Priya Kapoor
Games Workshop Edge Paints are a popular choice among miniature painters for achieving smooth, crisp lines and vibrant highlights, but their thick consistency can sometimes make application challenging. Thinning these paints is essential for achieving the desired flow and consistency, whether you're using a brush or an airbrush. By adjusting the paint's viscosity, you can improve control, reduce brush strokes, and ensure even coverage, making the painting process more efficient and the final results more professional. This guide will explore various methods and tips for effectively thinning down Games Workshop Edge Paints, ensuring they perform optimally for your miniature painting projects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended Thinner | Games Workshop's official thinner (Lahmia Medium) or distilled water |
| Thinning Ratio | 1:1 to 1:2 (paint to thinner) depending on desired consistency |
| Purpose of Thinning | Improve flow, reduce brush strokes, and achieve smoother application |
| Application Method | Use a wet palette or mixing surface to control consistency |
| Drying Time | Slightly increased drying time compared to undiluted paint |
| Compatibility | Works with all Games Workshop Edge Paints (including shades and layers) |
| Alternative Thinners | Isopropyl alcohol (for quick drying, but may affect pigmentation) |
| Storage | Store thinned paint in airtight containers to prevent evaporation |
| Common Mistakes | Over-thinning, leading to loss of pigmentation or transparency |
| Best Practices | Test on a scrap surface before applying to miniatures |
| Effect on Finish | Thinned paints can create a more natural, blended edge highlight |
| Clean-Up | Clean brushes immediately after use to prevent clogging |
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What You'll Learn
- Using Thinning Mediums: Add water, Lahmian Medium, or flow improver for controlled thinning
- Ratio Guidelines: Start 1:1 paint-to-medium, adjust for consistency and opacity
- Stirring Techniques: Mix thoroughly to avoid separation and ensure even application
- Testing Consistency: Practice on scrap surfaces to check flow and coverage
- Storage Tips: Seal bottles tightly, store upright to prevent drying or leakage
Using Thinning Mediums: Add water, Lahmian Medium, or flow improver for controlled thinning
Games Workshop Edge Paints are renowned for their vibrant pigments and smooth application, but their thickness can sometimes hinder precision. Thinning these paints is essential for achieving fine details, glazing effects, or airbrushing. While water is the most accessible thinning medium, it’s not always the best choice. Water dilutes pigments and binders, potentially weakening the paint’s adhesion and vibrancy. This is where specialized thinning mediums like Lahmian Medium and flow improvers come into play, offering controlled thinning without compromising paint quality.
Lahmian Medium, a Games Workshop product, is specifically designed for thinning paints while maintaining their consistency and opacity. It acts as a binder, ensuring the paint adheres well to surfaces even when thinned. To use Lahmian Medium, start by adding a few drops to your paint and mix thoroughly. Gradually increase the amount until you achieve the desired consistency. A 1:1 ratio of paint to Lahmian Medium is a good starting point for most applications, but adjust based on the effect you’re aiming for. For example, a higher paint-to-medium ratio works well for layering, while a more diluted mix is ideal for glazing.
Flow improvers, on the other hand, are additives that enhance the paint’s flow and leveling properties without significantly altering its thickness. They are particularly useful for airbrushing or achieving smooth, even coats on large surfaces. When using a flow improver, add a small amount (typically 5–10% of the paint volume) and mix gently. Overuse can cause the paint to become too runny, so start conservatively and test on a scrap surface before applying to your model. Flow improvers are especially effective with Edge Paints, as they help reduce surface tension and prevent streaking.
Water remains a viable option for thinning, but it requires careful application. Distilled water is preferable to tap water, as minerals in tap water can affect paint consistency. Add water drop by drop, mixing thoroughly after each addition. A general rule of thumb is to use no more than 20% water by volume to avoid weakening the paint. Water is best suited for quick thinning when precision isn’t critical, such as base coating or covering large areas. However, for detailed work or techniques like edge highlighting, Lahmian Medium or a flow improver will yield better results.
In practice, the choice of thinning medium depends on your goal. For controlled thinning with minimal pigment loss, Lahmian Medium is the go-to option. If smooth application and reduced surface tension are priorities, a flow improver is ideal. Water, while simple, is best reserved for situations where speed and convenience outweigh precision. Experimenting with different mediums and ratios will help you master the art of thinning Edge Paints, unlocking their full potential for your miniature painting projects.
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Ratio Guidelines: Start 1:1 paint-to-medium, adjust for consistency and opacity
Thinning Games Workshop Edge Paints requires precision to balance flow and opacity. Start with a 1:1 ratio of paint to medium—equal parts by volume. This baseline ensures the paint retains its vibrancy while achieving a smoother application. Use a palette or mixing surface to combine the paint and medium, stirring thoroughly until the mixture is uniform. This initial ratio is ideal for most Edge Paints, but adjustments are often necessary depending on the paint’s age, temperature, and desired effect.
Consistency is key when thinning Edge Paints. If the 1:1 mixture feels too thick, gradually add more medium in small increments (e.g., 1:1.25 or 1:1.5) until the paint flows easily off the brush without pooling. Conversely, if the mixture is too thin, add paint in tiny amounts to restore opacity. Test the consistency on a scrap surface to ensure it applies evenly without streaking or losing color intensity. Remember, Edge Paints are designed for fine detail, so the mixture should be thin enough to flow but not so watery that it loses its edge-highlighting properties.
Opacity is another critical factor when adjusting ratios. Edge Paints are meant to provide a bright, crisp highlight, so avoid over-thinning, which can make the paint translucent. If the 1:1 ratio lacks opacity, consider adding a small amount of paint (e.g., 1.25:1) rather than reducing the medium. For older paints that have thickened over time, a 1:1.5 ratio may be necessary to restore the original consistency without sacrificing coverage. Always prioritize maintaining the paint’s ability to highlight edges effectively.
Practical tips can streamline the thinning process. Use a wet palette to keep the mixture from drying out during extended painting sessions. For precise measurements, invest in a set of mixing cups or dropper bottles to ensure accurate ratios. If experimenting with different mediums (e.g., Lahmian Medium vs. water), start with the 1:1 ratio and adjust based on the medium’s properties. Finally, practice on a test model to refine your technique before applying the thinned paint to your main project. Mastery of these ratio guidelines will elevate your edge highlighting to a professional level.
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Stirring Techniques: Mix thoroughly to avoid separation and ensure even application
Effective stirring is the linchpin of thinning Games Workshop Edge Paints. These paints, designed for precise edge highlighting, contain high pigment loads that naturally settle over time. Without thorough mixing, you’ll end up with uneven consistency—a thick, unusable paste at the bottom and a watery layer on top. This separation sabotages both application and finish, leaving streaks or patchy results instead of the smooth, luminous edges you’re aiming for.
Begin by inverting the pot and gently shaking it for 10–15 seconds. This loosens settled pigments but isn’t enough on its own. Next, use a palette knife or stirring tool to scrape the bottom and sides of the pot, lifting compacted paint. Rotate the tool in a figure-eight pattern, ensuring pigments from all areas are incorporated. For stubborn clumps, press them against the pot’s side to break them down. Aim for a consistency where the paint flows like heavy cream—enough to coat a brush evenly without dripping.
A common mistake is rushing the process. Stir for at least 30–45 seconds, even if the paint appears mixed. Hold the pot up to light to check for streaks or unblended patches. If thinning with medium or water, add it gradually (1–2 drops at a time) and stir continuously to prevent over-thinning. Remember, Edge Paints are thicker by design; you’re aiming to preserve their opacity while improving flowability, not turning them into washes.
For long-term maintenance, stir your paints before each use. Store them upside down to minimize settling, and consider using a magnetic paint holder to keep pots inverted. If you’re working with older paints, a few drops of flow improver or distilled water can aid mixing, but always test on a palette first. Proper stirring isn’t just a step—it’s the foundation of achieving the crisp, professional highlights Edge Paints promise.
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Testing Consistency: Practice on scrap surfaces to check flow and coverage
Before applying thinned Games Workshop Edge Paints to your prized miniatures, a crucial step often overlooked is testing consistency. This seemingly minor task can make the difference between a smooth, professional finish and a streaky, uneven disaster.
The Why Behind the Test: Edge paints, designed for precision highlighting, rely on a specific viscosity to flow smoothly into crevices and along edges. Thinning alters this viscosity, and without testing, you risk applying paint that’s too watery (leading to pooling and loss of detail) or too thick (resulting in brush strokes and uneven coverage).
Scrap Surface Selection: Choose a surface that mimics the texture and material of your miniatures. Spare sprues, old bases, or even cardboard primed with a similar undercoat work well. Avoid glossy or highly absorbent surfaces, as they’ll distort the paint’s behavior.
Testing Protocol: Apply the thinned paint in controlled strokes, observing how it flows, levels, and adheres. Test both thin and thick applications to see how the paint behaves under different pressures. Aim for a consistency that allows the paint to settle smoothly without running or dragging.
Adjust and Re-test: If the paint pools or appears translucent, add more medium in small increments (5-10% by volume) and re-test. Conversely, if it feels gritty or leaves brush strokes, add a drop or two of medium and mix thoroughly before testing again. Repeat this process until you achieve the desired flow and opacity.
The Takeaway: Testing consistency on scrap surfaces isn’t just a precautionary measure—it’s an essential step in mastering the art of thinning Edge Paints. By dedicating a few minutes to this practice, you ensure that your final application enhances your miniature’s details rather than detracting from them.
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Storage Tips: Seal bottles tightly, store upright to prevent drying or leakage
Proper storage of your Games Workshop Edge Paints is crucial for maintaining their consistency and longevity, especially after thinning them down. One of the most effective ways to preserve these paints is by ensuring the bottles are sealed tightly and stored upright. This simple practice prevents air from entering the bottle, which can cause the paint to dry out or thicken over time. A tight seal also minimizes the risk of leakage, protecting your workspace and other supplies from accidental spills.
When thinning Edge Paints, the introduction of additional liquid can alter the paint’s viscosity and make it more prone to separation or drying. Storing the bottles upright helps maintain an even distribution of the paint and thinning medium, reducing the likelihood of sediment settling at the bottom. For best results, ensure the bottle cap is screwed on firmly after each use, and wipe any excess paint from the rim to create a secure seal. This small step can significantly extend the life of your thinned paints.
Comparing improper storage to proper storage highlights the importance of this practice. Bottles left on their sides or with loose caps are more likely to leak or allow air to enter, leading to dried-out paint or clogged nozzles. In contrast, upright storage with a tight seal keeps the paint in optimal condition, ready for use whenever you need it. This method is particularly vital for thinned paints, which are more susceptible to environmental factors due to their altered composition.
To implement this storage tip effectively, consider organizing your workspace to accommodate upright bottle storage. Use paint racks or trays designed for small bottles, ensuring they remain stable and secure. If you’re thinning multiple bottles, label them clearly with the thinning ratio (e.g., 1:1 paint to medium) and the date thinned to track their condition over time. Regularly inspect the caps for wear and replace them if they no longer seal properly, as even minor damage can compromise the paint’s integrity.
In conclusion, sealing bottles tightly and storing them upright is a straightforward yet essential practice for preserving thinned Games Workshop Edge Paints. By preventing drying and leakage, this method ensures your paints remain usable for longer periods, saving you time and money. Incorporate this storage tip into your painting routine to maintain the quality of your thinned paints and enhance your overall hobby experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to thin down Games Workshop Edge Paints is to mix a small amount of paint with a suitable thinning medium, such as Lahmian Medium or water, in a 1:1 ratio. Gradually add more medium until the paint reaches the desired consistency for fine detail work.
Yes, you can use water to thin down Edge Paints, but it’s recommended to use a dedicated thinning medium like Lahmian Medium for better flow and adhesion. Water alone may cause the paint to become too runny or lose its consistency over time.
For layering or glazing, add a small amount of thinner (e.g., 1-2 drops of Lahmian Medium) to a pea-sized amount of paint. Mix thoroughly and test the consistency on a palette or scrap surface. Adjust as needed to achieve a smooth, translucent finish.
