>>6562259I'd say use like 1:3 and just use way less paint on the brush, don't go straight from the pallet to the piece. Remove some of it on a tissue or similar first. If it only takes two layers to get that kind of coverage, you are using too much paint, thinning too little or both. It should take like 3-4.
Pic related was painted using (mostly) vallejo model color by hand, on a close inspection under good/harsh lighting (more so before the top coat) it does not look perfect at all, but yes you can do better with some adjustments.
I got an airbrush a while ago so my memory is failing me about thinning ratios, I recommended it way too thick and I apologize for that.
