Using Windex as a thinner for airbrushing.

[Patyrn]

I've seen a lot of people recommend this, and I have some ammonia free windex I've been using to clean the brush.

My one concern is that the windex is blue... It seems like that'd be an issue adding it to paint.

Is there clear windex out there and that's what I should try, or does the blue tint simply not matter?

 

[QuietiManes]

The blue simply does not matter. Windex is used because it evaporates so fast and so completely, as it is designed to do exactly that. You may notice a slight tint to your colour while you mix it up, but even then I don't notice a difference. The blue is so minimal.

Obviously, give it a test first, with any new colour or brand of paint/ink/whatever you're going to use, but in general, no, you don't need to use a clear version.

EDIT: I should have mentioned, I only use water based paints, so, not sure how it might react with other types of paints.

 

[freakinacage]

The blue has never affected any of my paint

 

[NightFallArts]

The blue simply does not matter. Windex is used because it evaporates so fast and so completely, as it is designed to do exactly that. You may notice a slight tint to your colour while you mix it up, but even then I don't notice a difference. The blue is so minimal.

I totally agree...
there is very little change in the color when you use Windex if any at all.

 

[Niranth]

Put as much as you would use on a coffee filter and see how much it tints the paper. (I could not notice any but YMMV.)

 

[RuneBrush]

Once you've mixed it in it's fine. I've been using Halfords screen wash for a few years now and it's not altered the colour of my paint to my reckoning.

One thing to remember though is to store it in a container with a lid. The wash contains alcohol (wood alcohol I believe) so it evaporates a lot quicker than water and leaves little flakes of blue colouring that will bung up an airbrush...

 

[Patyrn]

Been using windex for the past week, and have found the results better than the airbrush medium I was using previously (from Golden).

 

[QuietiManes]

Well, they're two different types of products. So don't write off or throw out the airbrush medium just yet. :wink:

Glad it's working out for you though.

 

[Patyrn]

Oh I don't intend to.