discussion Should Vallejo Retarder be as thick as Hony?

[Guest]

Just bought it. When upending the bottle (its the usual Vallejo bottle with a spout) and squeeze very hard, nothing appears. If I leave the bottle upside down for a time and then squeeze hard, the liquid that eventually comes out is as viscous as unset honey, possibly even less runny, and it is impossible to add by the usual drop-by-drop method because each "drop" is very big.


Is this normal?


If so, how much to add to acrylic paint (in % or other terms) and how to add it, remembering that the drops are big?

 

[Guest]

I do have some of this steve & mine is very thick too.

 

[Guest]

Yes I have just got some and surprised how thick it is. Do not think i will use it in an airbrush but for hand brush it is useful.


But there is a new product out. Vallejo Airbrush Flow Improver. John in the shop is waiting for this to arrive.


Laurie

 

[colin m]

It is thick but soon waters down. I do use it in my AB, when I remember.


As for ratio, I just guess, after all, every bit helps.

 

[Guest]

I've used the WN flow improver in my home brew thinners and it works great. It does what's advertised.


Ray

 

[Guest]

I've used the WN flow improver in my home brew thinners and it works great. It does what's advertised.
Ray

Ray: What is "WN" please?


Vallejo says:

Airbrush Flow Improver


71.262



Medium designed to improve the flow and delay the drying of paint on the needle while airbrushing. It is recommended to ad 1-2 drops of Flow Improver to 10 drops of paint in the cup of the airbrush.



{It doesn't say whether the cup is full or not. I doubt many people normally fill an AB cup}



Drying Retarder


70.597


To delay drying time of Model Color, mix a few drops with the color, or dip brush into retarder on the palette. Colors will not change their consistency. Useful for “wet on wet” techniques and reducing skin formation on the palette.

It looks like the Flow Improver would be better as it does two things at once, and it's improving the flow that I mostly need. I'll get some. I don't fancy making a (say) 10% mix with such a thick Retarder and its huge drops.

 

[Guest]

WN is Windsor & Newton - I have a new bottle of this gathering dust Steve.... Yours for a fiver + p&p

 

[BarryW]

mmm At first glance the title reminded me of my now ex-wife, thick and ho*ny... if you get my meaning.


Sorry I digress!!!!


I have some of this and mine too is quite thick and I have used it once or twice with no issues. If in doubt why not add a drop of water...


As for a full cup? It is also about the cup size... I would suggest some experimentation.


Building primarily large scale, 1/32, aircraft I frequently fill the larger (5mil) H&S cup and it is in that I have put two drops before when full. It is usually long sessions with a full cup that give rise to tip drying after all. When I use it I also tend to leave more time for curing. It may not be needed but I dont like to take risks of masking tape pulling it away so I leave it for 48 hours at least.

 

[Guest]

mmm At first glance the title reminded me of my now ex-wife, thick and ho*ny... if you get my meaning.

Tell us more Barry

 

[monica]

I have been trying to get the WN flow improve,over hear ,but just is not available,


so that is some good news with the vallejo one,


I do have a few of the paints what are very think,as well,and have nut messed about


to be able to use in the AB,


I did read some where it should be as runny as milk,

 

[Guest]

Steve,


I'm sorry I should've spelled it out. WN is Winsor Newton.


Ray

 

[Guest]

I make my own thinner with IPA, distiller water, WN flow improver, and WN fluid retarder. I usually mix up a 200 ml batch using this ratio:


190 ml of H2O


100 ml of IPA


5 ml of WN flow improver


5 ml of WN fluid retarder


I use this thinner for all acrylics and have had good luck. Mixing it this way is easier than mixing it in the AB cup.


Ray

 

[dave]

I have been trying to get the WN flow improve,over hear ,but just is not available,

Have you tried the other artist supply companies? Daler-Rowney do a flow enhancer which I use.


I also make batches of thinner for brush painting acrylics, 1mL flow enhancer/99mL distilled water.

 

[monica]

thank you for that info,i will try that and see if more available,


but i did look on evilbay and they have it so mite just get it from there,


its strange as the art shops do see WN, dont get it,