Paint ratio
Starting-point airbrush thinning ratios for Tamiya, Mr. Color, Vallejo, AK Real Color, Humbrol and Revell Aqua, in drops or millilitres, with a suggested pressure.
Paint
Thinner
Ratio (paint : thinner)
Start at
Use this as a starting point
Every bottle is different, and old paint thickens. Mix to the ratio, then test on a plastic spoon. You want the paint to flow like semi-skimmed milk and lay down wet without running.
Signs your mix is off
- Grainy, dusty finish: too thick, or you're too far away. Add thinner a drop at a time.
- Spidering and runs: too thin, or too much paint in one pass.
- Tip dry every few seconds: add retarder or a lacquer-based thinner.
Pressure
Lower pressure gives more control for fades and post-shading. Go higher for primer and large panels. If you change the ratio a lot, adjust the pressure with it.
Planning a rusted finish? Try the rust & distress calculator.
More tools
- Scale converterReal-world size to any model scale, and back again.
- Tire & stanceScale wheel, tire and ride-height numbers for your build.
- Brick generatorScale brick grids and a printable, weathered wall texture.
- LED resistorThe right resistor to light your diorama without frying LEDs.
- Material weightHow heavy your diorama base gets, before you pour it.
- License platePrintable retro plates at exact scale size.
- Guitar & ampScale sizes for guitars, amps and stacks in your mancave scene.
- Rust & distressA weathering recipe based on years abandoned and climate.