Paint is only half of it. The other half is what goes into it – and that is the difference between a layer that sits down properly and one that breaks up on the model. Jo Sonja's is an Australian brand that has been making mediums for decorative painting for decades, and they suit modellers for a simple reason: they are acrylic dispersions, so they work with any water-based paint, not only their own.

What is in the category

• Flow Medium – a thinner that, unlike water, does not dilute the binder. For the airbrush it goes three parts medium to one part paint. Available small and in a 250 ml bottle.
• Magic Mix – used in place of water, it lengthens blending time. 60 ml and 250 ml.
• Retarders – the gel, which does not thin the paint, and the liquid one that doubles for antiquing.
• Clear Glaze Medium – sealer, barrier coat and glazing medium in one.
• Brush Soap & Conditioner – brush soap that returns oils to the hair.

What to buy first

If you paint figures and want the one thing that changes the most, it is a medium that extends drying time. Acrylic sets on the palette before a transition can be finished, and that is the commonest reason transitions read hard. Magic Mix solves the same problem as a retarder but is used in place of water; the gel retarder is the better choice where coverage must not be lost. The second thing worth buying straight away is brush soap – a good kolinsky brush costs more than most of the bottles on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Do these mediums work with other brands of paint?
Yes. They are acrylic dispersions, so they mix with any water-based acrylic – AK 3rd Generation, Ionic Smart Colors and anything else thinned with water. They do not apply to lacquer ranges such as Real Colors, which have their own thinner.

What is the difference between a retarder and a blending medium?
A retarder slows drying and does nothing else. A blending medium such as Magic Mix also replaces water and lightly seals the surface. In practice Magic Mix is used throughout while mixing paint, and a retarder when time is needed at one particular spot.

How should mediums be stored?
Closed, at room temperature and away from frost. An acrylic dispersion that has frozen loses its properties for good and will not work again once thawed.

The paints these mediums go into are in Paints, and brushes in Brushes.