How to Thin Your Paints in 2 Minutes

[@jarcuadanantus28]

Finally! ****in someone explains the difference between too thick and too thin in a way that makes sense!

[@dustinzaccaria7644]

Totally agree. None that bullshit about “trying to get the consistency of milk” or trying to gauge the thickness of the paint on the pallet. The trick Jay mentions in this video about painting a line on your hand and being able to still see the texture of your skin while still maintaining opacity is golden. Makes so much sense and now anytime I need to thin paint I’ll be doing this. If anyone ever asks I’ll be directing them to this vid too.

[@Zeromusicmm]

Right?! Finally.

[@gavinwilliams302]

Holy moly, I've struggled with understanding consistency. Thin it down to milky consistency is dreadful advice for someone who is learning but painting on the skin is really easy to apply as a principal.

[@semondice4831]

I know right?! "It's gotta look and feel like milk"... Dafuq does It mean ?! (In the extremelly anxious context of the first minis, when you feel like every movement could be a huge mistake)

[@UnvarnishedTarnished]

Don't think of thinning to any specific ratio or example. I completely agree it's terrible advice, the main reason being all paints are different from brand to even different colours and some need more thinning that others and there's some that need none at all. My advice is simple but effective - practice. With enough experience you're going to naturally learn how thick or thin you want paint, sometimes you may want a thicker consistency if you're blending or thinner if your glazing. Keep a little test mini that is primed next to you and if you're unsure about how something might look on the actual thing you're painting, test it out. Cheers 🤟

[@karmaq8462]

Thin it down to milky is for glazes ... for regular painting , you only need 1 -2 drops of water .

[@Velcraft]

"Milky" is terrible advice. Go with the medical viscosity chart, paint straight up is honey, basecoats work well with a sourmilk/light cream consistency, highlights need to be more like skim milk, washes along the lines of coffee or juice concentrate, and glazes need to be tea/juice.

[@nparsona]

What is so hard about thinning it down to a milky consistency? They mean skimmed milk like I drink right? Or do they mean semi-skimmed, or full fat? Or extra creamy? Actually I don't really know the consistency of milk, I drink it, I don't rub it on myself!

[@troyeberle7112]

Thank CHRIST someone FINALLY explains how to thin my freaking paints!

[@weebsarecringe2102]

Thank JAY.

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Always squeeze paint as hard as you can.

[@NathanielWinkelmann]

These are the secret truths im here for.

[@axelmauritzon3098]

Instructions unclear, now I main T'au

[@OgreOnSprue]

Gotta show that paint who’s boss!

[@pazuzu_666]

That's right. Squeeze it like it owes you money.

[@grantfoster8833]

@@pazuzu_666 It does 😟

[@JadeCatMinis]

I think this has been the best explanation of how to properly thin your paint. Almost everyone else says just thin it to the consistency of skim milk. Just do it and you'll figure it out. So not helpful. Your explanation on your hand totally makes it so much easier! Thank you

[@senorcapitandiogenes2068]

Step 1: Open paint container Step 2: Curse Citadel paintpots for existing (not optional even if you dont use citadel) Step 3: Thin your paint Step 4: Praise the Emperor

[@dragonzbreath2353]

Lol

[@samrivers2419]

u are an unfunny, attention seeking loooser.

[@dragonzbreath2353]

@@samrivers2419 Not cool

[@samrivers2419]

@@dragonzbreath2353 just pointing out this narcissists loser behaviour. not giving the looooser the attention and admiration he so desires.

[@dragonzbreath2353]

Captain Diomedes don’t listen the this bully

[@AnimeSunglasses]

It was this simple all along? How the buggerall are you the first to just explain it! THANK YOU!!!!!

[@SgtBotBot]

This is so so useful for beginner painters, thank you for making it! Everyone said, thin your paints and then mumbled something about the consistency of milk and never elaborated beyond that. It took me hours of experimentation to get comfortable with this and acceptable results. This cleared things up for me even more!

[@BaerNDice]

Thank you! Finally someone who explained it in a way that i can understand. I swear to God, if I hear skim milk one more time I'm going to go crazy.

[@Jimalcoatl]

I've been painting, and thinning my paints for almost two years now and I still found this video useful. Good one Jay.

[@onlyhuman3]

I didn't know about the drop staying wet thing! That will help a lot! No one ever explains this stuff, then they mock you for not knowing. Imo, learning how to fundamentally use paints and how to properly care for your brushes and use your brushes are the main things anyone should learn. I'm learning now and it is making learning how to paint anything much easier!

[@Old_Shatterhans]

Thank you so much, finally someone explained in simple words how the paint should act, not that vage "it should be of milky consistency", one hears everywhere. And also a fine new way to use your skin as canvas besides testing if the amount of paint on your brush is right for drybrushing.

[@Old_Shatterhans]

Woah getting

[@Lizard0911]

The paint on your skin tip is amazing! People always try to say thin to the consistency of milk which is wildly different and to me always to thin. I will for sure try that out, but just hearing it makes me feel like I know the ideal consistency now.

[@1IGG]

There are a billion different milk types. Unprocessed directly from a cow? 0.3%, 1,5%, 3.5% etc.. That's worse than using a banana for scale.

[@ChaseCrossing]

Wow. I've been puzzled by this despite watching many vids/browsing reddit and this video instantly clicked for me. Finished watching, went straight to my wet pallet to paint and bam. It works. Paint is going on so nicely and evenly, amazing video!

[@CoolHatTom]

I can't give this video enough likes. I've seen mini painters paint their thumbs all the time but no one's ever explained exactly why until now. Thank you so much!

[@sebytheman]

I had a huge breakthrough in my paint understanding last week when I realized the tip you gave in this video RE: skin texture, that is an EXCELLENT tip that I wish someone had told me when I was starting out. Excellent content as always.

[@TheEr910]

This is the best paint thinning video.

[@Auridus]

You're the first person I've heard explain why some people put paint on their hand. That is probably the best explanation for paint thinning I've heard!

[@Zeromusicmm]

Best thinning tips I have heard yet - - - and I have probably watched about 5 videos on 'thinning your paints" and most of the time the answer is just "feel your way through it" . . . the simple skin technique is something I have seen people do but never got the "why" of it. Excellent guys, thanks!

[@adrian_0451]

If your paint bottle is clogged, I've found that a paperclip is the ideal size to clean the neck of the bottle.

[@mata218]

I've found a toothpick works for army painter droppers.

[@jdeltaalpha5195]

Just squeeze it until it unclogs. Nothing bad will ever happen. That paint bottle popping open is just cg.

[@tm5123]

Yeah, and just removing that "sleeve" thats dried around the nozzle of the paintpot might be enough already. I think everyone does that hard squeeze once in their life at least with dropper type bottles. You can suck quite a bit of paint in by having the paintpot upright, and squeezing air out of it, and then holding it squeezed, you put the nozzle into the spilled paint, and suck it up, works like a pipette :D

[@samrivers2419]

paperclip you say? well in your case, you could just use your wang.

[@oliverp3545]

@@samrivers2419 Yours would be much better.

[@emceha]

So this is why all mini youtubers have paint on the back of the hand or fingers. Thanks for detailed explanation :)

[@TallCommander]

Probably the most to the point and best paint thinning tutorial there is. Can't believe this doesn't have more likes

[@allandaunheimer5831]

Thank you! I've watched hundreds of mini painting videos and so many "Beginner Tip" videos... and I finally feel like I understand how to properly thin my paints. I think you are my new favorite mini channel.

[@TheKarp]

Wow that bit on checking paint thickness was great. Most tutorials always mention it but not really how, rather, they just say its a skill to develop over time.

[@loudawgg69]

This is THE definitive tutorial for thinning your paint.

[@KhroweDontYouKnow]

I love the amount of basic videos you have, just getting into the hobby its hard to find videos about the fundamentals, more experienced painters take for granted. Thank you!

[@semondice4831]

Uh... The texture of my skin... That's actually pretty usefull... Cheers mate! Thanks for another good idea!

[@Vallarthis]

Holy scrap thank you! Most useful (and concise) tutorial video I have seen on all of KZbin.

[@eugenioconti4688]

The skin method is priceless!!! Everyone I heard is like "easy peasy - milk consistency", which to me is like WTF is milk consistency? Now THIS is relatable - paint covers the skin but you still see its texture. Perfect. Thank you so much!!

[@solitairemask7754]

Thanks Jay, this quick and concise guide will help a lot of fledgling hobbyists!

[@Scooge420]

This is THE BEST paint thinning tutorial I've ever seen! Will be sending this to ANYONE asking me how to get into mini painting

[@ryanwheeler8005]

my god, you're an actual life saver! I cant thank you enough for this. I've been struggling for days to get my paints right.

[@artistpoet5253]

1:45 and for those with a bit of sensitivity to paint on their skin I suggest picking up a swatch of faux leather in a light beige color. Easy to find at most crafting stores and sometimes the fabric department has scraps for way cheap. Clean up is just a bit of soap and water and your test surface is ready to go again. Enjoy.

[@ZombieApocalypse09]

I've definitely had the over squeezed bottle explosion. It went eeeverywhere. My wife was not happy that I had decided to selectively repaint the wall. Great concise summary of how to manage paint thinning. The texture but not the color of skin showing through the paint is a great rule of thumb.

[@Harry-nc5td]

Thank you for this! I've just started in the hobby and I've been struggling with paint coverage. This tutorial has confirmed that for me and taught what I'm actually looking for. Can't wait to test this out! :D

[@MoMarinePrepper]

Loved it! A true 2 minute how-to - that works. Thank you - Thank you! I’m going to go through your video’s to see if you have one for acrylic metallics - they always give me a rough time lol Thank you again!

[@yoole._.2323]

0:28 my favourite flavour's gotta be abaddon black

[@lemoscrack]

Everyone knows the brighter paints taste better.

[@Auridus]

Miniac has entered the chat

[@dustinzaccaria7644]

I like the OG hawk turquoise, goes great with a pie and chips. Lol.

[@Selzor]

God abbadon black is the simplest paint ever but I love it it comes in every gw paint set so it’s fucking everywhere and it mixes well with other colors.

[@JayAndNightASMR]

Very useful video, I see people asking all the time on Facebook groups. I'll definitely show them this, as it's the clearest video as it can be tricky to describe

[@BEASTmodeontheRoad]

Finally someone explained why people paint their thumb

[@jpick8245]

great!! I started painting a decade ago but this 2 mins tutorial make my day thank u man

[@wadeland4]

the skin painting trick is amazing!

[@can9161]

Your videos are high quality, funny and very professionally produced. I always enjoy, watching them. Keeep doing what you do

[@MattDFan96]

Honestly the best explanation for thinning paint Ive seen.

[@nn-hx8oe]

There's literally no other video like this oue there unless you go into a 15 min video and watch every bit of it, good job man and thank you, started painting a couple months ago and there was things such as keeping the paint in a drop in the pallet that i didnt know, i actually thought i was making my pallet with the wrong paper haha

[@nikborz1039]

😄The best and simplest video on this subject🍉

[@cameronchandler7861]

The tip with the skin is a huge game changer you're a legend

[@jjcc8379]

Some paints don't like water thinning too much (a.k.a some metallics). The flakes like their original medium, and too much thinning will separate them. Fortunately for me (and fellow necrontyr players), leadbelcher spreads just right.

[@crazy808ish]

I was wondering wth was going on! That explains it. Thank you

[@captainstupendo]

Awesome tutorial. I'm super guilty of spreading out colors all over my pallet and then I wonder why they get dry out and get harder to paint with so quickly.

[@iTxip]

I wish I could like this twice, perfectly explained in 2 minutes in a very simple way for non artsy people like me

[@ijskender]

This is EXACTLY the thing I needed to see! Thank you!!!

[@thepassenger6499]

As a beginner: That was a great video! 🤘🏼 Thanks a lot!!

[@blusun6981]

This was the most helpful video for painting I've ever seen! I couldn't thin my paints right to save my life before this. Thanks so much man you've saved my kriegers :)

[@PSYFAN.]

Thank you. Finally a proper explanation of how thinning works. Have a sub.

[@lucianofiore2795]

YYYYEEEEEEESSSS, I've been struggling with getting the hang of painting. This really helped me to find where I can start to learn more how to work with this "colorful glue"

[@ramonosuke]

Excellent, and to the point. Too many times I hear about the consistency of milk, which never made any sense to me. Appreciate this

[@RJAMiniatures]

Great video! Thank you so much! You did in 2 minutes what others spent 10+ at and did it better.

[@Hateweek1984]

I've been struggling so much with this.....thx for the easiest tips on this!

[@whipseryname4295]

First video I've seen explaining why to keep your paint in a drop and not spread it out. Great tip.

[@smadjaraphael]

Man thank you so much! Brief, easy to understand, straight to the point, perfect 👍👏🙂

[@crispy2802]

Three years later, on the day of AoS 4, this video saved the day. Thanks from a brand new painter.

[@vladkriuk5156]

Great format. Super informative and demonstrative, very cohesive and to the point.

[@tallperson0892]

thank the emperor I found this channel, I've been looking for an extremely good explanation on how to thin paint for a month now and I think this one might just be the right vid thinks :)

[@kingpotato120]

Thank you!! Just started panting and this was actually reqlly helpful! All the other step by step videos dont really explain stuff in depth so this is very helpful

[@DManDuck007]

Thank to so much for this dude. I've been trying to find someone who can explain it in a way that makes sense.

[@sburbtube6766]

Also while it's a bit more expensive, especially for beginners, a medium works so much better than water when thinning paints

[@DailYxDosE]

like citadel lahmian medium?

[@diabetical_levitater]

I'm new to painting, I haveb testors "automotive" color themed paints and it came with thinner. Is that considered a 'medium'? Thanks.

[@sburbtube6766]

I am not familiar with those paints, but a medium is basically paint without color pigments that give the solution its color. @@diabetical_levitater

[@JoeGunn42]

Thank you for making this. My cousin has taken interest in customizing Transformers recently. This will definitely help him.

[@Lamefoureyes]

This is great! Lyla Mev also did a great video on blending, which touched on using the wet palette if you're looking for something a bit longer.

[@Duchess_Van_Hoof]

Remarkably clear and easy to understand, I appreciate it.

[@dustinzaccaria7644]

This a fantastic tutorial Jay.

[@derek9218]

The video we all needed. Thank you!

[@petrinafilip96]

The thing at 1:00 happened to me with a scale 75 paint, but it was pointed upwards as I was opening the bottle for the first time. I was sitting at the time and paint somehow shot up all the way to the ceiling, barely managed to get it off (it was strong red paint).

[@knife1406]

thank you for the no fluff right to the point video, holy moly

[@dezipher6770]

Thanks, was struggling getting the right consistency but the tip for painting on your skin sounds really helpful.

[@Jalexlaw]

Quick and fantastic advice thanks. Would love a video on good brush care as well, mine end up a complete mess!

[@fartooeasy7315]

this single video made my Adeptus mechaniboys look way wayyy better. ty jay

[@Screamingmanta]

You just helped me properly understand my wet pallete.

[@ethankambell]

IK its late but im a fan of glaze medium for thinning especially when newer. It helps with flow without the risk of separating the paint.

[@KabinMiniatures]

Huh, I thought I was pretty good at wet palettes and paint consistency, but after 20 years of hobbying, even I learned something today!

[@dcandstarwarslover378]

Your short video has been more helpful than the entire reddit server, thank you so much!

[@laffing_hwhitee]

Very concise enjoyed the professional look & feel of the presentation -

[@Aigismetis]

what an awesome and informative tutorial, thank you fro the content Jay!

[@DanielHanabergh]

2:02 I finally understand why Jay has marks of his paints on his fingers

[@NeoReziel]

As a noob just about to start painting, this is indeed really usefull, thanks!

[@StofferinoDK]

Perfectly explained! Thank you, Jay!!

[@wakcedout]

Ok this was helpful for how to get paint out of a gw pot for use with a wet palette. I’m still going to switch to Vallejo because dropper bottles, but good to know the correct or better way to get gw paint out as a drop.

[@guyproton384]

Excellent video Jeff! Not just this one, but your entire video library! I'm in the process of getting a new apartment, and have to repaint everything there. The paint I'm using (acrylic) has in its instructions that for the first layer the paint must be thinned with 20% of water, and the next layer with 10%. I noticed that you don't thin your paints, and use the out of the box. Should I follow the paint's documentation or leave it as is, I'd love to hear your thought about it! Thank you

[@Mr.Mortality]

Wow I love that hand texture trick! Great video

[@Razyrazer]

I use to use a wet palette then i switched to an acrylic palette and use flow improver instead of water i have better control and it made highlighting/edge highlighting a lot easier since the paint does what i want it to

[@slobiden.2593]

Great video. I need help with high lighting lines on smooth surfaces. Such as on a Space Marines shoulder pads and the round circles on his knees. I realised I hadn’t twisted the brush to get the tip as pointy as possible. But there’s something I am just not getting. They come out too thick

[@Guardsman156]

This is actually extremely helpful, thanks!

[@itcheebeard]

I've struggled with some VCG and Scale 75. It feels like they go from jelly thick to streaky without a middle ground. When I blocked in the values on my inceptors the sky blue S75 paint I used as a base highlight literally took 9 coats to get an even coverage. The same with the orange, gun metal grey, yellow, and cadmium flesh VCG I own. I've tried distilled water, glaze medium, and lahmium medium as thinning agents with no discernible difference.

[@andrewpepper-parsons9630]

Great little video, a really hard thing to master. I've found a lot of painting videos cover this but shy away from saying what the consistency should be. This was really useful. Quick question Jay do you thin with just water or some kind of medium or flow improver?

[@nintendeir0]

This is the best advice i've seen The milk one is aweful for those are begining in the hobby Thanks

[@mistformsquirrel]

This. This is the video I've needed. I've heard "Thin your paints" and "two thin coats" plenty of times, but... I didn't really know exactly what that *meant*. I mean 'add some water to paint' was obvious, but... how much, what am I looking for, etc... I did not know. Getting back into the hobby as I am, this has been the part making me most nervous - assembling and converting? Easy (well not easy but, something I have a good understanding of I think) - but painting? ... shoot no. (Shame I can't paint my minis digitally hah.)

[@MangoFandangoBB]

Crikey! The perfect video I didn't know I desperately needed for painting minis! Subbed.

[@megamanx2006]

Wow, I learned somwthing that quick! Thanks!

[@jens176]

Great vid!

[@godofcrap42]

THIS MAKES SO MUCH DAMN SENSE!

[@pho7020]

Thank you for these guides jay! Your format is so nice and really enjoyable to watch, appreciate it.

[@jayna3721]

Awesome vid, very helpful!