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What to use to thin Humbrol ACRYLIC paint
Robbd01
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Arizona, United States
Member Since: February 13, 2013
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Posted: Friday, September 06, 2013 - 01:38 PM UTC
I hope I am not beating a dead horse on this but, what the heck do you use to thin Humbrol acrylic paint for an airbrush??
I felt like a chemistry major. I tried everything on the ole thinning list. Whatever I used it would clump. I thought my tried and true lacquer thinner but that stuff is immune to it .

I never gave it any thought but I bought the Airfix starter set (Cutty Sark) and thought I would let the young son go at it with the airbrush. I used the little pots of paint that came with it. Did not go well and I will spare you the details. But needlessly to say it was son here is a paint brush - go for it...

Oh I have not tried Humbrol's thinners since you can't find it anywhere and when you do, I would rather save my money for WNW kit


Let me know what you used (other then Humbrol thinners) and most likely I tried it. The number of chemicals are almost matching my stash and the family is wondering if I have a meth lab instead of a modeling room...

Cheers
chumpo
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Posted: Friday, September 06, 2013 - 02:12 PM UTC
Everything I can find about this paint is that users have the same complain as you. Maybe you need to get the same brand of thinner as paint .
Jessie_C
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Posted: Friday, September 06, 2013 - 02:36 PM UTC
Humbrol says to thin it with water, two parts paint to one part water. Perhaps distilled water would work best. They also mention Humbrol acrylic thinner.
chumpo
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Posted: Friday, September 06, 2013 - 04:03 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Humbrol says to thin it with water, two parts paint to one part water. Perhaps distilled water would work best. They also mention Humbrol acrylic thinner.

. Some sites says to use warm deionized water, if that helps. I have never tried using humbrol acrylics and after this post probably never will.
Robbd01
#323
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Posted: Saturday, September 07, 2013 - 01:45 AM UTC
I did the water (distilled, bottled, Perrier (kidding on the Perrier)) it did not thin well and it still clumped and the spray was splattering and when I did get it the surface was very 'Orange skin' texture. The other side of my question/rant is what to use to clean up. I have a ultrasonic jewelry cleaner I use. Fill it will water. I would then use a 2.oz glass jar and fill it with paint thinner or lacquer thinner and put my airbrush parts in it. Set the timer for 2 or 3 min and voila all clean. This Humbrol acrylic resisted it all. I did alcohol, acetone, ammonia (mixed with water). Tamiya and Testor's thinner without much success. I was just wondering if I missed a chemical out there . I am also searching for a place that sells the actual Humbrol thinners and if they actually have any in stock.

Cheers
chumpo
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Posted: Saturday, September 07, 2013 - 08:54 AM UTC
Winsor & Newton makes a brush cleaner and restorer , it works on all types of paint. Even dried enamel that takes a bit longer , but tears up acrylic paint . Only thing you have to worry about is it messes up plastic so be carefully . Watch out you don't spill it . And when you are done cleaning the brushes Masters makes a soap that will help preserve the brushes afterwards .
chumpo
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Posted: Saturday, September 07, 2013 - 09:03 AM UTC
Is there an AC Moore or Michaels or any artist supply store near you ? They carry a bunch of acrylic paint supplies from thinner to retarder a and flow enhancers , maybe give that a try. Bring a bottle of humbrol and maybe you ask them to give it a try to see if they are compatible before buying it. Golden is one brand I use , it works with Lifecolor paints. That's a thought , have you tried Lifecolor paint yet ?
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