thinning tamiya bottle paints for airbrushing

[domer94]

just getting into airbrushing after decades of modelling. i tried it when i was a teen and was intimidated due to not being successful. figure its time i give it a proper go. is there a rule of thumb for using tamiya bottle paints? do i use water or their thinner for best results. and what ratios are best
thanks

 

[the Baron]

Do you mean the X/XF acrylics, or one of Tamiya's other products?

I use the X/XF acrylics, and I found over a process of trial and error that I get my best results thinning with Tamiya's proprietary acrylic thinner, X-20A, for airbrushing or hand-brushing. For airbrushing, I have used a lacquer thinner (Rustoleum's product, available at an automobile supply store).

For airbrushing, I thin to a ratio of 1:1, or a little less thinner.

For handbrushing, I use 2 methods. I will use a ceramic palette, put a little paint in a well in the palette, then add a drop or two of the thinner with an eyedropper. Not quite to 1:1, with less thinner than the paint. Or I will use the cap of the jar as a palette to pick up paint, dip my brush in the thinner, then touch it to the lid to pick up the color. Then I let it blend on the piece itself. This works very well for me.

When I learned that Tamiya's acrylics are meant to be thinned, for airbrushing, I first tried water, then isopropyl. But I found that they didn't work as well, for me, as the X-20A thinner.

If you are talking about some other Tamiya product, though, I can't speak to it, because I haven't used any of their other paints.

Hope that helps!

Best regards,
Brad

 

[domer94]

thanks , yes i mean the paints you were talking about. i have the x-20a thinner. will try that

 

[papaof2]

I use Mr Color leveling thinner 400. Mix 2 parts thinner to 1 part paint. I have had excellent results.

 

[Jim62]

thanks , yes i mean the paints you were talking about. i have the x-20a thinner. will try that

That's the thinner to stick with like The Baron said. I also use 1 to 1 thinner to paint mix with a variance from time to time depending on what I want. The best thing now is for you to practice it all yourself and find out exactly what works best for you. Enjoy.

 

[RocketRanger]

I agree with "papaof2" about using Mr Color (regular) thinner for airbrushing Tamiya Acrylics.
Watch this video for more info.

 

[Littlemarten]

You can thin Tamiya acrylics (X and XF) with 90% isopropyl alcohol. Don't use 70%, which is more commonly available, and contains 30% water. Also, if you thin with alcohol, using their acrylic retarder is a must. My only problem with their proprietary thinner is that it's rather pricey, but if that is not a concern, you won't need the retarder.

 

[TimM63]

I just started using Mr Color Leveling Thinner to thin my Tamiya acrylics. So far I am really liking the smoothness and flow I am getting. This will prolly be my go to thinner from now on (for Tamiya acrylic).