AK Interactive Pigment Fixer 35ml – Enamel Fixative for Models

Permanent Bond for Dry Weathering Pigments on Scale Models

• Locks Pigments in Place – Bonds weathering powder permanently while preserving the original flat, dusty appearance. No glossy residue, no color shift once fully cured.
• Capillary Flow Application – Touch a loaded brush to the edge of applied dust and the liquid wicks through the material on its own, bonding particles to the finish without disturbing their placement.
• Handles Display and Gaming Wear – Unfixed pigment rubs off with every touch. This locks it down for models that get handled during gameplay, transported to shows, or stored long-term without cases.
• Works With Any Brand – Compatible with AK Interactive, Vallejo, AMMO by Mig Jimenez, Tamiya, and crushed pastel chalk. The enamel chemistry bonds to the particle regardless of manufacturer.

📝 Product Description

AK Interactive Pigment Fixer is a clear enamel fluid that permanently bonds loose weathering powder to model finishes. Unfixed dust sits on top and looks realistic but rubs off with handling, transport, or gameplay. This locks it in place without changing the flat, dusty texture that makes pigment weathering look convincing.

The key difference between this and other fixation methods — white spirit, matte varnish, PVA glue — is what happens to the appearance after curing. White spirit holds particles temporarily but loosens over time. Varnish locks them permanently but flattens the granular texture into a painted-on look. PVA bonds well but introduces sheen on flat finishes. This product bonds permanently while leaving the result looking like loose dust rather than paint.

💡 How to Use

Step 1 — Place pigment first. Dust, dab, or stipple weathering powder onto the model using a soft brush, sponge, or fingertip. Build up the deposit where dirt, rust, or earth would naturally collect — wheel areas, exhaust surrounds, track links, panel recesses, and diorama groundwork. Get the placement and density right before introducing any liquid.

Step 2 — Load the brush. Shake the bottle for 15–20 seconds. Dip a soft round brush (size 2–4 synthetic) into the liquid and let the bristles absorb without overloading. You want the tip damp, not dripping — excess fluid floods the deposit and displaces it.

Step 3 — Touch, don't drag. Gently press the loaded brush to the edge of the deposit. Capillary action pulls the liquid through the material — you'll see the area darken as it wicks through. Do not drag across the top. Let the flow do the work. Move to the next section and repeat.

Step 4 — Let it cure completely. The treated area will look darker and wet while active. As the enamel solvent evaporates (30–60 minutes depending on ventilation), the color returns to its original matte appearance. Do not handle or test adhesion until fully set.

Step 5 — Layer if needed. Once the first pass has cured, you can apply additional pigment on top and fix again. Building layers this way creates depth — a locked base with a fresher, looser coat on top reads as accumulated weathering over time rather than a single uniform application.

Optional final seal: For wargaming miniatures and heavily handled pieces, follow with a light matte varnish spray (Testors Dullcote, AK Ultra Matte, or similar) in very thin passes. A heavy varnish coat will flatten the texture you worked to preserve.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white spirit or turpentine instead?
Many modelers use white spirit for initial placement because it lets you adjust and reposition the material while wet. Once the look is right, apply this product over the arranged pigment to make the bond permanent. White spirit alone will not hold through handling or transport.

Does it change the color?
While wet, yes — the treated area darkens noticeably. Once fully cured (30–60 minutes), the color returns very close to the original shade. There may be a very slight deepening of tone, but nothing visible at normal viewing distance.

Is this safe over acrylic base coats?
Yes, provided the acrylic has cured for at least 24 hours. As with all enamel-based weathering products, sealing the model with a gloss or satin varnish before applying pigment work provides extra protection and prevents solvent interaction with the paint underneath.

📐 Specifications

• Brand: AK Interactive
• Product Name: Pigment Fixer
• SKU: AK048
• UPC: 8436535570480
• Volume: 35ml glass jar
• Formula: Enamel-based clear fixative
• Application: Brush only — apply to deposit edge and let capillary action distribute
• Cure Time: 30–60 minutes to full set (treated area returns to original matte appearance)
• Compatible With: AK Interactive, Vallejo, AMMO by Mig Jimenez, Tamiya, artist pastel chalk, and other weathering powders
• NOT For Use With: Liquid paints, acrylic washes, water-based products
• Country of Origin: Spain
• Hazard Classification: Enamel solvent-based. Work in a ventilated area. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame.
• Best For: Locking dust, rust, and earth effects on armor, ship hulls, aircraft panels, diorama terrain, Warhammer 40K miniatures