Kaleido Colorworks · RapidAir

KT202 Airbrush Retarder Thinner — 210ml

Thins & Retards Drying · Fights Tip Dry · Water-Based · Non-Toxic

✅ Why Use a Retarder Thinner?

🔹 Two jobs in one bottle — thins your paint to airbrush consistency AND slows drying time, so you don't need separate products

🔹 Fights tip dry — the number one frustration with acrylics through an airbrush. KT202 keeps paint flowing at the needle tip instead of drying on it mid-session.

🔹 Longer working time on the surface — smoother blends, softer transitions, and better results on glossy finishes because the paint stays workable longer

🔹 Optimised for Kaleido RapidAir — formulated to work with Kaleido's acrylic chemistry for predictable thinning and drying behaviour

🔹 Non-toxic, solvent-free — safe for indoor use, won't degrade seals, consistent with Kaleido's eco-friendly approach

📋 Product Description

The KT202 is a combined retarder and thinner from Kaleido Colorworks' RapidAir range. Where the standard KT201 Thinner adjusts paint consistency, the KT202 does that and slows drying time — making 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 the 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.

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, and too much will leave your surface tacky and dust-prone.

🔄 KT201 Thinner vs KT202 Retarder Thinner — 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 the surface slow to dry, tacky, and prone to collecting dust. Build up gradually.

🔹 Combine with KT201 for best control — experienced Kaleido users thin with KT201 first, then add a drop or two of KT202 when they need extended working time. This gives you independent control over consistency and drying speed.

🔹 Essential for gloss finishes — gloss varnishes and metallic paints show grain and texture more than matt finishes. The retarder helps them level and flow before they dry, giving a smoother result.

🔹 Adjust for your climate — in hot, dry conditions you'll lean on KT202 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 — this retarder thinner is not designed for solvent-based lacquers, enamels, or polyurethane 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. Stick to small additions (1–2 drops) and only increase if needed.

▸ Not always necessary — if you paint in a cool, humid environment and don't experience tip dry or fast-drying issues, you may not need a retarder at all. The standard KT201 Thinner may be sufficient.

▸ 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.

🚚 Shipping

📬 Same-day dispatch — orders placed before 3:00 PM (Mon–Fri) go out the same day

📍 Shipped from Derby, UK — centrally located near the Royal Mail superhub for fast delivery nationwide

🌍 International shipping available — tracked service worldwide

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