_GOTOBOTTOM
AFV Painting & Weathering
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Acrylic reducer/ flow aid mixing ratios ?
TopSmith
Visit this Community
Washington, United States
Joined: August 09, 2002
KitMaker: 1,742 posts
Armorama: 1,658 posts
Posted: Monday, June 19, 2017 - 06:45 AM UTC
I have read about using Liquitex flow aid and reducer to improve the spray properties of acrylic paint. What are your experiences and mixing ratios? Anything to watch out for?

Thanks
Armorsmith
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 09, 2015
KitMaker: 1,063 posts
Armorama: 1,000 posts
Posted: Monday, June 19, 2017 - 08:07 AM UTC
Don't know what brand of acrylics you are using but I have been airbrushing Tamiya "acrylics" for many years without the use of a flow aid or retarder. I do thin the paint with their yellow cap lacquer thinner and get very good results. Mixing ratios vary depending on a number of variables including local temperature and humidity and how you prefer to paint. I like to build my paint slowly using very thin coats so I tend to use a higher thinner to paint ratio and spray at relatively low pressure, but a good place to start with the Tamiya is 1:1. Hope this helps. I'm sure others will chime in. Good luck.
 _GOTOTOP