Description

Airbrush Medium (Extender)

The Airbrush Medium serves two distinct purposes. It reduces colour intensity without compromising adhesion or altering the flow properties of the paint through the airbrush. This is a meaningful difference from simply adding water. Water can break down the acrylic binder if used in too high a proportion, causing the paint to lose its grip on the surface and producing a grainy, uneven film when dry. The Medium maintains the integrity of the binder while reducing the pigment load, which means tints and very delicate transparent layers remain stable, adhere properly, and dry to a clean, even film.

The second purpose is extending working time at the tip of the airbrush. Acrylic paints dry quickly — on a warm South African day, particularly on the highveld where humidity is low, the working window before paint begins to set at the needle tip can be short. Tip dry — where a tiny amount of dried paint builds up at the nozzle and disrupts the spray pattern , is one of the most common interruptions in an airbrush session. The Medium slows this process marginally, reducing the frequency of tip dry and the need to stop and clean the needle mid-work. For fine detail work where a consistent, uninterrupted spray is critical, this is a practical advantage.

To use, mix the Medium directly into the colour in the airbrush cup before spraying. Start with a small proportion and increase gradually until the desired intensity and working time are achieved. There is no fixed ratio , the correct amount depends on the colour, the surface, and the working conditions.

Clear Varnish

The Clear Varnish applies over fully dried and heat-set airbrush work as a protective topcoat. It forms a clear, durable film over the painted surface that resists abrasion, handling, and light moisture exposure. On custom apparel and footwear, this additional protective layer helps the painted surface withstand the friction and flexing that wearable items experience in regular use.

Apply the Varnish through the airbrush in the same way as the colour , at the same working viscosity, through the same equipment, and with the same clean-up process. No change to technique or equipment is required. One or two light passes over the dry, heat-set surface is sufficient for most applications. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next.

The Clear Varnish is compatible with all Jacquard Airbrush Colours on all supported surfaces: fabric, leather, paper, card, canvas, and wood. On fabric, always heat-set the colour fully before applying the Varnish , applying Varnish over colour that has not been heat-set will seal the surface before the paint has bonded to the fibres, which compromises both adhesion and washfastness.

Cleaning

Both the Medium and the Clear Varnish clean up with water while still wet. After each session, flush the airbrush thoroughly with clean water until the water running through the tool runs completely clear. Do not allow either product to dry inside the airbrush mechanism.

This range works well for:

• Artists building tints and delicate transparent layers with Jacquard Airbrush Colours.
• Custom apparel and footwear artists who want a protective finish over completed work.
• Any airbrushing application on fabric, leather, or paper where surface protection after completion adds value.
• Reducing tip dry during extended fine-detail sessions.