Can you use Mr. color leveling thinner?

[@MatteoCremaBL]

hello! what kind of plastic is safe for containing the primer? is something like PET suitable? thank you!

[@longriflem14]

Great Video. Is this 1 full Jar of 1500. Mixed with 1 and 1/2 jar of thinner. You didn't say.

[@AGunpla]

Yup, that's correct. I used the 1:1.5 dilution ratio here. Feel free to experiment on what works with your airbrush and compressor.

[@jaygutierrez136]

I know this video is older now but I really need some help. I want to do this exact setup with mr color gx100 clear coat. Is the thinning ratio the same? And can I store it in a bottle like I would mr color paints? I’m just afraid the clear coat and thinner will eat through the plastic bottles. If you respond you definitely earned a new subscriber!!! I’m just tired of using spray cans for my top coats and I want to airbrush my coats now but I hate preparing them over and over.

[@AGunpla]

Hi thank you for watching! Mr. Color GX100 top coats are more thick compare to the usual Mr. Color. With that you need a different thinning ratio, I usualy use 1:2 ratio that 1 part GX100 Clear coat to 2 parts thinner(I would recommend using a leveling thinner here) just to help it level specifically with the parts with decals. Also be in mind that you dilution will also be based on you airbrush and compressor (airbrush size and compressor psi that you are using). Is using a new paints I usually use my standard 1:1.5 ratio and if it's still to thick I usually add .5 ration thinner until I get my ideal consistency(a lot of people a saying it's milk like consistency) You can use the container that I'm using eventhough these are just PET plastic they are rated to be used with paints, It will eventually eat through the plastic but it will take some time to do it(I've been using mine for over a year now and there are no signs deterioration in the plastic). But if you really want to be safe you can find PTFE Plastic containers (this is rated to be used on most chemicals) Lastly I also hate spray cans, they're inefficient and hard to control. So going airbrush is a great decision. I hope this helps and let me know if you have other questions.

[@jaygutierrez136]

@@AGunpla just saw this now and I highly appreciate the input! Thanks a ton subscribed!!!!

[@jaygutierrez136]

Also I think a video on these top coats would be amazing because I can’t find anything well done and thoroughly explained on the mr color top coats! Just a suggestion friend!!

[@AGunpla]

@@jaygutierrez136 That's a great suggestions and I'll add it on the pipeline, I'll gather most of the top coat that I can find. I love inputs like this, it gives me an idea on what are the things other builders encounter in their journey. Thanks!

[@KennethRavara]

Hi! is the ratio same when thinning acrylic paints?

[@AGunpla]

@Kenneth Ravara, that depends on your acrylic brand and use. For example, if you use Acrysion from Mr.hobby the thinning ratio for that is 3 paint into 1 thinner, Acrysion is close to the golden "milk consistency" that's needed for airbrushing. That is why you needed more paint than thinner. I'll try to make a video regarding it in the future. By the way, thank you so much for watching!

[@stevehays2074]

Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately, we couldn't see you pour down the popsicle stick.

[@AGunpla]

thanks for watching! I was not aware of my blocking when I shot this one. lol

[@JoeMamma1923u]

Where did you buy those squeeze bottles/what is the name of them?

[@AGunpla]

Thank you for watching! I got it from the video sponsor, Masamune studio you can visit their website www.msmnstudio.com/. or you can use my amazon affiliate link for it. amzn.to/2SakPhv

[@ivanmurraylee3885]

Is it ok to premix the paint and store it?

[@AGunpla]

Yes, just make sure that the bottles you are using are air tight. Just make sure you give it a thorough shaking before using it again. The mixing balls will help the agitation when you use it again.

[@birdsoup4355]

Hello @A Gunpla where did you those paint mixing beats. can you please give me the link for them.

[@AGunpla]

I got them from Masamune Studios :www.msmnstudio.com/products/mixing-glass-balls-100pcs/. Though they don't have stock as of the moment. You can search on Amazon but here is one of the link: www.amazon.ca/Paint-Mixing-Stainless-Agitator-Paints/dp/B08MXGPHPH Let me know if these helps.

[@birdsoup4355]

@@AGunpla thank you sir.

[@Hayness]

Do you find that your paints or surfaceRs have a shorter shelf life when they're stored in the mixing bottles?

[@AGunpla]

Hey, I don't find a big difference when it comes to the shelve life of the paint. Then again I always check the consistency every session and adjust accordingly.

[@aliasangelalias]

this type of mixing is for your airbrush and not for brush painting right?

[@AGunpla]

Yes it is for airbrushing

[@gordongriffith9047]

Hi I got a question I was thinking about gettingMr. Color C13 Semi-Gloss Neutral Gray 10ml I want to know what kind of primer do I get

[@AGunpla]

Hello, It really depends on the look you are after. The color of your primer will affect the saturation of your color. However, because you are using a natural gray the effect will be just minimally visible in comparison if you are different color such as red or blue. I would just use the 1500 gray primer that was used in this video. Because the neutral gray is so close to the gray primer you don't need much coverage compared to other primer color.

[@naqib518]

it is ok to premix the primer and store it?

[@AGunpla]

Yes, as long as you use an air thight bottles and store them in a cool dark place.

[@naqib518]

@@AGunpla thanks 😊 🙏🏻

[@RYANYJK]

How many layers do you spray with the 1500 black?

[@AGunpla]

The coverage for black is really good, 1 would be enough. However, you should also take it by feeling. If you feel it need an additional 1 thin coat just feel free to add another coat.

[@RYANYJK]

@@AGunpla its my first time airbrushing haha. still a lot to learn. may I also ask whats the recommended compressor and air brush settings? like air pressure etc.

[@AGunpla]

@@RYANYJK That's great! I recommend using a compressor with a tank and you can use psi setting range from 15-25 depending on the application or paint you are using, you and adjust it by feel. I personally use 18-23. Also I would say get a better compressor first than an expensive airbrush, the consistend airflow is crucial than a good airbrush.

[@RYANYJK]

@@AGunpla ah shit bought a cheap compressor 😂 max psi is 25 and there's no numbering to adjust on the knob. Guess I'll have to feel lol. Thanks bro!

[@AGunpla]

@@RYANYJK No worries man, just use it for practice, I started with a cheap one as well. Just use that one that you have to practice for the feel and the whole process of airbrushing.

[@mjso9679]

bro bat wala ka ng bagong video?

[@gaborulicska4348]

Wooden sticks are not good because the tiny fibers of the wood can get into the paint.

[@AGunpla]

The one I have are fairly smooth, you can sand them before mixing or you can filter your paint before spraying, both are additional steps that will surely help. Or you can also find a plastic or stainless mixing sticks. I just have the wooden sticks because they are fairly accessible and are disposable.