Best way to thin out paints

[Decerius]

I have a couple of colors that are way to thick (I'm looking at you P3 Rhulic Gold and Molten Brozen:mad:). I would like to know whats the best way to thin them out

[DHRayne]

a brushful or 2 of water works for me. Ive gotten a few paints that had the consistency of elmers glue, but a dab of water into the mix helps alot

[Sturm88]

I just add water. What also helps if you add a stainless steel bearing into the bottle. I put bearings in all my bottles and they come out so smooth its scary. Same principle as the mixing ball in a spray can.

I would not use a steel ball any smaller then 1/4" diameter. Any smaller and it wont have enough of its own weight to break the thick paint.

[sassmaw]

Mixing medium works amazeingly well. I would recomend this because you are adding clear paint rather than just water. This thins the paint without losing your consistancy. It's great and it also helps for blending.

[Decerius]

a brushful or 2 of water works for me. Ive gotten a few paints that had the consistency of elmers glue, but a dab of water into the mix helps alot

Mine are more like the consistency of rubber cement.

Thanks to everyone 4 the advice I'll try them out soon

[CallmeGene]

Mixing medium and a bit of Winsor and Newton flow Improver. Just paint on in layers.

[necrosys]

I just add water. What also helps if you add a stainless steel bearing into the bottle. I put bearings in all my bottles and they come out so smooth its scary. Same principle as the mixing ball in a spray can.

I would not use a steel ball any smaller then 1/4" diameter. Any smaller and it wont have enough of its own weight to break the thick paint.

Another cheaper way (for us who are skint) is to use cut up plastic sprue or cut off base tab. I just use clippers and pop a few in each pot.

[Debris]

I too use a matte medium mixed with a flow aid to thin my paints. I use the Liquitex brand for both of these items. I do get lazy sometimes and just use the flow aid, which is mixed 1:10 with water.

I also use lead based fishing weights as my paint agitator. They are weighty so they mix the paint well in the pot and there is no chance of rusting as there is with steel BB's. They also tend to be very cheap, about $3 for a bag of 50.

[Sturm88]

Another cheaper way (for us who are skint) is to use cut up plastic sprue or cut off base tab. I just use clippers and pop a few in each pot.

The place I get my bearings at sell me 20 for $1. Dont order online or find it on a craft store. Find a local shop in your area that is an oddball parts store. This place is basically a Radio Shack flea market. I use the base tabs as added weight to the under side of the base of a light unit model or as the insert for the slot of the base.

[necrosys]

Have just tried Winsor & Newton's Flow Improver.

It works really well, slowing the drying time of the paint allowing you to blend easier. The only down side though, is that it stinks!

[Undead Saboteur]

Windshield wiper fluid works excellent for thinning down paints. Once you thin paint with this, it doesn't dry it back out in the long run like water.