Vallejo mediums are essential tools for hobbyists who want more control over acrylic paint when painting miniatures, scale models and dioramas. By mixing a medium into your paint you can adjust properties such as transparency, drying time, gloss level and flow without weakening the pigment. In this category at Scenery Workshop you will find a range of Vallejo mediums that work perfectly with popular paint lines like Model Color, Game Color and Model Air.

What are Vallejo mediums?

Mediums are colorless additives that are mixed with acrylic paint to achieve specific painting effects. They do not change the color of the paint, but they modify how it behaves during application. This allows you to thin paint, increase transparency, extend drying time or change the finish.

For miniature painting, tabletop wargaming miniatures and scale modeling, mediums are extremely useful for creating subtle transitions, realistic materials and advanced weathering effects.

Why hobbyists use Vallejo mediums

• Greater control over paint behavior without losing pigment strength
• Improved flow and transparency for techniques such as glazing
• Adjustable finish from matte to glossy
• Suitable for both brush and airbrush depending on the medium
• Compatible with many acrylic hobby paints

Popular types of Vallejo mediums

Glaze Medium

Glaze Medium increases transparency and improves paint flow, making it ideal for thin color filters and smooth color transitions. This technique is commonly used for shadows, highlights and skin tones on miniatures.

Matt Medium

Matt Medium creates a matte finish when mixed with paint. It is useful for painting fabrics, leather or other non-reflective surfaces realistically without needing an additional varnish layer.

Gloss Medium

Gloss Medium produces a shiny finish and is perfect for painting wet surfaces, gemstones, lacquered armor or metallic details on miniatures.

Metal Medium

Metal Medium allows you to transform almost any color into a metallic paint. When mixed with regular acrylic paint it creates a subtle metallic shimmer for unique effects and highlights.

Airbrush and technical mediums

Vallejo also produces technical mediums such as thinner, retarder and flow improver. These help paint perform better in an airbrush, reduce clogging and ensure smooth, even spraying.

What to consider when choosing a medium

The right medium depends on the technique you want to use. For transparent layers and smooth transitions, glaze medium is a great choice. For airbrushing, thinner or flow improver improves paint flow. To control the finish of your paint, choose either a matte or gloss medium.

Many hobbyists combine several mediums throughout the painting process to achieve maximum control over their paints.

Frequently asked questions about Vallejo mediums

What is the difference between a medium and a varnish?

A medium is mixed with paint during painting to change how the paint behaves. A varnish is usually applied afterward to protect the finished model.

Can Vallejo mediums be used with other paint brands?

Yes, most Vallejo mediums work well with other acrylic paints used in miniature painting and scale modeling.

Why not just use water to thin paint?

Water can thin paint, but it also weakens the binder in the paint. Mediums maintain the proper balance between pigment and binder so the paint flows better and adheres properly.

Are mediums only for advanced hobbyists?

No, beginners can benefit from mediums as well. They make techniques such as glazing, layering and airbrushing easier and more predictable.