thinning Testers Model Masters Paints

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

I just recently had to buy some of these paints for a pinewood derby car I’m working on. I’ve never work with these before so I have a couple of questions:

  1. What do I use to thin it? I understand they are water based so I’m assuming I use water???

  2. What should I use to clean my air brush? Again, I assume water since it’s water based but not completely sure. Thanks for any help you guys/gals can provide.

2

Are you talking about the MM enamels or do you mean the MM Acryl line?

The Acryl line, while I’m not sure if water based, can be thinned with rubbing alcohol or distilled water. I use distilled water, myself. I use Windex with ammonia (ammonia being the key ingredient) for cleaning my airbrush.

The enamels are not water soluble, so they need either the MM proprietary thinner and cleaner, or you can use mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. Same chemicals for cleanup.

HTH,

Chris

3

I only use their enamels, thinned with Testors thinner (red can). Trying to be cheap, I have tried thinning them with off brand thinners without success. Laquer thinner does not mix well with the paint, but I do use an off brand laquer thinner for clean up, and it works great.

If you do have the Acryl line…I guess that’s been answered already.

4

I have to assume these are MM Acryl brand based upon what you said. I use the Acryl brand thinner. I’m a believer in using the appropriate manufacturer’s brand thinner for whatever medium I’m using. It may be more expensive, but a little goes a long way as long as you’re only using it for thinning purposes and not also as a cleaning agent.

5

I’d Follow Bearcats advice, its sound. As to cleanup for MM acryl; Windex (w ammonia) for general clean up & clearing the color or getting the air brush ready put away and then Lacquer thinner for a deep clean every so often

HTH

6

Thinning depends on the nozzle size of your airbrush. If I use my Badger 155 I can spray them right out of the bottle. For my fine detail Iwata I’ll usually add a couple drops of Future to the mix.

As for the enamels I thin them with Odorless Mineral spirits.

7

Thanks all, I was able to figure this out with all of your help, derby car turned out great! Thanks.