You’re probably wondering why your acrylics aren’t flowing the way you’d hoped. The truth is, choosing the right flow improver can transform your painting experience entirely. Whether you’re airbrushing or brushing, the difference between a mediocre finish and professional results often comes down to one product. Uncover which flow improvers top artists trust most.
Quick Overview
- Professional-grade flow improvers like Winsor & Newton maintain color stability while enabling seamless, flat application techniques without pigment shift.
- Binder-free formulations such as Liquitex reduce film tension, allowing acrylics to glide smoothly and excel at staining effects on canvas.
- Airbrush-specific improvers require precise dosing—typically 1-2 drops per 10 paint drops—to maintain vibrant colors and prevent nozzle clogs.
- Container size selection matters: 200-250ml bottles offer better value for professionals, while smaller sizes suit casual painters with minimal usage.
- Quality improvers preserve color intensity and saturation without over-thinning, ensuring vibrant hues and optimal brushability for detailed work.
| Vallejo – Airbrush Flow Improver for Acrylic Paints 200 ml. (6.76 fl.oz.) |
| Best Overall | Primary Application: Airbrush application | Container Size: 200 ml (6.76 fl.oz.) | Recommended Dilution Ratio: 1-2 drops per 10 drops of paint | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Medium Flow Improver 250ml (8.5-oz) |
| Professional Grade | Primary Application: General acrylic painting (brush/hard edge techniques) | Container Size: 250 ml (8.5 fl.oz.) | Recommended Dilution Ratio: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Mont Marte Premium Acrylic Flow Medium 8.45oz (250ml) |
| Most Versatile | Primary Application: Fluid art and pouring | Container Size: 250 ml (8.45 fl.oz.) | Recommended Dilution Ratio: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz) Flow Aid |
| Best For Canvas | Primary Application: General acrylic painting (staining effects) | Container Size: 118 ml (4 fl.oz.) | Recommended Dilution Ratio: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| FansArriche Airbrush Flow Improver for Acrylic Paints |
| Best Budget Pick | Primary Application: Airbrush application | Container Size: 250 ml (8.45 fl.oz.) | Recommended Dilution Ratio: 1-2 drops per 10 drops of paint (max 30%) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Vallejo – Airbrush Flow Improver for Acrylic Paints 60 ml (2.02 fl.oz.) |
| Best Compact Size | Primary Application: Airbrush application | Container Size: 60 ml (2.02 fl.oz.) | Recommended Dilution Ratio: 1-2 drops per 10 drops of paint | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Vallejo – Airbrush Flow Improver for Acrylic Paints 32 ml (1.08 fl.oz.) |
| Best Travel Size | Primary Application: Airbrush application | Container Size: 32 ml (1.08 fl.oz.) | Recommended Dilution Ratio: 1-2 drops per 10 drops of paint | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Vallejo – Airbrush Flow Improver for Acrylic Paints 200 ml. (6.76 fl.oz.)
If you’re airbrushing acrylic paints and want professional-grade results, Vallejo’s Airbrush Flow Improver is designed specifically for your needs. This medium improves paint fluidity while delaying drying time, enabling uniform application ideal for detailed work. You’ll achieve superior precision by mixing just 1-2 drops per 10 drops of paint in your airbrush cup. The 200 ml bottle offers excellent value for regular users, though Vallejo offers smaller formats for occasional applications. The product comes in eco-friendly r-PET recycled plastic containers. Note that you might receive either new or old packaging due to Vallejo’s ongoing rebranding initiative.
- Primary Application:Airbrush application
- Container Size:200 ml (6.76 fl.oz.)
- Recommended Dilution Ratio:1-2 drops per 10 drops of paint
- Key Benefit:Improves fluidity and delays drying
- Paint Type Compatibility:Acrylic paints
- Container Material:r-PET (recycled/recyclable) plastic
- Additional Feature:Eco-friendly r-PET recyclable container
- Additional Feature:Multiple size format options
- Additional Feature:Rebranding may affect packaging
Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Medium Flow Improver 250ml (8.5-oz)
You’ll want to choose Winsor & Newton’s Flow Improver when you’re after seamless, flat color application without sacrificing pigment strength. This 250ml medium increases the flow of your acrylic colors, enabling you to achieve flat, even coverage ideal for hard edge painting techniques. You’ll appreciate that it maintains color stability with no shift from wet to dry, a hallmark of Winsor & Newton’s professional formulation. The medium slightly slows drying time, giving you extended working time to perfect your technique. It’s an excellent choice for artists who demand precision and consistency in their work.
- Primary Application:General acrylic painting (brush/hard edge techniques)
- Container Size:250 ml (8.5 fl.oz.)
- Recommended Dilution Ratio:Not specified
- Key Benefit:Increases flow without changing color strength
- Paint Type Compatibility:Winsor & Newton professional acrylic
- Container Material:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Hard edge painting technique effective
- Additional Feature:No color shift guarantee
- Additional Feature:Maintains color stability
Mont Marte Premium Acrylic Flow Medium 8.45oz (250ml)
Mont Marte’s Premium Acrylic Flow Medium stands out for artists who want to enhance paint fluidity without sacrificing color intensity. You’ll appreciate how this 250ml bottle increases translucency while maintaining vibrant hues, making it ideal for fluid art techniques. The non-toxic formulation works on both interior and exterior surfaces, giving you flexibility across projects. With a 4.6-star rating from over 2,100 customers, you’re investing in a trusted product. At around $673 in Art Paints rankings, it’s competitively priced. The gloss finish provides professional results, and Mont Marte’s 30-day return guarantee certifies you can try it risk-free before committing to regular use.
- Primary Application:Fluid art and pouring
- Container Size:250 ml (8.45 fl.oz.)
- Recommended Dilution Ratio:Not specified
- Key Benefit:Enhances flow and translucency without affecting color vibrancy
- Paint Type Compatibility:Acrylic paints
- Container Material:Bottle (plastic)
- Additional Feature:4.6 star customer rating
- Additional Feature:Non-toxic formula
- Additional Feature:Fluid art pouring compatible
Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz) Flow Aid
The Liquitex Professional Effects Medium stands out for artists seeking superior flow and absorption without compromising paint integrity. You’ll appreciate this binder-free aqueous solution‘s ability to reduce film tension and friction, allowing your acrylics to glide smoothly across surfaces. It works seamlessly with any acrylic medium or color, making it incredibly versatile for your studio. The formula excels at creating staining effects on raw canvas, giving you dramatic results that traditional mediums can’t achieve. At 118ml, this compact size fits easily into your toolkit. You’ll notice immediate improvements in paint workability and coverage, making it an essential addition for artists who demand precision and professional-quality outcomes.
- Primary Application:General acrylic painting (staining effects)
- Container Size:118 ml (4 fl.oz.)
- Recommended Dilution Ratio:Not specified
- Key Benefit:Increases flow and absorption, decreases film tension
- Paint Type Compatibility:Any acrylic medium or color
- Container Material:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Binder-free aqueous solution
- Additional Feature:Raw canvas staining effects
- Additional Feature:Surfactant-based film tension reduction
FansArriche Airbrush Flow Improver for Acrylic Paints
If you’re airbrushing acrylics and struggling with clogs or inconsistent flow, FansArriche’s flow improver delivers the precision you need without compromising color depth. You’ll add just 1-2 drops per 10 drops of paint, keeping your ratios controlled and your colors vibrant. The transparent liquid won’t dilute your pigments since it shouldn’t exceed 30% of your paint volume. Compatible with all acrylic paints, this water-based formula maintains smooth application across models, illustrations, and mixed-media projects. The 250ml bottle lasts through countless sessions, making it economical for hobbyists and professionals alike. You’re getting reliable nozzle protection and consistent fluidity every time you spray.
- Primary Application:Airbrush application
- Container Size:250 ml (8.45 fl.oz.)
- Recommended Dilution Ratio:1-2 drops per 10 drops of paint (max 30%)
- Key Benefit:Improves flow while maintaining paint quality and color intensity
- Paint Type Compatibility:All water-based acrylic paints
- Container Material:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Maximum 30% dilution limit
- Additional Feature:Prevents nozzle clog buildup
- Additional Feature:Transparent color formulation
Vallejo – Airbrush Flow Improver for Acrylic Paints 60 ml (2.02 fl.oz.)
Vallejo’s Airbrush Flow Improver stands out as your go-to choice if you’re working with acrylics and need to achieve uniform, professional finishes on detailed projects. You’ll want to mix just 1-2 drops per 10 drops of paint for ideal results. This formula improves fluidity while delaying drying time, giving you better control during high-precision work. The 60 ml bottle offers solid value and fits well into most artists’ supplies. Vallejo packages this product in recycled, recyclable r-PET containers available in four sizes. Note that the brand’s currently undergoing rebranding, so you might receive either old or new packaging—both contain the same reliable formula you’re counting on.
- Primary Application:Airbrush application
- Container Size:60 ml (2.02 fl.oz.)
- Recommended Dilution Ratio:1-2 drops per 10 drops of paint
- Key Benefit:Improves fluidity and delays drying
- Paint Type Compatibility:Acrylic paints
- Container Material:r-PET (recycled/recyclable) plastic
- Additional Feature:Eco-friendly r-PET recyclable container
- Additional Feature:Multiple size format options
- Additional Feature:Rebranding may affect packaging
Vallejo – Airbrush Flow Improver for Acrylic Paints 32 ml (1.08 fl.oz.)
For airbrushing enthusiasts working with acrylics, Vallejo’s 32 ml Airbrush Flow Improver delivers professional-grade results without the hassle of thinning paint excessively. You’ll appreciate how it improves fluidity while delaying drying time, giving you better control during detailed work. The application’s straightforward—just add 1-2 drops per 10 drops of paint in your airbrush cup. This mid-size format strikes a balance between portability and value, making it ideal for hobbyists and professionals alike. The r-PET recyclable container aligns with sustainable practices. Since Vallejo’s rebranding, you might receive either old or new packaging, but the formula remains consistently reliable for achieving uniform, precision finishes on your projects.
- Primary Application:Airbrush application
- Container Size:32 ml (1.08 fl.oz.)
- Recommended Dilution Ratio:1-2 drops per 10 drops of paint
- Key Benefit:Improves fluidity and delays drying
- Paint Type Compatibility:Acrylic paints
- Container Material:r-PET (recycled/recyclable) plastic
- Additional Feature:Eco-friendly r-PET recyclable container
- Additional Feature:Multiple size format options
- Additional Feature:Rebranding may affect packaging
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Flow Improver for Acrylic Paint
When you’re selecting a flow improver for your acrylic paint, you’ll want to evaluate how it performs with your specific application method—whether you’re airbrushing, hand-painting, or spraying—since different techniques require different flow characteristics. You should also consider how the additive affects drying time, color intensity, and overall compatibility with your paint brand, as these factors directly impact your final results. Finally, check what container sizes are available to guarantee you can purchase the right quantity for your project needs and budget.
Paint Application Method
Your choice of flow improver depends heavily on how you’re applying the paint. Each technique demands specific properties that enhance your results.
For airbrush work, you’ll want a flow improver that enhances fluidity and delays drying, ensuring smooth, uniform coverage. Brush applications benefit from formulas that increase absorption and reduce surface tension, giving you better control and coverage. If you’re using palette knives or impasto techniques, prioritize flow improvers that boost workability and extend open time, allowing you to manipulate the paint longer.
Acrylic pouring and fluid art require flow improvers that promote superior flow and leveling properties. The key is matching your flow improver to your specific method. This alignment between product and technique directly influences your final aesthetic outcome and overall painting success.
Drying Time Control
How quickly does your acrylic paint dry? That’s the critical question when selecting a flow improver. You’ll want to balance extended working time with practical drying schedules for your projects.
Adding flow improver directly extends drying time, so you’re controlling how long you can blend and manipulate colors. More improver means greater fluidity but slower drying—a trade-off you must assess carefully. If you’re working with fast-drying acrylics, you’ll likely need increased flow improver to sustain adequate workability.
Monitor your paint’s viscosity and drying rate closely. Start with minimal amounts and gradually increase until you achieve your ideal consistency. This prevents excessively prolonged drying while preserving the paint’s performance. Finding this sweet spot guarantees you’re not waiting unnecessarily between coats or layers.
Color Intensity Preservation
One of the most overlooked aspects of selecting a flow improver is its impact on color vibrancy. You’ll want to choose a product specifically formulated for acrylics that maintains your paint’s original color intensity without causing shifts or muting. Premium flow improvers preserve saturation levels while allowing smooth, even coverage across your canvas.
The key to protecting color strength lies in using the appropriate amount. You shouldn’t over-thin your paint, as this compromises vibrancy and weakens hues. Quality acrylic flow improvers work by reducing surface tension rather than diluting pigments, ensuring your colors stay true.
When you’re evaluating options, verify that the product won’t alter your paint’s saturation or dull its brilliance. This consideration directly impacts your final artwork’s visual impact and professional appearance.
Compatibility With Paint Types
While all acrylic paints share water-based chemistry, they’re not all created equal—and neither are flow improvers. You’ll want to verify that your chosen product works with your specific paint type—whether you’re using student-grade, professional-grade, or specialty formulations.
Different paint compositions require different additives. What works for craft acrylics might not perform ideally with artist-quality paints. You should also consider your application method. Airbrush flow improvers differ from those designed for pouring or brush painting.
Before committing, check compatibility with any other mediums you’re combining with your paint. You don’t want unexpected interactions that compromise drying time, color vibrancy, or finish quality. Reading product specifications carefully guarantees your flow improver enhances rather than undermines your final results.
Container Size Options
Once you’ve identified a compatible flow improver for your specific paint type and application method, you’ll need to examine the practical matter of container size. Flow improvers typically come in containers ranging from 18 ml to 250 ml, each suited to different needs. If you’re a casual painter with minimal usage, smaller 18 ml or 32 ml sizes work well. However, if you paint frequently or in larger volumes, consider 60 ml, 118 ml, or 200-250 ml containers instead. Larger sizes often provide better value per milliliter, making them economical for regular users. Ultimately, match your container selection to your typical paint consumption and how long you want your supply to last.
