Bummer

[RKapuaala]

I got some drying retarder from Dick Blick. All they had was liquitex gel and liquid and their own stuff in a tube. I tried the gel and it is a pain to mix in the medium.
I also got their matte medium and it is shiny!!!!
Anyone have some better sources and products they can recommend.

 

[Showlen]

I actually ran into issues w/ the drying retarder by Liquitex. Their glaze medium works well for me, but that's about it. I only tried this as it's readily available at hobby lobby up the street. Vallejo's drying retarder works good for me, but I only have use very small amounts. But the one thing that works great and that I love, is Tamiya's x-21. I had to get used to mixing the right amount as too much will ruin the work. I recently tried Testors Dullcote (in the can) and it did just what I needed it to. However, that's obviously only good for the whole miniature as you can't control it for concentrated areas... though I guess you could mask off areas you don't need. I'm searching myself for a good matte varnish I can use w/ an airbrush.

For a matting agent, if you haven't tried it, I really recommend giving the x-21 a shot.

Good luck!

Ron

 

[Helm]

I agree the Tamiya X21 is great but you only need a very small amount else it dries with a chalky residue as mentioned. There's also matt enamels as well

Steve

 

[Alex Long]

Amsterdam Acrylic retarder is the best, it's the liquid type and totally matte, unlike the liqutex rubbish. If you want a gel retarder then look no further than the Vallejo version, but personally I find Amsterdam to be the best.

Alex.

 

[RKapuaala]

I did not see these on the blick site. Where are they offered?

 

[Alex Long]

Well I got mine from SAA http://www.saa.co.uk/index.php?oscsid=e17on1t6shbssah1j644s3ulv2 in the UK. I'm sure if you google it you will find a US supplier, I know Calvin Tan uses them.

Alex.

 

[Showlen]

Thanks Nap & Alex. Does the W&N Blending Medium act as a retarder/extend drying time?

I'm a bit curious about the Amsterdam Retarder since it's more of a liquid and meant for acrylics. This is different from the Vallejo, which I use from time to time, and want to try this out. I attempted to order from the SAA site, but the total cost was just over $20 since I wasn't a member (granted most of that was shipping). I'm going to search around some more to try and locate in the US.

I do have easy access to the W&N Blending Medium, so I'm going to pick some up. Perhaps it's similar to the Amsterdam.

Ron

 

[RKapuaala]

Nap, does either of them dry flat? I'm not happy with the matte finish, its too shiny.

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello RKapuaala, Try this site: www.cheapjoes.com Regards, SG

 

[MarquisMini]

Tamiya X-21 works great

 

[RKapuaala]

I'm actuall more concerned with the Sheen than the drying now. The finish looks almost gloss and I can't handle that.

 

[Nap]

Hi Guys ,

Ron ...shipping costs are what add up for the US which is something the SAA cannot control ..bit like our Post Office !!!!

Ref W&N Blending medium I have had no problems with it not drying matt and it does allow you the working time .

Like MarquisMini Tamiya X 21 also works as well .

Testors Dulcote is good if the whole area is needed , but I believe you have to make sure any oils are 110% dry or you could get white spots appearing .

For me its W& N

Nap

 

[Mike Stevens]

There is also Reapers Anti Shine Additive: http://www.reapermini.com/OnlineStore/anti shine/sku-down/09215

It works well and the price is right @ $3.29 USD

 

[RKapuaala]

Thanks for all the tips folks. I will start all over again and see if I can submit a reasonably good painted figure

 

[Einion]

Richard, a gel retarder is intended for mixing with regular artists' acrylics so as not affect the normal consistency that much so it's not the best choice for mixing with a fluid paint. That said, you can mix it with water as needed (much easier if you use a painting knife of a palette knife to mix though).

As for the Liquitex matte medium, the standards for matt amongst modellers tend to be a lot higher than for artists' paints unfortunately! Not all but a lot of "matt" paints, mediums and varnishes made for artists aren't what we'd consider matt, giving more of a satin or semi-matt finish.

Einion