Formulated by Acrylicos Vallejo to dilute acrylic paints without breaking the pigment structure. It improves flow in airbrush applications, extends drying time, and prevents clogging, ensuring fine layers and clean glazes in static models, figures, and dioramas.
The thinner that Acrylicos Vallejo designed for the airbrush to work as it should
When using tap water to dilute acrylics, the pigment loses cohesion and the paint behaves unpredictably: clumps, nozzle blockages, and irregular glazes are the most common problems. The Vallejo Airbrush Thinner (VA71361) solves this at its root. Its formula does not break the chain of the acrylic polymer, so the colour reaches the surface with all its properties intact: adhesion, hardness, and consistency of the pigment, in layers as thin as needed.
Applications
This medium is designed for airbrush work in modelling, static models, figures, and dioramas. It is compatible with both Vallejo's Model Air range, specifically conceived for airbrush, and for adapting brush colours to this type of tool. The result in both cases is a fluid, controllable consistency without bubbles.
Compatibilities
- Model Air (Vallejo): directly compatible; adjusts viscosity without altering the pigment.
- Vallejo brush colours: allows them to be transferred to the airbrush with homogeneous results.
If you regularly work with paints from other reference brands such as Tamiya or Ammo, keep in mind that this thinner is optimised for Vallejo's acrylic formulation and may not offer the same performance with different bases.
Finishes and technical advantages
- Facilitates smooth gradients and gradual transitions without pulse marks.
- Extends active drying time, reducing the likelihood of the paint drying inside the nozzle or in the airbrush cup.
- Allows for extremely thin layers, ideal for glazes and transparency effects.
- Uniform coverage on miniature surfaces, models, and dioramas.
- Does not alter the final finish (matte or satin) inherent to each colour.
Application tips
The dilution ratio depends on the type of starting paint:
- For airbrush colours (Model Air): mix with a maximum of 25% thinner to the volume of paint.
- For brush colours adapted to the airbrush: mix with a maximum of 50% thinner to achieve optimal consistency.
It is recommended to conduct preliminary tests on a waste surface before applying to the final piece, especially when working with high proportions of thinner. Shake the paint bottle well before mixing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use water instead of this thinner?
Water dilutes the colour, but it can break the structure of the acrylic polymer and cause pigment separation, loss of adhesion, and frequent blockages in the nozzle. Vallejo's specific thinner keeps the properties of the acrylic intact.
Is it suitable for all airbrushes?
Yes. There are no restrictions by brand or model of airbrush; compatibility depends on the paint, not the equipment. With a well-adjusted consistency, it works correctly in double-action, gravity, or suction airbrushes.
Does adding this thinner change the finish of the colour?
No. The thinner does not modify the inherent finish of the colour (matte, satin, metallic). Its function is to adjust viscosity without interfering with the characteristics of the pigment.
How much does the 60 ml bottle yield?
It depends on the usage ratio. With 25% mixes, a 60 ml bottle can yield enough to work with 240 ml of airbrush paint, which represents a significant amount for several modelling or figure projects.
Can it be used with paints from other brands?
It is optimised for Vallejo's acrylic formulation. It may work with acrylics from other brands, but results are not guaranteed, and it is advisable to always conduct a preliminary test before using on final pieces.
Vallejo Airbrush Thinner VA71361 — a dedicated acrylic medium for scale modellers, figure painters, and diorama builders who demand consistent, clog-free airbrush performance. Formulated to thin both Model Air colours and brush-range acrylics without breaking pigment structure, it extends working time, enables smooth gradients and ultra-thin glazes, and keeps the airbrush needle and nozzle clean throughout long painting sessions. An essential accessory for any serious modelling workbench.