Why Add Flow Improver to Your Airbrush Paint?
By Quality Tools & Supplies for Hobbys, DIY & Crafts - Micro-Mark Tools | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Tips & Care
Learn when and why to use airbrush flow improver to prevent clogs and thin acrylic paint without losing color intensity. Practical tips for smoother spraying.
Quick answer
Add flow improver to thin water-based acrylic paint without reducing color intensity and to help prevent tip dry and clogs in your airbrush.
When water alone isn't enough
Plain water thins acrylic paint but can also wash out pigment and increase surface tension, leading to spattering or uneven coverage. Flow improver keeps the paint fluid while preserving opacity.
Tip dry occurs when paint dries on the needle tip mid-spray. Flow improver slows evaporation at the tip, reducing this common frustration.
How much to add
Start with a few drops per cup of thinned paint. Overuse can make paint too thin or slow drying time. Aim for a consistency like skim milk—thin enough to flow but not watery.
Diagnosis: Is flow improver the fix?
- Symptom: Paint spatters, clogs, or tip dry occurs within seconds of spraying.
- Likely cause: Paint is too thick or evaporating too fast at the needle tip. Plain water may have already washed out pigment.
- Corrective action: Add 2–5 drops of Micro-Mark Airbrush Flow Improver per cup of thinned paint, stir gently, and test on scrap paper. If flow improves but paint still spatters, reduce spray pressure slightly.
- When to stop or choose another option: If adding flow improver makes paint too runny or slow to dry, use less next time or switch to a slower-drying thinner. For oil-based paints, use a dedicated thinner instead.
Product spotlight
- Micro-Mark Airbrush Flow Improver, 8oz: Micro-Mark Airbrush Flow Improver helps thin water-based acrylic paint without diluting color intensity and helps minimize tip dry by keeping paint flowing smoothly. You get reliable spray patterns and fewer clogs, even with highly pigmented paints.
Micro-Mark Airbrush Flow Improver, 8oz
