Golden - Airbrush Medium

Generally, mix equal amounts (by volume) of Airbrush Medium and Fluid Acrylic to result in a useful spraying consistency. More Airbrush Medium or water additions may be used if the mixture does not flow properly.

• Paint on any non-oily surface. Remove oils, grease, or other contaminants before application.
• Non-absorbent surfaces should be abraded for increased adhesion.
• Keep tools wet during use.
• Do not allow product to dry in airbrush.
• Clean tools with soap and water.
• Clean airbrush with water, ammonia/water, alcohol or miscellaneous household cleaners (however, consider effect of cleaner on airbrush parts, such as rings and seals).

Airbrush Medium also functions as an extender for applications requiring greater transparency and longer open time.We generally do not recommend using the Airbrush Medium with the pre-made GOLDEN High Flow Acrylics because this creates a very slow drying, potentially weaker paint film, with poor frisket performance (color sticking to frisket or masking films) until the film sufficiently dries. When frisketing is of critical importance, use GOLDEN High Flow Medium to blend with the High Flow Acrylics or other acrylics. High Flow Medium is recommended whenever a mixture requires Airbrush Medium additions greater than 2 parts medium to 1 part paint. This will yield a paint system that dries quickly, friskets well, and has excellent sprayability.

Gently stir or shake Airbrush Medium to insure homogeneity before blending with GOLDEN Acrylics.

For thinner paint lines, the Airbrush Medium can be added in equal amounts to the paint, and then stirred until well mixed. If using paints thicker than Fluid Acrylics (such as Matte Fluid Acrylics or High Load Acrylics), continue adding more Airbrush Medium up to a 1 part paint to 2 parts Airbrush Medium. Beyond this 1:2 ratio, it is best to add water for more thinning.

Although water can be used with the Airbrush Medium to help thin the paint, it also begins to forfeit some of the spray-ability that this medium enhances, and also creates a weaker paint film. High water additions will cause the paint to become fairly weak, both in pigment load and film strength. Top coating may be necessary depending on the nature of the artwork.

Thicker paints such as Heavy Body Acrylics should be first thinned with water until they reach a pourable consistency. Once the required paint and water mixture is well stirred, begin adding the Airbrush Medium at a ratio of 1 part paint/water to 1 part Airbrush Medium.

Prior to spraying, it may be necessary to strain the diluted mixture (using cheese cloth, nylon pantyhose, or #8 mesh or finer screening fabrics) to remove any large particulate materials and ensure homogeneity and smoothness. In most cases though, Golden Acrylic products are smooth and pigments ground to a uniform particle size.

Mixing products with GOLDEN Airbrush Medium will generate foam. Pre-mix colors at least 5 minutes before use. This will allow time for the foam generated by vigorous shaking to dissipate before spraying. Micro-foam can result in an irregular film.