The provided reference primarily directs users to a PDF with a formula for making airbrush paint reducer, which serves as an airbrush thinner. Therefore, I'm unable to furnish the exact formula from just the video summary and must defer to the PDF in the video description.
Since I can't provide specific mixing ratios without the PDF's information, I'll outline the general principles of creating your own airbrush thinner/reducer. It's crucial to experiment with small batches to find what works best for your specific paint and airbrush setup.
Here are the typical components found in DIY airbrush thinners and how they work:
- Distilled Water: Acts as the primary dilution agent for the acrylic paint. It helps reduce viscosity, allowing the paint to flow more smoothly through the airbrush. Using distilled water prevents mineral buildup in your airbrush.
- Acrylic Flow Improver/Retarder: This enhances the flow characteristics of the paint and prevents tip drying. It helps to break the surface tension of the acrylic paint, ensuring even coverage and reducing the likelihood of spidering or orange peel textures. Brands like Liquitex, Golden, or Vallejo offer flow improvers specifically designed for acrylics.
- Windex (Optional, with Caution): Some modelers use a small amount of Windex Original (the kind with ammonia) in their thinner mix. The ammonia can help break down the acrylic paint for better flow. However, overuse can cause paint adhesion problems and should only be used sparingly and with caution. It's not recommended if you are inexperienced. Do not use Windex with other cleaners or chemicals.
General Approach:
- Start with Distilled Water: Begin by diluting your acrylic paint with distilled water. A common starting ratio is 1:1 (paint to water), but you may need to adjust this depending on the paint's viscosity and your airbrush's capabilities.
- Add Flow Improver: If you find the paint is still not flowing well or is drying too quickly on the tip of the airbrush, add a few drops of flow improver to the mixture. Start with a very small amount (e.g., 1-2 drops per ounce of diluted paint) and increase gradually until you achieve the desired flow.
- Test Spray: Always test spray on a piece of scrap material to evaluate the paint's consistency and adjust the mixture as needed. Look for smooth, even coverage without splattering or tip drying.
Important Considerations:
- Paint Type: Different acrylic paints have different formulations. Some are already quite thin and may only require a small amount of dilution, while others are thicker and need more thinning.
- Airbrush Nozzle Size: Smaller nozzles require thinner paint.
- Experimentation: The best way to find the ideal thinner formula for your needs is to experiment with different ratios and additives. Keep track of your results so you can replicate them in the future.
- Manufacturer Recommendations: Check the paint manufacturer's recommendations for thinning acrylics for airbrushing.
Disclaimer: I cannot provide specific ratios as that information is supposedly in the video's associated PDF.
