Acrylic paint is a popular medium used by artists for painting. It is water-based, quick drying, and versatile. Acrylic paints can be thinned with water, but sometimes a retarder or flow improver is needed for certain techniques or to slow the drying time. Mr Color Leveling Thinner is one such product that is made for use with Mr Color paints, but some artists wonder if it can also be used to thin regular acrylic paints. In this article, we’ll take a look at what Mr Color Leveling Thinner is, its properties, and whether it is suitable for use with standard acrylic paints.
What is Mr Color Leveling Thinner?
Mr Color Leveling Thinner is a solvent made specifically for use with Mr Color paints. Mr Color is a line of lacquer paints commonly used for model kits such as Gundam models. Lacquer paints use a different chemistry from standard acrylics. Mr Color Leveling Thinner is designed to thin Mr Color lacquer paints and improve their flow and leveling properties.
The main ingredients in Mr Color Leveling Thinner are:
- Xylene
- Ethylbenzene
- Acetone
These solvents allow the paint to spread evenly and smoothly onto the surface. The acetone in particular helps the paint form a nice even coat. The other ingredients help the paint flow and spread out without beading up.
Difference between acrylic and lacquer paints
Acrylic paint is water-based, while lacquer paint like Mr Color uses solvents. This key difference means they have different properties and requirements when it comes to thinning:
| Acrylic Paint | Lacquer Paint |
|---|---|
| Water-based | Solvent-based |
| Dries through water evaporation | Dries through solvent evaporation |
| Thinned with water | Thinned with lacquer thinner |
| More forgiving and easier to work with | Trickier to use requiring precautions |
Due to their different chemistries and properties, products designed for one type usually can’t be interchanged with the other. So Mr Color Leveling Thinner is only meant for use with Mr Color lacquer paints, not standard acrylics.
Using Mr Color Leveling Thinner with acrylics
Technically, Mr Color Leveling Thinner contains solvents that will thin and dissolve acrylic paint. So it is physically possible to add it to acrylics. However, there are a few issues that can arise:
- The strong solvents can eat away at the acrylic binders, potentially ruining the paint.
- It dries too quickly, making blending or smoothing difficult.
- Can permanently alter the consistency and properties of the paint.
- Health risks from fumes if used in a non-ventilated area.
Most acrylic painters do not recommend using lacquer thinners like Mr Color with standard acrylics. The risks outweigh any potential benefits. While it’s physically possible, the results can be unpredictable and discourage most artists from trying.
Recommended acrylic paint thinners
Instead of Mr Color Leveling Thinner, it’s recommended to use products designed for acrylics. Some good options include:
- Water – The most basic acrylic thinner is water. It is safe, non-toxic, and effective for reducing thickness and increasing flow.
- Acrylic retarders – Retarders slow drying time but don’t thin the paint. Useful for wet-blending or when you need more working time.
- Acrylic flow improvers – Improves flow and levelling without over-thinning the paint.
- Acrylic glazing liquid – Creates transparent glazes for layering. Can also improve flow.
There are also acrylic mediums that can add properties like gloss or texture. Always check that a product is formulated for acrylics before use. Products designed for other paint types may not be compatible.
How to thin acrylic paint properly
Here are some tips for thinning acrylic paint safely and effectively:
- Always use clean water – tap water can contain minerals that affect the paint.
- Add small amounts of thinner at a time – you can always thin more, but overthinned paint is ruined.
- Stir thoroughly each time – don’t just shake or mix briefly.
- Check consistency on a palette – see how it flows off a palette knife.
- Test on scrap material first – observe drying time, coverage, and adhesion.
- Maintain a wet edge – work wet-into-wet when thinning for blending.
- Allow proper drying time – thinned paints take longer to fully cure.
Start by adding just a few drops of water or medium at a time. Overthinning can cause lack of adhesion, low opacity, and color shift. Go slowly and check consistency frequently. For acrylics, products labeled and designed specifically for acrylic thinning are always the best option.
Hazards of Mr Color Leveling Thinner
While not recommended for acrylics, Mr Color Leveling Thinner is an effective solvent for use with Mr Color lacquer paints. However, when using any solvents, proper safety precautions are very important.
Potential hazards of Mr Color Leveling Thinner include:
- Flammable – keep away from heat, sparks, flames, etc.
- Skin & eye irritant – avoid contact with skin and eyes.
- Respiratory irritant – use with ventilation, avoid breathing vapors.
- Toxic if ingested – poisoning risk if swallowed.
- Light-sensitive – exposure to light can cause changes in thinned paint film.
Always use in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves and eye protection. Keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use. Follow all label safety directions. Use an appropriate respirator if ventilation is insufficient.
Conclusion
In summary, Mr Color Leveling Thinner should never be used to thin standard acrylic paints. It is formulated specifically for the Mr Color line of lacquer hobby paints. While it may technically work, it poses too many risks for undesirable results with most acrylics. For thinning and improving the flow of acrylics, it’s best to use purpose-made acrylic mediums and thinners for safe, reliable results.
