I am a beginner and I heard lots of people talking about thinning paint. Can anyone help me out with that?

Hi Vincent

This may help you

http://www.little-cars.co.uk/workbench49.pdf

Hello Vinnie,

I think we can help you in a better way if you give us some basic information. Which colours and thinners are you using or wanting to use? Are you using an airbrush or are you going to brushpaint your models? And are you experiencing any problems or do you want some general informations regarding thining paint?

Best Regards

Dennis

Thanks, Mauro, for this very helpful chart of what thins what. Well worth copying!

I brush paint my models and I will most likely be using Model master acrylics because I have heard good things abut them. With this paint, what should I use as a thinner, and how much?

As a starting point try model masters own thinner, how much to thin depends on how you are applying it. Using an airbrush then 50/50 is a good starting point, using a brush then 25/75 is a good starting point, once you have got the hang of thinning then you can look for alternative thinners, like IPA or ammonia based window cleaners.

Paul

So every time I paint, I use 1 part paint to 3 parts thinner?

The amount you thin will depend on personal preference and how thick to paint is, some like Vallejo Model Air do not need thinning but most will. The amount you thin will depend on the application method. If spraying with an airbrush then a good starting point is 50/50 but the variables are, how thick is the un thinned paint, what size nozzle is fitted to the airbrush and what pressure you are spraying at, if applying by brush I would probably go 25/75, thinner paint and adjust if its shown to need it during application and would probably aim for a level that requires 2 to 3 coats for a proper application. 2 or 3 coats of properly thinned paint can almost equal an airbrush as far as the finished result can be.

Hope this has been of help.

Paul

Usually I start with a 1/2 paint-1/2 thinner ratio. I adoprt more diluted mixtures only to make some filters.