Retarder is not a paint but a medium. Mixed into acrylics it extends the window in which the paint can still be moved on the figure – which is exactly what wet blending and smooth transitions need, and what fast-drying acrylics otherwise make very hard.
| Range | Auxiliary |
| Colour family | Auxiliary |
| Type | water-based acrylic |
| Finish | matt |
| Packaging | dropper bottle |
| Manufacturer code | AK11231 |
| EAN | 8435568304642 |
| Manufacturer | AK Interactive |
| Country of origin | Spain |
Use it sparingly – a few percent of the paint volume. Combine it with Glaze Medium when you need to thin and slow drying at the same time.
How much retarder should I add?
Start with one drop to several drops of paint. Too much retarder waterlogs the paint and leaves a tacky layer that never covers properly.
Can retarder be used in an airbrush?
It can, but carefully – slower drying in the nozzle raises the risk of clogging. A proper thinner is usually the better choice for airbrush work.
How do I thin it?
With water or an AK thinner. A few drops are enough for brush work; airbrushing needs more – AK thinners and cleaners are made for that. With acrylics, two thin coats always beat one thick one.
Is the finish really matt?
Yes, the 3rd Generation range dries matt. To protect the figure or even out the sheen, seal it with a matt varnish at the end.
The full range is in the AK 3rd Generation category.