AMMO by MIG Acrylic - Auxiliary - F500 AMMO Retarder

AMMO F-500 Retarder – Full Drying Time Control and Painting Precision

AMMO F-500 Retarder is a water-based acrylic additive specifically designed to slow down the drying time of acrylic paints.

Developed by AMMO by Mig Jimenez, this product is an essential tool for any modeler looking for more control during painting, whether working with a brush or airbrush.

It’s especially helpful if you want to achieve smooth transitions, extended blending times, or avoid brush marks (particularly when painting by hand). The product is very intuitive to use, but the results are impressive: softer fades, seamless gradients, and the ability to correct or retouch areas before the paint dries.

What is the Retarder for?

Simply put, this additive slows the drying time of acrylic paints, giving you more working time. This is especially useful in hot or dry environments, or when using fast-drying paints like AMMO, Vallejo, AK 3G, and others.

Although it’s often associated with figure painting (which it’s great for), its use isn’t limited to that. You can also use it on any type of model. Adding just one drop to your acrylic mix in the airbrush cup improves paint flow and reduces the chances of clogs at the needle tip.

There’s no fixed ratio since it depends on your painting habits and the type of paint you're using. That’s why testing beforehand is always a good idea. Keep in mind that the more you add, the longer it will take to dry, so handle the model with care and protect it from dust or environmental debris.

Main Uses and Benefits retreader:

• Wet blending: Lets you work with active colors on the surface for soft modulation and transitions.
• Reduces brush marks: The slower drying time allows the paint to self-level, noticeably reducing visible strokes.
• Enhances light and shadow effects: Helps the paint settle into recesses, letting highlights stand out better on raised areas.
• More error tolerance: Extra working time lets you blend, correct, or remove paint before it fully dries.
• Better airbrush control: Enables finer layers and prevents tip dry during application.
• Compatible with all water-based acrylics: Works with AMMO by Mig, Vallejo, AK, Tamiya (with acrylic thinner), and more. Always test first.

How to Use It

Just add a small amount of F-500 Retarder to your paint mix. Start with 1 or 2 drops for every 5 drops of paint, and adjust based on your climate and painting technique. Avoid overusing it to maintain proper adhesion.

Pro tip: If working with a brush, paint in small sections and take advantage of the extra time to blend colors smoothly. For airbrush use, mix it with acrylic thinner for more consistent flow and a finer spray.

Techniques Where It Excels:

• Color modulation: Smooths out transitions between highlights and shadows.
• Acrylic glazes and filters: Lets you apply thin layers without harsh edges.
• Figure painting: Helps blend skin tones and clothing with ease.

Common Questions about AMMO F-500:

How long does it delay drying? That depends on how much you use, the paint type, and humidity. In general, it adds 2 to 10 extra minutes of working time.

Does it affect color? No. It’s fully transparent and won’t change the tone or finish of the paint.

Can it be used with varnishes? Not recommended. It’s designed for acrylic paints only, not for use with varnishes or enamels.

Conclusion:

F-500 Retarder isn’t just a sidekick product — it’s a strategic tool for modelers who want to work calmly, precisely, and with more professional-looking results. Perfect for techniques requiring subtlety and full control, this additive helps you unlock better flow, smoother blending, and easy corrections. It’s a small but mighty ally that truly makes a difference in every project.