TAMIYA COLOR ACRYLIC PAINT  X-XF

Water-Soluble Acrylic Resin

by James Wooldridge

TAMIYA COLOR ACRYLIC PAINTS are made from water-soluble acrylic resins and are excellent for either brush painting or air-brushing. These paints can be used on styrene resins, styrofoam, wood, plus all of the common model plastics. The paint covers well, flows smoothly, and can be blended easily. Before curing, paint can be washed away with plain water.

When airbrushing make sure to use any of the following TAMIYA THINNERS: 81020, 81030, 81040, 81520, 87077.

The “X” line of designated colors has a glossy finish while the “XF” line of designated colors is a flat finish. The paint can be thinned for airbrushing using Tamiya X-20A Acrylic thinner. The paint can be also thinned for airbrushing using TAMIYA LACQUER THINNER. Using Tamiya Lacquer Thinner will yield faster-drying results and a harder finish.

 

 

Brush Painting

For better paint brushing results use Tamiya Paint Retarder 87114 for a smoother brush-stroke-free finish.

 

Solvent Thinners

TAMIYA COLOR ACRYLIC Water-Soluble Acrylic/Poly Solvent-Based Thinner

• Acrylic/Poly Thinner X-20A (White Cap)
• Cure Type: Polymerization (Evaporation)

💡 ProTip: X-20A produces a Gloss Finish when using X Series Paints.
🛑 CAUTION: Do not use incompatible Tamiya Enamel Thinner X-20 (Blue Cap)

 

Solvent Based Lacquer Thinners

• TAMIYA LACQUER THINNER (Yellow/Orange Cap)
• Mr.COLOR THINNER (Yellow/Blue Label)
• Mr.RAPID THINNER for Metallics or Matte Paint (Red Label)
• REAL COLORS THINNER (Blue Cap)
• Cure Type: Solvent Off-Gassing (Flash Off)

💡 ProTip: Solvent-based Lacquer Thinners produce a harder surface and a high gloss when using X Series Paints.
🛑 CAUTION: Do not mix Water, X-20 (Blue Cap), or X-20A (White Cap) with Lacquer Thinners as they are incompatible.

 

TAMIYA LACQUER THINNER RETARDER TYPE (Orange Cap)

TAMIYA LACQUER THINNER RETARDER TYPE is a new product not only thins lacquer paints for airbrushing but also includes retardants to slow the drying of the thinned paint, particularly useful in covering up any overspray and getting a glossy finish. Available in 250ml size.

Traits:

• Can be used to thin Tamiya Color Lacquer Paints and Spray Paints, in a ratio of between 1:1 and 2:1 (thinner: paint).
• Retarder slows drying, particularly useful in cases when undesired overspray can ruin a glossy paint job if it dries before you can get to it.
• Helps to avoid blushing (when moisture gets trapped with paint and you end up with a foggy white finish) in humid conditions

TAMIYA COLOUR LACQUER PAINTS can be used on styrene resins, styrofoam, wood, plus all of the common model plastics. The paint covers well, flows smoothly with no blushing or fading, and can be blended easily.

 

Thinning TAMIYA COLOR ACRYLIC PAINT

TAMIYA COLOR ACRYLIC PAINT is made of water-soluble acrylic resins dissolved in solution. Using the specified thinners above, the dilution rate can be 1:2 to 1:9 parts paint to thinner, or greater, without degrading or weakening the paint.

⚠️ Adding thinner to the paint bottle degrades the acrylic resins over time. Thin paint as required in a separate container or in the airbrush paint cup.

 

Why Two Types of Thinner‽

TAMIYA COLOR ACRYLIC PAINT is a hybrid paint, producing a stronger finish than water-based acrylic/latex paints. When thinned with X-20A (White Cap) the paint behaves like a lacquer with a mild scent. When any of the aforementioned Lacquer Thinners are used TAMIYA COLOR ACRYLIC PAINT acrylic resins perform like lacquer paint producing a stronger finish.

Depending on the application X-20A (White Cap) may be preferred over Lacquer Thinner because it is more resistant to reactivating the previous coat. X-20A also produces a softer matte finish when using XF Series Paints to a harder, slight sheen created by Lacquer Thinner.

TAMIYA LACQUER PAINT (TAMIYA LP), a different formulation, is a true lacquer paint requiring appropriate lacquer thinners.

TAMIYA COLOR ACRYLIC PAINT is a versatile and easy-to-use paint producing excellent results. Its tough surface provides a solid foundation for weathering effects and is unaffected by enamels or acrylic paints.

 

Chipping Fluids and Hairspray Chipping Weathering Effects

Tamiya Color Acrylic Paint can be thinned with water for application over Chipping Fluids or Hairspray to create paint chips. The paint structure is weakened by the water causing the paint membrane to chip or wear off easier to create the desired weathering effects.

For the best chipping results, use distilled water to reduce the paint viscosity for airbrushing.

⚠️ Water, although it mixes, used for a thinner, weakens the paint structure. Use only over Chipping Fluids or Hair Spray.

 

 

James Wooldridge is An enthusiastic scale modeler, researcher, amateur historian, and contributor to scale modeling sites, including Scalemates. He is an active and progressive Facebook Group Expert, Presenter, and Scale Modelling Club Video Host.