VMC issues

[dshavers]

So I started a new miniature last night, trying some new VMC paint that I got and already I'm having doubts. I've heard nothing but great things about this paint, but I found that the first color I put on my palette was separating only minutes after laying it down. I was using the VMC yellow green and within minutes it turned into a very bright swirly patina color. I tried it both with distilled water and a flow-aid/water mix using a little less than a 1/1 ratio. Is this normal for VMC or is there something I'm doing wrong? I love the colors and flatness of the range, so it would be a shame if this was always an issue.

 

[Beamo]

I've actually had this problem myself. I'd be interested to hear if anyone knows why, or how to stall it.

 

[Dragonsreach]

Is this normal for VMC or is there something I'm doing wrong?

It's not uncommon.
I've found that there are some VMC's which are more prone to separation than others.
Heavy Handed agitation sometimes helps, as does a ball bearing in the bottle.

 

[Einion]

...I found that the first color I put on my palette was separating only minutes after laying it down.

Some paints are prone to this unfortunately. It's mainly to do with the pigments used in any mixture, if they are of quite different type (in short it's because light pigments will float, heavy pigments will sink).

Once you've mixed the colour properly in the bottle and gotten it onto the palette if you're having this the main solution is just to mix the puddle with the brush regularly.

Einion

 

[dshavers]

Thanks everyone..
I'm going to see if I can find some paint agitators to place into the bottle to see if that will help. I've read that VMC needs to be shaken pretty good to get the pigments mixed, so if anything that will help. I do like the way the paint went on, so I'll just deal with it. Thanks again. How far can you thin VMC before most colors start to break up?

 

[flagoon]

Thanks everyone..
I'm going to see if I can find some paint agitators to place into the bottle to see if that will help.

Try some ball bearings from bike shop. It costs 2 USD for 50 pieces and works wonderfully as agitators.

 

[dshavers]

Oh thanks for suggestion. I found some lead fishing sinkers that should work. Considering they are lead they shouldn't cause any issues.

Try some ball bearings from bike shop. It costs 2 USD for 50 pieces and works wonderfully as agitators.

 

[flagoon]

Oh thanks for suggestion. I found some lead fishing sinkers that should work. Considering they are lead they shouldn't cause any issues.

I'm using lead right now, but some people suggest not to lick you brush, since lead could be harmful (weaklings ) That's why ball bearing can be better.

 

[Amazon warrior]

Large glass beads..... Absolutely no problems with either corrosion or toxicity.....

 

[mikesilk]

try a drop of matte medium i usually use 50/50 water/matte when diluting my vmc and most other acrylics...it slows seperation and aids in smoother paint.

 

[dshavers]

Funny I was thought the same thing when I painting last night. Oh well, good habits are hard to break.

I'm using lead right now, but some people suggest not to lick you brush, since lead could be harmful (weaklings ) That's why ball bearing can be better.

 

[dshavers]

Thank you very much for the tip. I'll give that a try.

try a drop of matte medium i usually use 50/50 water/matte when diluting my vmc and most other acrylics...it slows seperation and aids in smoother paint.

 

[chaosmoron]

I have to add that while matte medium or vallejo's thinner do help somewhat, but the bottom line is just that Vallejo's paints separate very rapidly. Some paints are worse than others: some stay mixed for a few minutes before they require more mixing and some are like cats in bathtubs.

 

[Arma]

The "Robart" paint shakers are pretty good too; and save your arms ;D

 

[supervike]

The "Robart" paint shakers are pretty good too; and save your arms ;D

Yep, I have one....the only thing I don't like about it, was the rubber strap. It degraded rather quickly, and broke. I use rubber bands now, but it's kinda a pain.

 

[chaosmoron]

The paint shaker won't really help with the fact that Vallejo paints separete pretty quick on a pallette after you've added water or thinner to them.