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).

 

[KingCreole58]

I use lacquer thinner exclusively, except on certain paint brands.

 

[Littlemarten]

I use lacquer thinner exclusively, except on certain paint brands.

The problem with "lacquer thinner" is that it has no specific composition. Some of them contain other hydrocarbons besides alcohols, and will have unfortunate effects on the paint. Even using the same brand for years won't necessarily prevent this, as the manufacturer can put anything they want in the mix. The lacquer thinner I have on my shelf will curdle Tamiya acrylics. So it's a good idea, if using lacquer thinner, to read and keep track of the ingredients on the label in case the formulation changes.

So I always recommend either 90% isopropyl alcohol with Tamiya retarder, or use the Tamiya thinner, X-20A.

 

[KingCreole58]

I use Walmart brand hardware store lacquer thinner to thin Tamiya acrylics with no issues. I do agree not all lacquer thinners are alike.