SPA Modeler

I'm venturing into a little figure painting project using acrylic paint. It's been recommended that I use a retarder for the acrylic paint. I am pretty much a novice regarding acrylics so please bear with me; is acrylic retarder a "universal" product, or is it brand-specific? I have some ModelMaster, some old Pollyscale, Tamiya, Vallejo as well as some acrylic craft paint from HL. What kind of retarder do I need? Thanks for any advice or suggestions!

Model Master and Polly Scale do not need a retarder added to them for hand brushing. Tamiya definitely benefits from the stuff. And yes due to the varieties of acrylic paint formulas, it’s best to stick with a brand specific returner, just as with thinner for airbrushing. Vallejo Model a color does not need a retarder for hand brushing in my experience. First and foremost, for figure painting with the brands that you mentioned, make sure that you have a good primer on the figure first.

Carlos, first, thanks for that info. I'm curious what you think about the technique described in this "Night Shift" video; it does look almost too easy and I know there must be pitfalls along the way. When you have time, please watch the first few minutes to get an idea what's up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoN2m_c ... x=15&t=34s

I don't use a retarder at all.

I watched that Nightshift video. It’s an interesting technique to watch. I have seen it demonstrated in person before, but this video gave a better explanation of the “meat” of the technique, the glaze layers. It is opposite of what I’ve always tried to achieve of having a good solid base color in one coat.

I'm going to have to watch that video later.

Well, he makes it look so damned easy. But practice makes perfect and I imagine he's had plenty of that. It does seem to be a simple method that produces a nice result, and that's sure what I'm after as a beginning figure painter. I may need one more run to Temple's Hobby Lobby for some additional supplies!