Can You Use Scale75 Paints with an Airbrush Without Thinning?
By SCALE75 - HOBBIES & GAMES – SCALE75 - Hobbies & Games | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Scale75 paints are not airbrush-ready straight from the bottle. Learn why thinning is necessary, how to do it, and which products work best for airbrushing miniatures.
Quick Answer
No, you cannot use Scale75 paints straight from the bottle in an airbrush without thinning. They are formulated for brush application and require thinning to flow properly through an airbrush nozzle.
Why Scale75 Paints Need Thinning for Airbrushing
Scale75 paints, including the individual acrylics like Valyrian Green and Baby Leaf Green, have a thick, creamy consistency designed for precise brush control. This viscosity is too high for most airbrush needles and will cause clogging, sputtering, or uneven spray patterns. Thinning reduces the paint to a milk-like consistency that atomizes correctly through the airbrush.
How to Thin Scale75 Paints for Airbrushing
Use a dedicated airbrush thinner or distilled water. Start with a 1:1 ratio of paint to thinner and adjust as needed. Mix thoroughly in a separate cup or on a palette before pouring into the airbrush reservoir. Avoid using water with high mineral content, as it can affect paint adhesion and flow. For best results, test the consistency on a piece of paper or spare model before painting your miniature.
Are There Any Scale75 Paints That Are Airbrush-Ready?
Currently, Scale75 does not market any of their standard hobby paints as airbrush-ready. The PACK MONSTERS INK + PISCES includes the SSAR-027 paint set, which may contain inks that are thinner by nature, but even these should be tested before use. Always check the product description for specific airbrush recommendations. If you need a paint that requires no thinning, look for brands that explicitly label their paints as airbrush-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use water to thin Scale75 paints for airbrushing?
- Yes, distilled water works well. Avoid tap water with high mineral content. Start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust until the paint flows like skim milk. Water is a safe and effective thinner for Scale75 paints in airbrushes.
- What consistency should Scale75 paint be for airbrushing?
- Aim for a consistency similar to skim milk. It should flow easily off a stirring stick and not leave thick streaks. Test on a scrap surface first. Milk-like consistency is the target for smooth airbrush application.
- Will thinning Scale75 paints affect the color or coverage?
- Thinning can slightly reduce opacity, especially with lighter colors like Baby Leaf Green. Apply multiple thin coats to build up coverage without losing detail. Multiple thin coats preserve color intensity and model detail.
Products Mentioned in This Guide
- PACK MONSTERS INK + PISCES: The PACK MONSTERS INK + PISCES from SCALE75 - Hobbies & Games combines two essential items for your painting projects. Includes the SSAR-027 paint set and the SZ75-012 PISCES figure. This pack gives you both paints and a figure to practice airbrushing techniques, though the paints still require thinning for airbrush use.
- VALYRIAN GREEN: Valyrian Green is a high-quality acrylic paint from SCALE75 - HOBBIES & GAMES, designed for modelers and hobbyists. This individual paint offers a rich green hue suitable for miniature painting, dioramas, and creative projects. A great example of a Scale75 paint that needs thinning for airbrushing; its deep green tone works well for basecoating or shading after thinning.
- BABY LEAF GREEN: SCALE75 BABY LEAF GREEN is an individual paint from the Hobbies & Games range, formulated for miniature painting and hobby projects. This single bottle delivers a true leaf green shade suitable for adding natural tones to your models. Ideal for airbrushing foliage or base colors on terrain, but remember to thin it first to avoid clogging your airbrush.
