Kaleido Colorworks KT202 Airbrush Retarder Thinner 210ml — 44544

Kaleido Colorworks · RapidAir

Combined retarder and thinner in one bottle, 210ml. Thins your paint AND slows drying time — fights tip dry, extends working time for smoother blends and glossier finishes. Non-toxic, solvent-free, REACH compliant. Optimised for Kaleido RapidAir paints.

🧬 Two Jobs in One Bottle

The KT202 does what the standard KT201 Thinner does — adjusts paint consistency — plus it slows drying time. That makes it the go-to additive when you need extended working time at the needle tip and on the model surface.

This matters most during precision blending, soft transitions, and gloss finishes — anywhere paint drying too fast causes visible grain, hard edges, or the dreaded tip dry that forces you to stop and clean mid-spray. It's also a lifesaver in warm or dry environments where acrylics dry faster than usual.

✨ Self-Levelling Properties

By slowing pigment drying, KT202 gives the paint time to flow and level on the surface before it sets. The result: smoother coats with fewer brush marks, less orange peel, and better gloss depth. Kaleido specifically recommends it for their Gloss Clear, Pearl Paints, and Auto Color Series.

Users typically add just 1–2 drops per cup load alongside their regular thinner. That small amount is enough to noticeably extend drying time and keep the needle flowing smoothly. The key is restraint — a little goes a long way.

🔄 KT201 Thinner vs KT202 Retarder — Which Do You Need?

💡 Many Kaleido users keep both — KT201 for everyday thinning, KT202 added when conditions or techniques demand longer drying time.

📐 Specifications

📦 What's in the Box

1× Kaleido Colorworks KT202 Airbrush Retarder Thinner — 210ml bottle.

💡 Pro Tips

Less is more — start with 1–2 drops per cup load. You can always add more, but too much retarder makes surfaces slow to dry, tacky, and prone to collecting dust. Build up gradually.

Combine with KT201 for best control — thin with KT201 first for consistency, then add a drop or two of KT202 when you need extended working time. Independent control over viscosity and drying speed.

Essential for gloss and metallic finishes — these show grain and texture more than matt coats. The retarder helps paint level and flow before it sets, giving a smoother, mirror-like result.

Adjust for your climate — in hot, dry conditions, lean on the retarder more. In cool, humid weather, you may not need it at all — the paint already dries slowly enough on its own.

⚖️ Worth Knowing

Water-based acrylics only — not designed for enamels, lacquers, or solvent-based paints. Use the paint manufacturer's own retarder for non-water-based systems.

Too much will cause problems — over-retarded paint stays wet too long, attracts dust, and can have reduced adhesion and durability. Stick to small additions and increase only if needed.

Not always necessary — if you paint in a cool, humid environment and don't experience tip dry, the standard KT201 Thinner may be all you need.

Best results with Kaleido paints — it's compatible with other water-based acrylics, but the formulation is tuned for Kaleido RapidAir. Results with other brands may vary.