Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

What is the functional difference between the three, and in what situations are each appropriate?

Airbrush thinner is a stronger solvent than water, has a lower surface tension, faster drying time and has better pigment binding properties.

I've never really used airbrush flow improver in my airbrush to be honest, I've only ever used it with a hairy brush, lol. I imagine it just further lowers the surface tension and perhaps is an even stronger solvent. Vallejo flow improver I believe is only designed to be used in small amounts whereas the vallejo thinner can be used neat.

EDIT: And obviously if you're using something more exotic than water based acrylics (like Gunze/Tamiya's alcohol based acrylics, lacquers or enamels) then "airbrush thinner" for those particular paints actually works while water will just create a claggy clogged mess in your airbrush.

If anyone else is wondering, I got some expert advice elsewhere to the effect that the flow improver slows the drying time and reduces the amount of clogging you get with the airbrush.

 Weboflies wrote:
If anyone else is wondering, I got some expert advice elsewhere to the effect that the flow improver slows the drying time and reduces the amount of clogging you get with the airbrush.

Totally correct... If you are painting with a brush, then I find simple water to thin out acrylics just fine. However, if shooting through a brush, I would recommend the appropriate acrylic thinner by the manufacturer of the paint. Believe it or not, many different companies have a variety of formulas and pigment/carrier/vehicle ratios to their acrylic paint. What might work for Vallejo may not work for Tamiya (personal experience there - Tamiya, while excellent paints, just behave differently than other acrylics...)

Don't get why the VS? Just add improver to the paint with a little bit of water. I'd go for the representative thinner for the particular paint thou.