Thinning Createx Airbrush Paint Properly

Thinning Createx Airbrush Colors: A Practical Guide for Artists, Figure Painters, and Scale Modelers

We answer this question quite often so decided to put together a short article for all the new Createx users!  So how do you properly thin Airbrush Colors?

Achieving the perfect paint consistency is key to getting the best results with your Createx Airbrush Colors. Whether you're using a paint spray gun or a small nozzle airbrush for detailed work, following the right thinning process is essential. Here’s a detailed, easy-to-follow guide on how to thin Createx Airbrush Colors for both types of equipment.

Which reducer to choose? 

There are 2 go-to reducers that are recommended for all Createx products:

4011 reducer - standard product that comes with most of Createx sets and offers quicker dry time and is a great choice for textiles such as T-shirt painting or canvas shoes.

4021 reducer is the newest addition in Createx family and absolutely amazing for any of their paints. It has a slightly delayed drying time which helps paint leveling, it improves paint flow and lessens dry tip issue. 

Thinning for Paint Spray Gun

Preparation:

1. Ensure your workspace is clean and well-ventilated.
2. Gather your Createx Airbrush Colors, 4011 or 4021 Reducer, mixing cups, and stirring sticks.

Mixing Ratio:

• For a paint spray gun, typically equipped with a larger nozzle (1.2mm to 1.4mm), start by mixing Createx Airbrush Colors with 4011 or 4021 Reducer at a ratio of 5-10% reducer by volume.
  • Example: For 100ml of paint, add 5-10ml of 4011 or 4021 Reducer.

Mixing Process:

1. Pour the desired amount of Createx Airbrush Colors into a mixing cup.
2. Gradually add 4011 or 4021 Reducer while stirring continuously to ensure a consistent mixture.
3. Mix thoroughly until the paint reaches a smooth, milk-like consistency.

Straining:

1. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps or particles that could clog the spray gun.

Testing:

1. Test the mixture on a scrap piece or a test panel to ensure it sprays smoothly and evenly.
2. Adjust the ratio if necessary, adding more reducer if the paint is too thick or less if it is too thin.

Application:

1. Apply the paint using the paint spray gun, maintaining a consistent distance from the surface.
2. Use multiple light coats, allowing each coat to dry to a tack-free state before applying the next.

Thinning for Small Nozzle Airbrush (Detail Painting)

Preparation:

1. Ensure your workspace is clean and well-ventilated.
2. Gather your Createx Airbrush Colors, 4011 or 4021 Reducer, mixing cups, and stirring sticks.

Mixing Ratio:

• For a small nozzle airbrush (0.2mm to 0.3mm), a higher ratio of reducer is typically required. Start with a ratio of 10-20% reducer by volume.
  • Example: For 100ml of paint, add 10-20ml of 4011 or 4021 Reducer.

Mixing Process:

1. Pour the desired amount of Createx Airbrush Colors into a mixing cup.
2. Gradually add 4011 or 4021 Reducer while stirring continuously to ensure a consistent mixture.
3. Mix thoroughly until the paint reaches a smooth, milk-like consistency.

Straining:

1. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps or particles that could clog the airbrush nozzle.

Testing:

1. Test the mixture on a scrap piece or a test panel to ensure it sprays smoothly and evenly.
2. Adjust the ratio if necessary, adding more reducer if the paint is too thick or less if it is too thin.

Application:

1. Apply the paint using the small nozzle airbrush, maintaining a consistent distance from the surface.
2. Use multiple light coats, allowing each coat to dry to a tack-free state before applying the next.

Additional Tips

• Resting Period: After mixing, allow the paint to rest for at least 10 minutes. This helps reduce surface tension and leads to a smoother application.
• Environmental Conditions: Ensure that the painting environment is free from dust and debris to avoid imperfections in the finish.
• Cleaning: Clean your spray gun or airbrush thoroughly after each use with Createx Airbrush Cleaner to prevent clogs and maintain performance.

By following these steps, you can achieve optimal results with Createx Airbrush Colors using both: a paint spray gun and a small nozzle airbrush for detailed work. Happy painting!

Check out our video for this: