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Agama drying retarder

The drying retarder from the Czech brand Agama is an additive that goes straight into the paint and extends the time the paint stays workable. The manufacturer intends it for water-thinnable (acrylic) and alcohol-based Agama paints; the package is given as 28 ml. It is modeling chemistry, not a kit. An important distinction: a retarder is not a thinner. It does not adjust the viscosity and does not reduce coverage — it only postpones drying. Always handle thinning with the appropriate thinner; the retarder is a complement to it.

Use

• Airbrush — the end of drying in the nozzle (tip dry). Fast-drying paint sets right on the needle and in the mouth of the nozzle. The spray then spits and comes out grainy and the nozzle clogs. The retarder keeps the paint in the nozzle liquid and the spray stays smooth and fine.
• Brush — time to spread the paint. When the paint dries under the brush you do not manage to spread it and strokes and unjoined edges stay in the surface. With the retarder the paint has time to level out and dries into an even coat.
• It is added straight into the paint, or into the water or thinner. The manufacturer gives 30 percent as the highest recommended amount; the more retarder, the longer the drying.
• Do not return paint with retarder added to the bottle — it is not suitable for long-term storage. Mix only as much as you are about to use.
• Useful above all in a warm and dry environment, where paint dries fastest.

Who it is for

For modelers working with acrylic and alcohol-based paints that dry before they manage to finish the work — whether spraying with an airbrush or painting larger areas with a brush. Those who do smooth transitions and modulation, where the paint has to stay pliable and workable longer, will value it too.

Safety: a chemical product. Work in a ventilated room, avoid contact with the eyes and prolonged contact with the skin. Keep it in a closed container out of the reach of children. Do not use more than the manufacturer recommends — too much will stretch the drying to an unbearable length and the coat will stay soft.