Thinning for an Airbrush Without Losing Colour

An airbrush needs paint far thinner than a brush does, and how you get there decides whether colour survives.

Why a dedicated thinner

Thinning with water alone weakens the binder and can cause tip dry and poor adhesion. Airbrush mediums thin while keeping the paint film sound.

Consistency

Aim for something that flows freely, closer to milk than to cream. Too thick and it spatters; too thin and it runs and loses coverage.

Strain it

Any lump will find the nozzle. Straining mixed paint prevents most clogs before they happen.

Thin coats

Several light passes give better colour than one heavy one, and they dry without pooling at edges.