What is the Difference between Airbrush Flow Imporver and Thinners?

[panzerkaput 33943xp 0]

A question to the Airbrush kings we have on here, what is the difference between Airbrush Flow Improver and Airbrush Thinners and what are their uses?

[killcrazy 2947xp 5]

Thinner does what it says, it thins the paint.

flow improver is an additive that helps to break surface tension, allowing paint to be applied more smoothly.
if you have a paint that comes out streaky with a brush, or an uneven coat with an airbrush you can resolve it with flow improver. It also acts as a retarder, and also because it breaks surface tension it also acts in small quantities as a lubricant for the paint in an airbrush so it can come out easier, and be cleaned easier.

[sundancer 43063xp 1]

A question and a direct, informative answer…. I’m dead and this is wargamers heaven? XD Kudos to @killcrazy

[horati0nosebl0wer 19660xp 2]

@killcrazy I think that there might also be a drying additive (isopropyl  alcohol) to the thinner. Luke’s APS did a video on how to make your own and added it to his. It seems to be common in other videos as well. I found that thinner was best for priming to cut the cure time down a little whereas the flow aid was best for regular air work to get the most time to clear out any gunk in the system. Humidity really is a factor to consider when using an airbrush.

[mischiefMember 3965xp 1]

Flow Improver is also supposed to help prevent the paint drying on the needle tip.

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