I am a newbie to using an airbrush having purchased a Harder Steenbeck Infinity at AMPS in April 2009. I am going to try pre-dusting with an airbrush for the first time, and will be using Vallejo acrylics.

The question-- again I am a newbie with this airbrush thing-- what is the recommended thinner for use with Vallejo paints when using through an airbrush?

Water?
Distilled Water?
Rubbing Alcohol?
Grappa?
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir?
JP5?


Thanks in advance.

Your best (and safest) bet is to use the Vallejo "dilutant". If you're using "Model Air" Vallejo, you might not need to thin at all for airbrusing, as it is formulated to be used straight from the bottle.

In a pinch, you could use water, but I would test it first. Do not use windex or alcohol with Vallejo; if you do, you'll probably end up with a gummy mess.

I have also used their air brush cleaner for...., you guessed it.... cleaning the airbrush.

HTH,

Mike

Use the thinner that was designed for it.

Yes distilled water will work, gasoline will work for normal paint thinner as well....but not recommended.

If you are using Vallejo Air, you probably won't need thinner, other than for the Grey Primer. The Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner is worth it as well, cleans out the airbrush very well.

Hi,

I've experienced probs with thinning Model Air, too. For overall covering with an 0.4 mm nozzle I thin MA with their thinner and all goes fine (and that's were I like this brand's color). But as soon as I've got to achive fine results, like subtle mottling or fine lines, using a 0.2/0.15 mm nozzle, I end up with a clogged nozzle a soon as the first test-shots on paper are done. Using Tamiya and Gunze (thinned with their thinner) I'm able to create fine and subtle effects!
To me it seems, that Vallejo "thinner" isn't that "thin" at all. It's constistancy is much "thicker" than other thinners. The only non-Vallejo-thinner (other than water) that seemed to work at first sight was Model Master Acryl thinner (#50496), but this one left a sticky surface.

So, what to do to achive fine results with a small nozzle AND vallejo MA? Or do I have to do the overall work with MA and the fine work with Tamiya or Gunze? (I would regret doing so, as I like the color not at least for its beeing near to odorless and the eye-drop dispenser)

Any help?

Greets

Volker