I am painting with Tamiya acrylics and need a way to fix the MIG pigments other than using the MIG pigment fixer. I have heard of using alcohol, but would that not destroy the paint finish? Would the coat of future I apply protect the paint from the alcohol?
What are some other methods of fixing the pigments?
Thanks

yes ,the sealer would work.also Mig Thinner is just mineral spirits,so you can use spirits on an acrylic finish to fix the pigments,alcohol would work if the paint is enamel.

Do not use alcohol on acrylics or Future. To fix your pigments, use mineral spirits.

Fixing the pigments with alcohol or the respective thinner of the used colours is not a problem. You just shouldn't make the model dripping wet. Damping the surfaces is enough and should do the job. And don't rub with a brush! Just let the surface and/or the pigments absorb the alcohol/thinner.

I have quite a few questions regarding fixing pigments so though this the best place to ask...

1stly can anybody tell me what is in Mig Pigment Fixer and what is an alternative generic product?

2ndly how do pigment fixers work? Do they "melt" the pigments INTO the paint, or seal the pigments like a coat of varnish ONTO the paint?.

3rdly if you get pigment fixer onto an area with no pigments, does it leave a matt, satin or gloss finish or no finish at all?

Finally, if I am trying to get an effect where there are grease stains with some sand over them but still showing distinct "wet" patches, am I better of doing the grease first or should I pigment and fix and then apply the wet look?

Hi

I use acrylic paints and use IPA for fixing my pigments without any issue, the IPA is used for either wetting the area to dust the pigment on for a thick dusty or mudy look or it is used to thin the pigments for a thin dusty look.

Using it this way I have never had it damage the underlying paint job, the secret is to not be too heavy with the brush and once its dry which with IPA is only a few minutes the pigments will be fixed.

If you are realy worried you can always seal the acrylic with a sirit based clear cote first.

Paul

Perhaps this great tutorial will help.

http://trackpads.co.uk/Evo-Forums_-_file_-_viewtopic_-_t_-_179.html

Thanks everyone for all the tips and info. I think I may try a little of both to find out which works best for me.