AMMO by MIG Acrylic - Auxiliary - Transparator 17ml

Transparator Mate AMMO by Mig (A.MIG-2016) – Transparency and Matte Control Without Shine

The Transparator Mate by AMMO by Mig Jimenez (code A.MIG-2016) is a water-based acrylic medium specifically formulated to reduce the opacity of acrylic paints — in other words, to make them more transparent or translucent. Put simply, by lowering the opacity, this product allows underlying effects to remain visible through subsequent paint layers.

It accomplishes this without altering the original tone of the paint or affecting its adhesion. Unlike traditional thinners or reducers, it doesn’t change the consistency of the paint, but allows for smooth, translucent application with a completely matte finish, making it ideal for techniques like glazes, filters, and soft modulation.

This is an especially helpful tool for modelers aiming for subtle effects, smooth transitions, or lower color saturation without losing precision or overloading the surface.

What Is Transparator Mate For?

The main purpose of Transparator Mate is to help you adjust the transparency of your acrylic paint, whether you’re applying it with a brush or airbrush. It allows you to work in thin, semi-transparent layers that don’t fully cover the base, preserving texture and surface detail.

It’s perfect for localized glazes or filters, as its matte finish eliminates shine, keeping the result natural and realistic. That’s particularly useful for military models, figures, sci-fi vehicles, and dioramas, where unwanted reflections can break visual consistency.

Main Uses and Benefits:

• Controlled glazes: Lowers color saturation for soft, progressive layering while respecting lower layers.
• Matte acrylic filters: Slightly alters the tone of specific areas without impacting underlying volume or texture.
• Figure painting: Great for smoothing shadows, applying midtones, or unifying skin and fabric colors.
• No unwanted shine: The matte finish eliminates glare, which is essential for weathering or realistic finishes.
• Preshade enhancer: Preserves light and shadow effects when applied over preshaded surfaces.
• Compatible with all acrylics: Works perfectly with AMMO, AK, Vallejo, Tamiya (with acrylic thinner), and more.

How to Use It

Mix Transparator Mate (A.MIG-2016) directly with your acrylic paint in the proportion you need. The more you add, the more transparent the final result.

It won’t affect paint adhesion or viscosity, so you can use it confidently with brush or airbrush. If using it in your airbrush, you may optionally add a few drops of acrylic thinner to improve flow.

You can also combine it with a retarder like AMMO F-500, especially for brush-painting clothing or faces on miniatures to extend working time and allow smoother blending.

Modeler’s tip: Always apply several thin layers rather than a single thick coat. This gives you more visual control and prevents oversaturation. It’s a good idea to run a test on a spare piece before using it on your model.

Techniques Where Transparator Mate Excels:

• Filters over camouflage, fabric, or skin
• Glazes on top of previous modulation work
• Chromatic unification in vehicles or scenic bases
• Adjusting tone without hiding raised surface detail
• Making preshading effects remain visible under color

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it change the paint color? No. It doesn’t lighten or alter the original tone — it simply increases transparency.

Can I use it as a matte varnish? No. While it produces a matte finish, it does not have sealing or protective properties.

Does it need thinning? No. It’s ready to use. You may add acrylic thinner if needed for airbrushing.

Conclusion

Transparator Mate AMMO by Mig (A.MIG-2016) is more than just a paint additive — it’s a creative tool that allows you to apply color with subtlety, control, and a matte finish, all while preserving surface detail.

It’s an excellent choice for painters who seek precision, realism, and matte effects without sacrificing the visibility of preshading or fine textures underneath.