best solvent for acrylic paint Worth Buying

As an artist who frequently works with acrylics, I know how crucial it is to have the right tools, and that includes finding the best solvent for acrylic paint for various needs. Whether you’re trying to thin your paints for an airbrush, clean stubborn dried paint from your brushes, or achieve specific pouring effects, the “right” solvent or medium can really make a difference. I’ve personally experimented with various options, and this guide will share my insights on what truly works and what to look for when you’re choosing.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Tamiya 81040 X-20Ael Acrylic Solvent 250Ml – 250ml / 8.45…	View on Amazon
	U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer, 16 Ounce…	View on Amazon
	Nicpro Pouring Medium for Acrylic Paint 8.45oz / 250ml,…	View on Amazon
	Fuumuui 100% Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner Soap, Solvent Free…	View on Amazon
	Gamblin Solvent-Free Fluid Oil Painting Medium, 8.5 Fluid…	View on Amazon
	Acrylic Paint Thinner, Golden Maple Lacquer Thinner…	View on Amazon
	Nicpro Professional Airbrush Thinner, 8.45 oz Bottle…	View on Amazon

Tamiya 81040 X-20Ael Acrylic Solvent 250Ml – 250ml / 8.45oz

This Tamiya X-20Ael Acrylic Solvent is a staple for many modelers and artists working with Tamiya acrylics, but its utility extends to other brands too. It’s specifically formulated to thin acrylic paints smoothly, allowing for even coverage and excellent flow, especially for airbrushing or detailed brushwork. I’ve found it helps maintain paint integrity without sacrificing color vibrancy. It’s a reliable choice for consistent results.

Key features that stand out (Bold):
– Specifically formulated for Tamiya acrylics (but often works well with others)
– Aids in smooth thinning for airbrush or brush application
– Maintains paint color and adhesion after thinning

Pros:
– Excellent for thinning acrylic paints, especially for airbrush use
– Helps achieve fine detail and smooth finishes
– Extends the working time of acrylics slightly
– Comes in a convenient 250ml bottle

Cons:
– Primarily designed for Tamiya paints, so compatibility with all brands might vary slightly.

Best for: Model painters, airbrush artists, and those needing precise control over paint viscosity.

Expert Opinion: This solvent is a go-to for hobbyists because of its consistent performance in thinning acrylics for airbrushing, preventing clogs, and ensuring a smooth, even spray. Its formulation is trusted for preserving the pigment quality.

U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer, 16 Ounce

When you’ve got brushes caked with dried acrylic, oil, or even gouache, the U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer is a lifesaver. This isn’t just a simple cleaner; it’s designed to break down stubborn, dried-on paint, bringing old brushes back to life. I was amazed at how effectively it softened even fully dried acrylics. It’s also fantastic for cleaning airbrushes and other tools, making it a versatile addition to any art studio.

Key features that stand out (Bold):
– Highly effective for dried-on acrylic, oil, gouache, inks
– Restores brushes with hardened paint residue
– Also cleans airbrushes and artist tools
– Easy-to-follow directions for soaking and cleaning

Pros:
– Revives brushes that seemed beyond repair
– Works on multiple paint types, not just acrylics
– Large 16-ounce bottle offers great value
– Can be used for deep cleaning and daily maintenance

Cons:
– Requires soaking time, especially for heavily dried paint, which can be up to 24 hours.

Best for: Artists looking to salvage and maintain their valuable paint brushes and tools.

Expert Opinion: This product stands out as an essential tool for brush longevity. Its ability to tackle multi-media paint makes it incredibly practical, reducing waste and the need to constantly replace brushes. A must-have for serious artists.

Nicpro Pouring Medium for Acrylic Paint 8.45oz / 250ml

The Nicpro Pouring Medium is not a traditional “solvent” in the sense of thinning for cleanup, but rather a specialized medium that enhances the flow and transparency of acrylic paints for pouring art. I’ve used it to create beautiful, fluid cell effects without diluting the color. It ensures your paint flows smoothly, preventing cracking as it dries, and actually helps to preserve the vibrancy of your colors. The visual bottle is a neat touch for monitoring usage.

Key features that stand out (Bold):
– Increases flowability, transparency, and smoothness for pouring art
– Prevents color mixing and anti-fade
– Dries transparent and prevents cracks
– Non-toxic and conforms to safety standards (ASTM D4236 and EN71)

Pros:
– Ideal for achieving dynamic pouring art effects
– Large volume is cost-effective for extensive projects
– Maintains color intensity and dries without cracking
– Safe for use by adults and teens

Cons:
– Not suitable for thinning paints for traditional brushwork or airbrushing.

Best for: Pouring artists and anyone wanting to create fluid art with acrylics.

Expert Opinion: While not a solvent, this pouring medium is a fantastic addition for acrylic artists exploring fluid art. It intelligently modifies paint properties for specific artistic outcomes, offering control over cell formation and preventing common issues like dullness or cracking.

Fuumuui 100% Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner Soap, Solvent Free

For a gentler, yet highly effective approach to brush cleaning, the Fuumuui 100% Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner Soap is excellent. This solvent-free soap deeply cleanses bristles, removing stubborn paint and residues from acrylics, oils, and watercolors. What I particularly love is its moisturizing properties due to natural vegetable glycerin, which helps keep brushes soft and extends their life. It’s compact and travel-friendly, making it easy to keep your brushes spotless on the go.

Key features that stand out (Bold):
– 100% vegan and solvent-free formula
– Deeply cleans stubborn paint and residues from various paint types
– Contains natural vegetable glycerin to moisturize and protect bristles
– Portable and travel-friendly compact size (approx. 3.6 ounces)

Pros:
– Effectively cleans brushes while protecting their softness and life
– Environmentally friendly and non-toxic
– Easy to use: just run the brush on the soap and rinse
– Great for daily cleaning and maintenance

Cons:
– Might require more effort for heavily dried, old paint compared to liquid chemical restorers.

Best for: Artists seeking an eco-friendly, gentle, and effective daily brush cleaning solution.

Expert Opinion: This soap is a revelation for artists who prioritize brush care and sustainability. Its moisturizing properties are a huge plus, ensuring brushes remain supple and extending their lifespan significantly, making it a very economical choice in the long run.

Gamblin Solvent-Free Fluid Oil Painting Medium, 8.5 Fluid…

It’s crucial to clarify that the Gamblin Solvent-Free Fluid Oil Painting Medium is specifically designed for oil paints, not acrylics. While the term “solvent-free” might sound appealing, this product is an additive to enhance the flow, transparency, and drying time of oil paints. Using it with acrylics would not provide the desired thinning or cleaning effects and could potentially compromise your acrylic paint’s integrity or performance. It’s a fantastic product for oil painters looking for a less toxic medium, but definitely not the best solvent for acrylic paint.

Key features that stand out (Bold):
– Formulated exclusively for oil paints
– Solvent-free formulation
– Enhances flow and transparency of oil paints
– Speeds up drying time for oil paints

Pros:
– Excellent for oil painters looking for a non-toxic medium
– Improves brushwork and blending for oils
– Environmentally friendly for oil painting practices

Cons:
– Absolutely not suitable as a solvent or medium for acrylic paints.
– Will not thin or clean acrylics effectively.

Best for: Oil painters seeking a solvent-free flow medium for their oil artwork.

Expert Opinion: This product serves a very different purpose. While “solvent-free” might catch your eye when looking for an acrylic solvent, it’s vital to understand its specific application for oil paints. Misuse with acrylics will lead to undesirable results.

Acrylic Paint Thinner, Golden Maple Lacquer Thinner…

The Golden Maple Lacquer Thinner is a fantastic multi-purpose acrylic paint thinner and airbrush medium. Its anti-spill nozzle design is a thoughtful touch for precise control. I found it excels at modifying the viscosity of acrylics, resulting in a smoother, more manageable flow without compromising color adhesion. It’s particularly effective at minimizing airbrush clogging and can even help achieve watercolor-like effects with acrylics, broadening your artistic possibilities.

Key features that stand out (Bold):
– Anti-Spill nozzle design for precise control
– Multifunctional: acrylic thinner, airbrush medium, flow improver
– Enhances flow and reduces viscosity for smooth application
– Minimizes airbrush clogging and preserves paint adhesion
– Can create watercolor-like effects with acrylics

Pros:
– Excellent compatibility with all acrylic paints
– Versatile for thinning, airbrushing, and flow improvement
– Ensures consistent color and durability
– 200ml bottle is a good size for various projects

Cons:
– Might have a stronger odor compared to some water-based alternatives.

Best for: Airbrush artists, model painters, and those needing a reliable acrylic paint thinner for various techniques.

Expert Opinion: This thinner is a robust choice for anyone working with acrylics, particularly for airbrushing. Its careful formulation ensures paint integrity while significantly improving application. The versatility to achieve different effects is a major plus for creative exploration.

Nicpro Professional Airbrush Thinner, 8.45 oz Bottle…

Another strong contender in the thinning category is the Nicpro Professional Airbrush Thinner. This is a high-flow liquid medium that’s designed for excellent compatibility with all acrylic paints, making it ideal for airbrush applications. It effectively reduces viscosity, increases flow, and improves transparency without sacrificing adhesion or durability. I appreciate the visual bottle and small opening, which allow for incredibly precise control when measuring, preventing wastage. Plus, it’s non-toxic and water-based, which is always a bonus.

Key features that stand out (Bold):
– High-flow liquid medium with excellent compatibility for all acrylics
– Improves flow, reduces viscosity, and increases transparency
– Minimizes airbrush clogging
– Non-toxic, water-based, and conforms to safety standards
– Visual bottle with small opening for precise control

Pros:
– Ensures smooth airbrush application and prevents clogs
– Maintains paint adhesion and durability
– Safe and pleasant to use (non-toxic, water-based)
– Precise control for measuring, reducing waste
– Wide applications for various acrylic projects

Cons:
– Primarily focused on airbrush applications, so less emphasis on brush cleaning.

Best for: Airbrush artists, miniature painters, and those who need a reliable, safe, and precise acrylic thinner.

Expert Opinion: Nicpro’s airbrush thinner is a top performer for its intended use. Its non-toxic, water-based formula combined with precision design makes it user-friendly and highly effective for achieving smooth, consistent airbrush results across multiple surfaces.

Helpful Comparison Short Insights

When picking the best solvent for acrylic paint, it’s crucial to understand their primary functions. For cleaning dried paint from brushes, the U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer is a heavy-hitter, capable of reviving even stubborn brushes, while the Fuumuui Brush Cleaner Soap offers a gentler, eco-friendly daily cleaning solution that moisturizes bristles.

If your goal is thinning acrylic paints for airbrushing or brushwork, the Tamiya X-20Ael Acrylic Solvent, Golden Maple Lacquer Thinner, and Nicpro Professional Airbrush Thinner are your go-to options. They all excel at reducing viscosity and improving flow, with the Nicpro and Golden Maple offering broad compatibility. Golden Maple adds versatility with its ability to create watercolor effects, while Nicpro stands out for its precise dropper design and non-toxic formula.

For specialized acrylic pouring techniques, the Nicpro Pouring Medium is designed to enhance flow and create cell effects without cracking, which is very different from a traditional solvent. Finally, a word of caution: the Gamblin Solvent-Free Fluid Oil Painting Medium is specifically for oil paints and should not be used as a solvent or medium for acrylics. Always match the product to your paint type.

Final Verdict: Making Your Choice for Acrylic Painting

Choosing the best solvent for acrylic paint really boils down to what you need to achieve.

• For serious brush revival and deep cleaning, especially if you work with various paint types, the U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer is an indispensable tool that will save you money on new brushes. If you prefer a more natural, daily cleaning method that also conditions your brushes, the Fuumuui 100% Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner Soap is an excellent choice.
• For precise thinning of acrylics, particularly for airbrushing or detailed work, both the Golden Maple Lacquer Thinner and the Nicpro Professional Airbrush Thinner offer excellent performance, broad compatibility, and help prevent clogging. The Nicpro’s precise bottle and non-toxic nature might appeal more to some.
• If you’re into fluid art and acrylic pouring, the Nicpro Pouring Medium is the essential additive to get those beautiful, uncracked, free-flowing results. Remember, this isn’t a traditional solvent but a specialized medium.

Ultimately, having a combination of a good brush cleaner and a dedicated acrylic thinner will equip you for most acrylic painting projects. Don’t forget, water is always the most basic “solvent” for acrylics, but these specialized products elevate your artistic control and simplify cleanup significantly.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: What is the best solvent for acrylic paint for cleaning brushes?
A1: For stubborn, dried-on acrylics, the U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer is highly effective at dissolving tough paint. For daily cleaning and brush conditioning, a gentle soap like the Fuumuui 100% Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner Soap works wonderfully and extends brush life.

Q2: Can I just use water as a solvent for acrylic paint?
A2: Yes, water is the primary and most basic solvent for acrylic paint. It can thin fresh acrylics and clean wet brushes. However, for more advanced thinning (e.g., airbrushing), achieving specific flow properties, or removing dried paint, specialized acrylic thinners and brush cleaners offer superior results.

Q3: What’s the difference between an acrylic paint thinner and a pouring medium?
A3: An acrylic paint thinner (like Golden Maple or Nicpro Airbrush Thinner) reduces the paint’s viscosity for smoother application, often for airbrushing or fine detail, without significantly altering transparency. A pouring medium (like Nicpro Pouring Medium) is designed to increase flow and transparency for fluid art techniques, preventing cracking and helping create specific effects like cells, while maintaining paint film integrity.

Q4: Are these acrylic paint solvents safe to use?
A4: Many modern acrylic thinners and cleaners, especially water-based ones like the Nicpro Airbrush Thinner or Fuumuui brush soap, are non-toxic and conform to safety standards. However, some solvents might have fumes, so it’s always recommended to work in a well-ventilated area and refer to the product’s safety instructions.

Q5: Can I use an oil paint medium as a solvent for acrylic paint?
A5: No, absolutely not. Products like the Gamblin Solvent-Free Fluid Oil Painting Medium are formulated specifically for oil paints and are incompatible with acrylics. Using oil mediums with acrylics will not thin them correctly and can compromise the paint’s stability and drying properties. Always ensure the product is designed for acrylics.

Q6: How can I prevent my acrylic paint from drying on my brushes too quickly?
A6: Always keep your brushes moist while working by dipping them in water regularly. For longer breaks, clean them thoroughly with a brush cleaner or soap. Using a stay-wet palette can also help keep your paint workable for extended periods, reducing the need for harsh cleaning later.

Q7: Is there a “best solvent for acrylic paint” that does everything?
A7: While some products offer versatility (e.g., Golden Maple Thinner works for thinning and airbrushing), there isn’t one universal “best solvent for acrylic paint” that handles all tasks perfectly. You’ll likely need a dedicated cleaner for dried paint and a specific thinner/medium depending on your application (brushwork, airbrush, pouring).