Vallejo Retarder Medium – Acrylic Retarder for Smoother Blends
$5.44
Get more working time with your acrylics. Vallejo Retarder Medium slows drying for smoother blends, cleaner transitions and less palette skinning. Available in 18 ml and 60 ml. Mix sparingly—up to ~10%—for best results.
Acrylics dry fast, sometimes too fast. Vallejo Retarder Medium is an acrylic retarder that slows drying so you can blend, glaze and feather edges without rushing. It keeps paint workable on the model and on the palette, helping you achieve clean transitions and crisp detail.
Why choose an acrylic retarder?
Fast-drying paint is great for speed, yet it can fight you during fine work. An acrylic retarder extends open time, so layers stay workable a little longer. As a result, you can soften highlights, pull shadows smoothly and fix minor mistakes before they set.
About Vallejo Retarder Medium
Formulated for miniature and model painting, this retarder integrates cleanly with hobby acrylics. It supports wet-in-wet techniques, reduces skinning on the palette and adds control without over-thinning colour.
Sizes: 18 ml dropper | 60 ml bottle.
Who is it for?
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Miniature painters refining cloaks, armour and faces.
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Scale modellers building subtle weathering and glazes.
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Artists chasing soft gradients on canvas or paper.
Key benefits
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Extended working time: Blend and feather with confidence.
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Smoother transitions: Build glazes and mid-tones more easily.
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Less palette skinning: Paint stays workable longer.
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Airbrush helper: In tiny amounts, it can reduce tip-dry.
How to use
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Start small: Add a drop or two to your paint.
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Test and adjust: Increase gradually until you get the open time you want.
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Use sparingly: As a guide, keep total retarder low (around 5–10%). Too much can slow curing.
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Airbrushing: If needed, add a trace amount only and test with your usual thinner ratio.
Retarder vs flow improver
Retarder slows drying. Flow improver reduces surface tension to improve levelling and atomisation. They solve different problems, yet you can use both—sparingly—for specific effects.
Why Vallejo?
Vallejo’s auxiliaries are trusted worldwide for consistent results across Model Color, Game Color and related ranges. This retarder medium delivers predictable, repeatable performance for hobby and studio work alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Vallejo Retarder Medium?
A: It’s an acrylic retarder that slows the drying of acrylic paint, giving you more working time for smooth blending, glazing and detail work.
Q: How much should I add to my paint?
A: Start small. Add a drop or two and keep the total mix around 5–10%. Increase gradually until you get the open time you need.
Q: Will it change the colour or finish of my paint?
A: Used sparingly, no. It mainly extends open time. However, overuse can leave paint tacky or delay curing.
Q: Can I use it for airbrushing?
A: Yes, but only in very small amounts. Test with your usual thinner mix first. Too much retarder can affect atomisation and drying on the model.
Q: Is it compatible with Vallejo Model Color, Game Color and Model Air?
A: Yes. It’s designed for hobby acrylics and works well with Vallejo ranges. Always test your mix on a palette first.
Q: Does it work with other acrylic brands?
A: Generally yes. Acrylic retarders are cross-brand friendly, but results vary, so run a quick test before a big session.
Q: Can I use it with a wet palette?
A: Absolutely. A wet palette plus a small amount of retarder further reduces palette skinning and keeps mixes workable longer.
Q: My paint stayed tacky. What went wrong?
A: You likely added too much retarder or painted in very cool, humid conditions. Use less next time and allow extra drying time between layers.
Q: What’s the difference between retarder and flow improver?
A: Retarder slows drying. Flow improver reduces surface tension for smoother flow and levelling. You can use both—sparingly—for different effects.
Q: Will it affect varnishing or durability?
A: Not when used within guidance. Let your paint fully cure before applying varnish for best durability.
Q: Is it safe on primed plastic and 3D-printed miniatures?
A: Yes. Apply over a suitable primer and allow each layer to cure. Then seal with your preferred varnish.
Q: Any tips for Australia’s warm weather?
A: In hot, dry conditions paint dries faster. Use a little more retarder, work in thinner layers and keep the palette covered between passes.
Q: How should I store the bottle?
A: Keep it sealed, upright and away from heat. Avoid contaminating the bottle by using clean tools when dispensing.
Q: Which size should I buy—18 ml or 60 ml?
A: Choose 18 ml for occasional detail work. Pick 60 ml if you blend often or paint larger projects.
| Weight | 150 g |
|---|---|
| Brand | |
| Size |
18ml ,60ml |
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