Master Your Miniatures: A Guide to Paint Additives

As you get more involved in the hobby of painting minis and other models you will see people talk about things that they add to their paint. Some of these are very common and others are more specialized while others seem a bit sketchy. Let’s explore several of these to clarify what they are and what they do for your paint job.

Thinner

What is Thinner?

Thinner is an additive specifically designed to reduce the viscosity of your paint, making it less thick and easier to apply. It’s particularly useful for detail work, as it allows for a more precise application and helps to prevent clumping or the obscuring of fine details.

Pros of Using Thinner:

Improved paint flow: Thinner enables your paint to flow more smoothly and easily on the surface of your miniature, allowing for better control during application.
Easier detail work: The reduced viscosity of paint mixed with thinner helps to prevent the obscuring of fine details and allows for more precise brush strokes.
Reduced clogging: When using an airbrush, thinner can help to prevent clogging by ensuring the paint flows freely through the nozzle.
Customizable consistency: Thinner allows you to adjust the consistency of your paint to suit your specific needs and painting style.

Cons of Using Thinner:

Risk of over-thinning: If too much thinner is used, the paint can become overly thin, resulting in poor coverage and potentially weakening the paint’s adhesion to the miniature.
Learning curve: Finding the right balance of thinner and paint may take some experimentation to determine the optimal ratios for your specific paint brand and desired effects.

Tips and Techniques for Using Thinner:

Start with a small amount: When first using thinner, begin with a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired consistency. A common starting point is a 1:10 ratio of thinner to paint, but this may vary depending on the paint brand and desired effect.
Test on a palette: Before applying thinned paint to your miniature, test the mixture on a palette or scrap surface to ensure the consistency and coverage meet your expectations.
Clean your brushes: Regularly clean your brushes when using thinner, as the reduced viscosity can make it easier for paint to accumulate and dry in the bristles.

Recommended Brands:

Popular and reliable brands that offer thinners suitable for miniature painting include Vallejo Missions Models, and AK-Interactive. These brands have been extensively tested by miniature painters and are known for their compatibility with a wide range of acrylic paints.

Thinner can be an invaluable tool for enhancing your miniature painting experience by providing improved paint flow, easier detail work, and customizable paint consistency. Be sure to start with small amounts of thinner and adjust as needed to make the most of this essential additive.

Mixing Medium

Mixing medium is a versatile additive that can help you achieve a range of effects and enhance your miniature painting experience. By adjusting the properties of your paint, mixing medium allows for more control over the paint’s consistency, transparency, and workability.

What is Mixing Medium?

Mixing medium, also known as acrylic medium, is an additive designed to modify the properties of your acrylic paint without altering its color. Mixing mediums come in various forms, such as gloss, matte, or satin, and can be used to adjust the paint’s consistency, transparency, and finish.

Pros of Using Mixing Medium:

Customizable consistency: Mixing medium allows you to adjust the consistency of your paint to suit your specific needs and painting style, making it easier to achieve smooth, even coverage and prevent paint from obscuring fine details.
Controlled transparency: By using mixing medium, you can create custom glazes and washes with controlled transparency, allowing for more subtle shading and color blending.
Enhanced durability: Mixing medium can help to improve the durability and flexibility of your paint, reducing the likelihood of cracking or chipping.
Maintained paint integrity: Unlike water, mixing medium maintains the paint’s binding properties, ensuring the paint adheres well to the miniature and providing a more consistent finish.

Cons of Using Mixing Medium:

Additional expense: Mixing medium can be more expensive than using water to thin your paint, which may be a concern for budget-conscious painters.
Learning curve: Finding the right balance of mixing medium and paint may take some experimentation to determine the optimal ratios for your specific paint brand and desired effects.

Tips and Techniques for Using Mixing Medium:

Start with a small amount: When first using mixing medium, begin with a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired consistency and transparency. A common starting point is a 1:1 ratio of mixing medium to paint, but this may vary depending on the paint brand and desired effect.
Test on a palette: Before applying paint mixed with medium to your miniature, test the mixture on a palette or scrap surface to ensure the consistency, coverage, and finish meet your expectations.
Combine with other additives: Mixing medium can be used in conjunction with other additives, such as flow improver or drying retarder, to achieve a range of effects and improve your overall painting experience.

Recommended Brands:

Several brands offer high-quality mixing mediums suitable for miniature painting, including Vallejo, AK-Interactive, and Army Painter. These brands are known for their reliable performance and compatibility with a wide range of acrylic paints.

In summary, mixing medium can significantly enhance your miniature painting experience by providing more control over paint consistency, transparency, and durability. Make sure to start with small amounts of medium, adjust as needed, and follow safety precautions to maximize the benefits of using mixing medium in your painting projects.

Water vs. Medium: Thinning Acrylic Paints for Miniature Painting

When thinning acrylic paints for miniature painting, you have two primary options: using water or using a medium. Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks. In this section, we’ll explore the differences between the two to help you decide which is best suited for your painting style and desired results.

Thinning with Water

Using water to thin your acrylic paints is the most common and accessible method. It’s cost-effective and easy to implement, as you only need a clean water source.

Pros:

Readily available and cost-effective
Easily adjustable – you can add more or less water to achieve the desired consistency
No additional chemicals or substances introduced

Cons:

Can cause paint to become too thin and lose its binding properties if overused
May result in an uneven finish, with some areas appearing more transparent than others
Can lead to longer drying times

Thinning with Medium

A dedicated acrylic medium, such as airbrush medium or glazing medium, is an alternative method for thinning your paint. Using a medium specifically designed for thinning acrylics helps maintain the paint’s integrity and can offer additional benefits.

Pros:

Maintains the paint’s binding properties, even when significantly thinned
Provides a more consistent, even finish
Can offer additional benefits, such as increased transparency for glazes or improved flow for airbrushing

Cons:

More expensive than using water
May require trial and error to find the ideal medium for your specific paint brand and desired effects
Additional chemicals or substances introduced, which may require further safety precautions

Flow Improver

Flow improver is a popular additive that can greatly enhance your miniature painting experience by altering the paint’s properties to make it more workable.

What is Flow Improver?

Flow improver, also known as flow aid, is a specialized additive designed to decrease the surface tension of your paint, allowing it to flow more smoothly on the surface of your miniature. This results in improved paint flow, easier blending, and a reduction in visible brush strokes.

Pros of Using Flow Improver:

Improved paint flow: Flow improver allows the paint to spread more easily across the miniature’s surface, resulting in smoother and more even coverage.
Easier blending: By reducing surface tension, flow improver makes it easier to blend colors and create smooth transitions between shades.
Reduced brush strokes: Flow improver helps to minimize the appearance of brush strokes, giving your miniatures a more professional, polished look.
Less paint waste: Flow improver can help you use less paint overall by allowing you to achieve the desired effect with fewer layers.

Cons of Using Flow Improver:

Over-thinning: If you use too much flow improver, your paint can become too thin, making it difficult to achieve proper coverage and potentially weakening the paint’s adhesion to the miniature.
Learning curve: Mastering the use of flow improver may take some time and experimentation to find the right balance and ratios for your specific paint brand and desired effects.

Tips and Techniques for Using Flow Improver:

Start small: When first experimenting with flow improver, use a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effect. A common starting point is a 1:10 ratio of flow improver to paint, adjusting as needed.
Test on a palette: Before applying paint with flow improver to your miniature, test the mixture on a palette or scrap surface to ensure the consistency and coverage meet your expectations.
Combine with other additives: Flow improver can be used in conjunction with other additives, such as drying retarder or medium, to achieve a range of effects and improve your overall painting experience.

Recommended Brands:

Several brands offer high-quality flow improvers, including Vallejo, Golden, and my personal favorite Reaper. These brands are known for their reliable performance and compatibility with a wide range of acrylic paints used in miniature painting.

Flow improver can be an invaluable tool for enhancing your miniature painting experience by improving paint flow, easing blending, and reducing brush strokes. Be sure to start with small amounts, adjust as needed, and follow safety precautions to make the most of this versatile additive.

Drying Retarder

What is Drying Retarder?

Drying retarder is a specialized additive designed to slow down the drying time of acrylic paints. By altering the paint’s drying properties, it provides you with more time to work on your miniature, blend colors, and make adjustments before the paint dries.

Pros of Using Drying Retarder:

Extended working time: Drying retarder gives you more time to work on your miniature, allowing you to perfect your details and make adjustments without rushing.
Improved blending: The longer drying time facilitates better color blending and smoother transitions between shades, which is particularly helpful when working on complex miniatures or using wet blending techniques.
Reduced paint waste: With a longer working time, you can avoid paint drying on your palette or brush, resulting in less wasted paint and better brush maintenance.

Cons of Using Drying Retarder:

Longer project completion time: The extended drying time can lead to longer overall project completion times, as you may need to wait for one layer to dry before applying the next.
Potential for overworking: The longer working time may tempt you to continually adjust and tweak your paint, potentially leading to overworking or muddying your colors.
Finding the right balance: It may take some trial and error to determine the ideal amount of drying retarder to use for your specific paint brand and desired working time.

Tips and Techniques for Using Drying Retarder:

Start with a small amount: Begin by adding a small amount of drying retarder to your paint and adjust as needed. A common starting point is a 1:10 ratio of drying retarder to paint, though this can vary depending on the paint brand and desired effect.
Mix thoroughly: Ensure the drying retarder is evenly mixed with your paint to prevent uneven drying times or inconsistencies in your paint’s finish.
Plan your workflow: Take advantage of the extended working time by planning your painting steps in advance, focusing on areas that require blending or intricate detail work while the paint remains workable.

Recommended Brands:

Well-known brands that offer reliable drying retarders include Vallejo, Reaper, and AK-Interactive. These brands have been tested by many miniature painters and are known for their compatibility with a wide range of acrylic paints.

In summary, drying retarders can significantly improve your miniature painting experience by providing you with more control over your workflow and enabling better color blending. Make sure to start with small amounts of the additive, adjust as needed, and follow safety precautions to maximize the benefits of using a drying retarder in your painting projects.

Polyurethane: Strengthen and Protect Your Miniature Paintwork

Polyurethane is a versatile and valuable material that can be used to strengthen and protect your painted miniatures, ensuring that your hard work and intricate details remain intact for years to come.

What is Polyurethane as a Paint Additive?

When used as a paint additive, polyurethane is mixed directly with acrylic paint to improve its overall durability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors. This can be particularly helpful for miniatures that will be handled frequently or exposed to various environmental conditions.

Pros of Using Polyurethane as a Paint Additive:

Enhanced durability: Mixing polyurethane with your paint can help increase the paint’s resistance to chipping, cracking, and wear, ensuring your painted miniatures remain in excellent condition.
Improved flexibility: The addition of polyurethane can make your paint more flexible, reducing the likelihood of cracks or damage when applied to flexible materials or miniatures that may be subjected to movement.
Resistance to environmental factors: Polyurethane-infused paint can better withstand moisture, UV light, and other environmental factors that could potentially cause paint to fade or degrade over time.

Cons of Using Polyurethane as a Paint Additive:

Altered paint consistency: Adding polyurethane to your paint can change its consistency, potentially making it more challenging to achieve the desired coverage or finish.
Finding the right balance: Determining the optimal ratio of polyurethane to paint may take some experimentation, as too much polyurethane could result in a less vibrant or overly thick paint.
Safety concerns: Polyurethane can contain chemicals that may be harmful if not used properly, so it is essential to follow safety precautions and work in a well-ventilated area.

Tips and Techniques for Using Polyurethane as a Paint Additive:

Start with a small amount: When first using polyurethane as a paint additive, begin with a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired durability and flexibility. A common starting point is a 1:10 ratio of polyurethane to paint, but this may vary depending on the paint brand and desired effect.
Mix thoroughly: Ensure the polyurethane is evenly mixed with your paint to prevent inconsistencies in the paint’s finish or properties.
Test on a palette or scrap surface: Before applying polyurethane-infused paint to your miniature, test the mixture on a palette or scrap surface to ensure the consistency, coverage, and finish meet your expectations.

Safety Precautions:

When using polyurethane as a paint additive, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and a mask, to protect yourself from potential chemical exposure. Some polyurethane products may be flammable, so avoid using them near open flames or heat sources.

Recommended Brands:

Several brands offer high-quality polyurethane products suitable for use as paint additives, but I have only ever used the one from Mission Models through my airbrush.

Soap as a Paint Additive: Unexpected Benefits for Your Miniature Painting Projects

**What the $#@$)*?!? Soap as a Paint Additive?**

While it may seem unconventional, soap can be a useful paint additive for miniature painting, offering several benefits that can enhance your painting experience. When used as a paint additive, a small amount of liquid soap is mixed directly with your acrylic paint. The soap acts as a surfactant, altering the surface tension of the paint and offering a range of benefits, such as improved paint flow, easier blending, and reduced brush strokes.

Pros of Using Soap as a Paint Additive:

Improved paint flow: The addition of soap can enhance the flow of your paint, making it easier to apply and achieve smooth, even coverage.
Easier blending and transitions: Soap-infused paint can help facilitate smoother blending and create more subtle transitions between colors on your miniatures.
Reduced brush strokes: When using soap as a paint additive, you may notice a reduction in visible brush strokes, leading to a more professional-looking finish.
Cost-effective alternative: Soap can be a more affordable alternative to other paint additives, such as flow improver or mixing medium.

Cons of Using Soap as a Paint Additive:

Altered paint consistency: Adding soap to your paint can change its consistency, potentially making it more challenging to achieve the desired coverage or finish.
Finding the right balance: Determining the optimal ratio of soap to paint may take some experimentation, as too much soap could result in paint that is too thin or difficult to control.
Potential adhesion issues: Excessive amounts of soap in your paint mixture could potentially interfere with the paint’s adhesion to the miniature’s surface.

Tips and Techniques for Using Soap as a Paint Additive:

Start with a small amount: When first using soap as a paint additive, begin with a tiny amount (e.g., a drop or two) and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effect. Be cautious not to add too much soap, as this could negatively impact the paint’s performance.
Choose a mild, unscented soap: Opt for a mild, unscented liquid soap to avoid introducing unwanted fragrances or chemicals that could interfere with the paint’s properties or irritate your skin.
Test on a palette or scrap surface: Before applying soap-infused paint to your miniature, test the mixture on a palette or scrap surface to ensure the consistency, coverage, and finish meet your expectations.

Using soap as a paint additive can provide unexpected benefits for your miniature painting projects, including improved paint flow, easier blending, and reduced brush strokes. Be sure to start with extra small amounts of soap, adjust as needed, to make the most of this unconventional but effective paint additive.

These are my recommendations of things that I use all the time when painting miniatures

My 3D Printer

My Paintbrush Set

My Vortex Mixer

My Ultrasonic Cleaner

The Starter Paint Set That I Recommend for small budgets

The Starter Paint Set That I Recommend for large budgets

My Wet Pallete

My favorite Airbrush

My Desk Mat

I like to listen to books on Audible while I paint

Check out these retailers to find hobby products