info@mpmhobbies.com
Call: 1-(904) 885-0559
9297 Ford Rd.
Bryceville, Fl 32009
Vallejo thinners, cleaners, and retarders are essential auxiliary products for scale modelers and miniature painters seeking professional results. This category covers the full range of mediums, flow improvers, and maintenance solutions designed to optimize paint performance, extend working time, and keep airbrushing equipment in peak condition. Explore the complete auxiliary range from Vallejo and browse related Vallejo Weathering FX and Vallejo Pigment FX.
Auxiliary products are the backbone of a well-equipped hobby workspace. Vallejo's range of thinners, cleaners, retarders, and mediums is engineered to complement water-based acrylic paints, giving modelers precise control over paint behavior, surface finish, and equipment longevity. Whether you work primarily with a brush or an airbrush, the right auxiliary product can transform your results — from smoother blends to more convincing weathering effects. Visit the official Vallejo website for technical guides and application tutorials.
Achieving the correct paint viscosity is fundamental to successful airbrushing. Thinners reduce paint consistency so it atomizes cleanly through the nozzle, while flow improvers reduce tip dry and improve atomization for ultra-smooth finishes. These auxiliaries are available in a range of bottle sizes to suit both occasional and high-volume use, making them practical for any scale modeling project.
Retarder mediums slow the drying rate of acrylic paints, giving painters more time to blend colors, create smooth gradients, and work wet-on-wet. This is especially valuable in warm or dry environments where paints can dry faster than desired. Retarders are widely used for camouflage patterns, figure painting, and any technique that requires seamless color transitions.
Surface finish mediums allow modelers to fine-tune the sheen of their work without applying a separate varnish coat. Glaze mediums create transparent tints ideal for filters and subtle color shifts, while gloss and matt mediums adjust the final surface quality to match the subject — from the flat finish of military vehicles to the wet sheen of water effects or canopy glass.
Chipping mediums are applied between paint layers to simulate realistic paint wear and battle damage. Once the top coat is dry, controlled moisture and gentle abrasion reveal the underlying color in convincing chip patterns. This technique is popular for armor, aircraft, and vehicle models where authentic surface wear is a key part of the finished presentation.
Keeping an airbrush clean is essential for consistent performance and long equipment life. Dedicated airbrush cleaners dissolve paint residue from the needle, nozzle, and cup, preventing clogs and maintaining optimal spray patterns. Regular cleaning with a purpose-formulated solution protects your investment and ensures reliable results across every painting session.
Beyond thinners and cleaners, the auxiliary category includes specialty products such as pigment binders that permanently fix weathering powders to model surfaces. These products expand the range of finishing techniques available to modelers, enabling more complex and realistic weathering without the risk of pigments shifting or dusting off over time. Explore related finishing ranges including Vallejo Weathering FX and Vallejo Pigment FX.
Auxiliaries work best as part of a complete painting setup. Pair thinners and mediums with the right paints, primers, and tools to get the most from every session. Browse the full Hobby Tools & Supplies collection to find everything you need for a professional-quality modeling workspace.