I've just started painting some of my building kits and learning about using acrylics.
Seems like this Floaid stuff is a good idea as they say it thins the paint without diminishing the color coverage.
But is this one of those kinds of products that a person could replicate with materials around the home--alcohols, detergents, etc. etc.--or does it use complex ingredients?
I don't know how much it costs off the shelf, but I guess I will buy some if I can't make my own.
Otis,
I use Floaid when I mix up my wash for mortar on brick buildings. I haven't used it to thin paint. I don't see why it couldn't be used, though, but if you read in this forum and also at Fine Scale Modeling about painting with an airbrush, you will note most of the time acrylics are thinned with water. I'm using distilled water.
Re coverage when painting. It helps to wash the plastic before starting with warm water and detergent. Also priming helps too. You can use an air brush if you have one but for buildings I'm using spray cans from Hom Depot. In fact, I have some buildings just painted that way. Here's a photo of my buildings. The tan one and the one in front of it on the right side of the photo were with spray cans. The others were with Polyscale Acrylics.
I don't know what Floaid is. I know it decreases surface tension in a liquid making it slipperier and spread out in a thinner layer. I think the fancy word for substances like Floaid is surfactant but it's been a long time ...
I have an 8 oz bottle. I think it cost about $8 at an art supply store. It will last me a long time since I only use a few drops with each batch of wash I mix up.
Markmarkalan
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Thanks Markalan, for the info and the photo.
I have all the smaller buildings (still in the bag) you have shown in the photo, plus a couple of larger hotels etc. I appreciate seeing how they can be completed on someone's layout. You have them looking good.
I completed the smaller Pam's Corner Cafe first to try some experimentation which I am going to throw out for comment in another post.