Achieving optimal airbrush performance frequently necessitates adjusting the viscosity of the paint. Water serves as a common diluent for acrylic-based airbrush paints. The correct proportion of water to paint is critical for ensuring a smooth, even spray pattern and preventing clogging. An example of adjusting this proportion would involve starting with a 1:1 mixture of paint and water and observing the resulting spray. Adjustments are then made based on the specific paint and airbrush being used.
Proper paint thinning offers several benefits. It allows for finer atomization, resulting in smoother gradients and more detailed work. Inadequate thinning can lead to sputtering, uneven coverage, and tip dry. Historically, artists relied on trial and error to determine appropriate thinning ratios, but contemporary resources provide guidelines to minimize wasted material and maximize efficiency. The correct viscosity impacts the final appearance and durability of the applied paint layer.