Hi
I'm new to airbrushing so always looking for a little advice.

I've recently got some Vallejo airbrush flow improver to use with my Vallejo Model Color paints, which is working quite nicely. I have Vallejos airbrush thinner and distilled water to thin with.

Is there any reason to use the airbrush thinner over the distilled water?

Can I pre-mix a thinning solution to a separate bottle to add to my paints? I was considering a mix of:

45% distilled water
45% Vallejo airbrush thinner
10% Vallejo flow improver

Will this store and work ok?

Thanks!
Pete

For me it's usually best to use the manufactures thinner,especially so for Vallejo.But I'm sure there are a myriad of opinions out there.

I prefer distilled water to the more expensive brand thinner. One: It is cheap. Two: I've had the brand thinner destroy the paint. If I do use Vallejo brand thinner, I go with thinning medium. I just can't seem to master the airbrush thinner.

As Anthony said, it's better to use their own thinner. However, you can try water and see. If you can not notice the difference, then there is no need to waste money!

As for storing the mix, I tend to avoid it. I have no evidence that it can go wrong but just in case...

Concur.

I've used Vallejo with other thinners and water with mixed results. Other day I tried with water with a color that once worked with water, and it clogged and sputtered.

My advice is go manufacturer products first and get the result you need, then play around with the paints to see if they will work with other thinners for future projects. Kinda the "don't change horses in mid-stream" advice for airbrushes..