Thinners & Cleaners
Thinners & Cleaners
At Wonderland Models, we stock a wide range of thinners and cleaners for all popular model paint types—including enamel, cellulose lacquer, water-based acrylic, and alcohol-based acrylic paints. Whether you're hand brushing or using an airbrush, you'll find the right products to keep your tools clean and your paints flowing smoothly.
Our selection includes brush and airbrush cleaners, as well as thinners designed to work perfectly with top brands like Tamiya, Humbrol, Vallejo, Mr Hobby and more.
Order securely online or visit our expert team in-store. Express UK shipping available.
35 Products Found
- What’s the difference between a thinner and a cleaner?
A thinner is mixed into paint to adjust its consistency for brushing or airbrushing, while a cleaner is used afterwards to remove paint residue from tools, airbrushes and surfaces. Using the wrong one for the job can affect both your paint finish and your equipment. Our Thinners & Cleaners range covers both, clearly labelled by purpose.
- Which thinner do I need for my paint?
Acrylic paints need a water-based or acrylic-specific thinner, enamels need white spirit or a dedicated enamel thinner, and lacquers need their own specialist thinner, as these types aren’t interchangeable. Using the correct type prevents the paint from curdling or separating. Check the paint’s label or our Model Paints & Varnishes range for guidance matched to your chosen brand.
- How do I clean my airbrush between colours?
Run a dedicated airbrush cleaner through the gun between colours, followed by a final flush of plain water or thinner depending on the paint type. This prevents colour contamination and stops paint drying inside the internal mechanism. Our Airbrushes & Equipment range includes cleaning kits designed for this.
- Can thinners damage plastic kits?
Strong solvent-based thinners and cleaners can craze or soften unpainted polystyrene if they make direct contact, so always keep them away from bare plastic surfaces. Once paint has fully cured, this risk is much lower. Always test on scrap plastic first if you’re unsure about a particular product.
- What should I use to clean brushes after painting?
Acrylic paint washes out of brushes with water and a mild brush soap, while enamels need a dedicated thinner or white spirit to clean properly. Reshape the bristles after cleaning and store the brush flat or bristle-up to keep its point. Our Brushes range includes brush-specific cleaning products too.
- Do I need a specific thinner for Citadel or Vallejo paints?
Both Citadel and Vallejo produce their own branded thinners and mediums formulated to match their paint consistency exactly, and these tend to give the most reliable results. Generic water-based thinners can work as a substitute in a pinch. Check our Thinners & Cleaners range for the branded options.
- How should I store and dispose of thinners safely?
Keep thinners tightly sealed, away from direct heat or sunlight, and out of reach of children and pets. Never pour solvent-based thinners down household drains; instead, dispose of them via a local household hazardous waste facility. Always follow the safety guidance printed on the product label.