{"title":"Vallejo Flow Improvers \u0026 Paint Additives","description":"\u003ch2\u003eVallejo Flow Improvers \u0026amp; Paint Additives for Acrylic Model Paints\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAchieving smooth, consistent paint application is one of the biggest challenges in scale modeling, miniature painting, and airbrushing. Whether you're painting an HO scale locomotive, weathering a military tank, detailing a tabletop miniature, or finishing a competition-quality aircraft model, controlling how your paint behaves is just as important as choosing the right color. Vallejo Flow Improvers \u0026amp; Paint Additives are designed to help acrylic paints perform at their best by improving flow, reducing tip dry, extending working time, and creating smoother, more predictable finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt Fusion Scale Hobbies, we carry a growing selection of Vallejo paint additives designed specifically for Vallejo's water-based acrylic paint system. These products work alongside the complete family of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-paint\"\u003eVallejo Paint\u003c\/a\u003e, including \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-model-color\"\u003eVallejo Model Color\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-model-air-paints\"\u003eVallejo Model Air\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-game-air\"\u003eVallejo Game Air\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-mecha-color\"\u003eVallejo Mecha Color\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-xpress-color\"\u003eVallejo Xpress Color\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're an experienced airbrush artist or just beginning your first model kit, understanding how paint additives work can dramatically improve your results while making painting easier and more enjoyable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is Vallejo Flow Improver?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlow improver is a specialized acrylic paint additive that changes the way paint behaves during application. Rather than simply making paint thinner, it helps reduce surface tension, allowing paint to flow more smoothly across the surface while improving leveling and reducing the tendency for acrylic paint to dry too quickly on the brush or airbrush needle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes Vallejo Flow Improver particularly valuable for fine detail work, smooth base coats, glazing techniques, precision airbrushing, and projects where maintaining crisp details is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike household additives or homemade mixtures, Vallejo Flow Improver is formulated specifically for Vallejo acrylic hobby paints, helping preserve the paint's intended performance while improving application characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFlow Improver vs. Thinner\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is easily one of the most misunderstood topics in hobby painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMany painters assume that thinner and flow improver perform the same job, but they actually solve two completely different problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eVallejo Thinner\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThinner primarily reduces the viscosity of acrylic paint, making it easier to spray through an airbrush or apply in smoother brush coats while maintaining the paint's acrylic chemistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf your paint feels too thick, a quality thinner is usually the first product you'll reach for. You can browse our complete selection of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-thinners\"\u003eVallejo Thinners\u003c\/a\u003e for products designed specifically for Vallejo paints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eVallejo Flow Improver\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlow Improver does not exist simply to make paint thinner. Instead, it changes how the paint moves, levels, and behaves while being applied. It helps reduce drag during brushing, encourages smoother paint flow, and can significantly reduce airbrush tip dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMany experienced hobbyists use both products together. The thinner adjusts paint consistency, while the flow improver optimizes how that paint performs during application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is Tip Dry?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've ever airbrushed acrylic paint, you've probably experienced tip dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs paint passes over the exposed needle of an airbrush, moisture begins evaporating almost immediately. Over time, dried paint accumulates on the needle tip, causing inconsistent spray patterns, sputtering, clogging, or complete blockage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTip dry is a natural characteristic of many water-based acrylic paints, especially when painting in warm, dry environments or using high air pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVallejo Flow Improver helps reduce this issue by allowing paint to remain workable longer during spraying, helping it move more smoothly through the airbrush before drying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eUnderstanding Surface Tension\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the key reasons Flow Improver works so well is that it helps reduce surface tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSurface tension affects how paint spreads across plastic, resin, metal, or primed surfaces. High surface tension can cause paint to bead, pool, or resist flowing evenly into recessed details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy reducing surface tension, Flow Improver allows acrylic paint to spread more uniformly, producing smoother finishes while helping preserve fine molded details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is particularly beneficial when painting small-scale subjects where thick paint or uneven flow can quickly obscure rivets, panel lines, grab irons, bolt heads, or delicate textures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhen Should You Use Flow Improver?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlow Improver is useful in many common hobby painting situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAirbrushing fine details.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReducing tip dry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrush painting large smooth surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePainting miniatures with multiple thin layers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApplying glazes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWet blending acrylic colors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLayering highlights and shadows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePainting highly detailed figures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreating smooth color transitions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorking in warm or dry environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf your paint already has the correct consistency but doesn't seem to behave well during application, Flow Improver is often a better solution than adding additional thinner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBrush Painting Benefits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough many hobbyists associate Flow Improver with airbrushing, brush painters can benefit just as much.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAdding a small amount of Flow Improver may help reduce visible brush strokes while allowing paint to level more naturally across larger surfaces. Figure painters often use it while layering skin tones, uniforms, and subtle highlights because it allows smoother blending between colors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eModel railroaders painting structures, rolling stock, and scenic details also appreciate the additional working time provided by Flow Improver during careful detail painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIdeal Applications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHO Scale locomotives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eN Scale rolling stock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eO Scale models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMilitary armor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAircraft models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAutomotive models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFantasy miniatures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScience fiction figures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGunpla and Mecha kits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDioramas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3D printed miniatures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResin kits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGaming terrain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical figures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePaint Additives Beyond Flow Improver\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVallejo offers more than just Flow Improver. Depending on your painting style, you may also encounter retarders, mediums, and other acrylic additives designed to modify specific paint characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome additives extend drying time for advanced blending techniques, while others improve transparency, increase working time, or alter finish characteristics. Understanding the purpose of each additive allows hobbyists to build a painting workflow tailored to their individual style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe good news is that these products are designed to complement one another, allowing painters to fine-tune paint performance without compromising color quality or durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBuild a Complete Vallejo Painting System\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor the best possible results, Flow Improver should be viewed as one component of a complete acrylic painting system rather than a standalone product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMany experienced hobbyists combine Flow Improver with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-thinners\"\u003eVallejo Thinners\u003c\/a\u003e for adjusting paint consistency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-varnishes\"\u003eVallejo Varnishes\u003c\/a\u003e for protecting finished models.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-model-wash\"\u003eVallejo Model Wash\u003c\/a\u003e for weathering and panel lining.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-diorama-fx\"\u003eVallejo Diorama FX\u003c\/a\u003e for scenery and environmental effects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-paint-accessories\"\u003eVallejo Paint Accessories\u003c\/a\u003e for mixing, measuring, storage, and painting tools.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFlow Improver vs. Retarder\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough these products are often mentioned together, Flow Improver and Retarder are designed to accomplish different goals. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right product for your painting style and achieve more consistent results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlow Improver\u003c\/strong\u003e primarily helps paint flow more smoothly, reduces surface tension, improves leveling, and can reduce airbrush tip dry. It is commonly used by both airbrush users and brush painters who want smoother application and fewer visible brush marks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRetarder\u003c\/strong\u003e, on the other hand, is designed to slow the drying time of acrylic paint. By extending the paint's open time, retarders make techniques such as wet blending, feathering, glazing, and smooth color transitions easier to accomplish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMany experienced hobbyists use these products together depending on the project. Flow Improver helps the paint move more smoothly, while Retarder provides additional working time before the paint begins to dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProfessional Painting Workflow\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExperienced modelers rarely rely on a single product to achieve professional-quality finishes. Instead, they develop a workflow where each product performs a specific function during the painting process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA typical Vallejo workflow may look something like this:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrepare and clean the model.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrime the surface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply base colors using \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-paint\"\u003eVallejo Paint\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-thinners\"\u003eVallejo Thinners\u003c\/a\u003e to achieve the desired paint consistency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd Flow Improver when smoother paint flow or reduced tip dry is needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply decals over an appropriate gloss surface if required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-model-wash\"\u003eVallejo Model Wash\u003c\/a\u003e for panel lines and weathering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd environmental effects using \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-diorama-fx\"\u003eVallejo Diorama FX\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProtect the completed model with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-varnishes\"\u003eVallejo Varnishes\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing a consistent workflow helps produce more predictable results while making it easier to troubleshoot problems if they occur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Airbrush Problems and Solutions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMany painting issues are incorrectly blamed on the paint itself when the real cause is setup, technique, or paint preparation. Understanding common problems can help improve results without unnecessary frustration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePaint Dries on the Needle\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is one of the most common reasons hobbyists add Flow Improver. Reducing tip dry helps maintain a consistent spray pattern and minimizes interruptions during longer painting sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePaint Feels Rough\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf your finish feels rough or grainy, paint may be drying before it reaches the surface. Proper paint preparation, appropriate spraying distance, and suitable environmental conditions all contribute to a smoother finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePaint Doesn't Level Well\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf brush strokes remain visible after the paint dries, Flow Improver may help the paint level more naturally before curing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequent Airbrush Clogging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eClogging can result from dried paint inside the airbrush, paint that is too thick, excessive tip dry, or insufficient cleaning between colors. Regular maintenance combined with proper paint preparation helps reduce these issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes When Using Paint Additives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePaint additives are designed to improve performance, but like any hobby product, they work best when used thoughtfully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding excessive amounts of Flow Improver.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAssuming Flow Improver replaces thinner.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUsing additives to compensate for poorly mixed paint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIgnoring proper airbrush cleaning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApplying heavy paint coats instead of multiple thin coats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChanging several variables at once while troubleshooting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpecting additives to fix worn or damaged airbrush components.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMaking small adjustments one step at a time is usually the fastest path to consistently better results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Benefits Most from Flow Improver?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlow Improver can benefit virtually every hobby painter, but it is especially useful for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModel railroad enthusiasts painting locomotives and rolling stock.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMilitary modelers creating smooth camouflage patterns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAircraft builders applying thin, even color coats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMiniature painters working with multiple layers and highlights.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGunpla builders seeking smooth mechanical finishes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAutomotive modelers painting glossy body panels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFigure painters blending skin tones and uniforms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiorama builders painting scenery accessories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you primarily use brushes or an airbrush, understanding how additives affect acrylic paint can significantly improve both your painting experience and finished results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy Vallejo Flow Improvers \u0026amp; Paint Additives from Fusion Scale Hobbies?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFusion Scale Hobbies offers a growing selection of Vallejo paints, additives, finishing products, and hobby supplies for model builders of every skill level. We strive to organize our collections in a way that makes it easy to find compatible products without spending hours searching through thousands of unrelated items.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're just beginning your first airbrushing project or refining advanced painting techniques developed over years of experience, we're here to help you build a complete Vallejo painting system with products designed to work together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDon't forget to explore our collections of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-model-color\"\u003eVallejo Model Color\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-model-air-paints\"\u003eVallejo Model Air\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-game-air\"\u003eVallejo Game Air\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-mecha-color\"\u003eVallejo Mecha Color\u003c\/a\u003e, and the complete \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-paint\"\u003eVallejo Paint\u003c\/a\u003e collection for additional colors, finishes, and accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions About Vallejo Flow Improvers \u0026amp; Paint Additives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does Vallejo Flow Improver do?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlow Improver helps acrylic paint flow more smoothly by reducing surface tension. It can improve leveling, reduce visible brush strokes, and help minimize airbrush tip dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Flow Improver the same as thinner?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Thinner primarily adjusts paint viscosity, while Flow Improver changes how the paint behaves during application. Many hobbyists use both products together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Flow Improver reduce airbrush tip dry?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYes. One of the most common reasons painters use Flow Improver is to help reduce paint drying on the airbrush needle during extended painting sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use Flow Improver for brush painting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. Brush painters often use Flow Improver to help paint level more evenly while reducing brush marks and improving blending.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShould beginners use Flow Improver?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Beginners often find that Flow Improver makes acrylic paints easier to work with while improving consistency and helping produce smoother finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Flow Improver be used with all Vallejo paints?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlow Improver is commonly used with Vallejo Model Color, Model Air, Game Air, Mecha Color, Xpress Color, and many other Vallejo acrylic paint products.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat other Vallejo products work well with Flow Improver?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMany painters combine Flow Improver with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-thinners\"\u003eVallejo Thinners\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-varnishes\"\u003eVallejo Varnishes\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-model-wash\"\u003eModel Wash\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-diorama-fx\"\u003eDiorama FX\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-paint-accessories\"\u003ePaint Accessories\u003c\/a\u003e to create a complete painting and finishing system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eShop Vallejo Flow Improvers \u0026amp; Paint Additives at Fusion Scale Hobbies\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're looking to reduce tip dry, improve brush painting, create smoother airbrushed finishes, or gain greater control over your acrylic paints, Vallejo Flow Improvers \u0026amp; Paint Additives are an excellent addition to any hobby workbench. Browse our collection today and discover products trusted by model railroaders, military modelers, miniature painters, aircraft builders, automotive enthusiasts, and hobbyists around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/6453\/5552\/collections\/14f1ef0b-99a7-4f96-8875-3afe3c2d7ed6.png?v=1783008675","url":"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/collections\/vallejo-flow-improvers-paint-additives.oembed","provider":"Fusion Scale Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}