Curious about Tamiya Flat Base X-21?

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hi guys… I am curious to learn more about Tamiya’s “Flat Base X-21” product…

What is it used for , and how do you apply it using an airbrush… What needs to be done in preparing it ect… And what result does it give to your model?

The reason ask, is because I have been using a flat clear spray to do my models, but am unhappy with the results, and find that the surface still has some form of shinyness to it, so when I saw this Flat Base stuff, I was curious as to what it was used for?

Chris

2

All the flat bases I have used are to add to gloss paint to make them flat. If sprayed directly it will frost, cause a whitish appearance.

3

There is another excellent thread out there that talks about X-21.

You need to mix it with a clear gloss. The ratio determines how flat the finish is. I use future to mix with it.

4 parts future to one part X-21 is about as flat as you’ll want to go. Any less and it will have a frosty look to it. So, by increasing the amount of future to X-21, you can control how flat, eggshell, semi-gloss etc that the finish is.

You might want to check these threads out:

/forums/698856/ShowPost.aspx

/forums/535008/ShowPost.aspx

4

Hi Chris,

As stated above, Tamiya flat base is simply an additive to make gloss colours flat. There is many a tale of woe and disaster in the painting forum by people who have tried to use this as a straight flat coat. (Do a search on “Tamiya flat base” - you will find quite a number of hits)

I believe that the general consensus is to mix this with Tamiya clear gloss (X-22) in the ratio 4 parts clear to 1 part flat base. This also works with Future in the same ratio.

As a side note, I have had good results with Gunze clear flat (H-20)

Cheers,

Phil

5

Thanks for the help guys… So future or clear gloss mixed… What about a mix with thinner?

Glad you guys have been able to help out…

Chris

6

Thinner mixed with X-21 won’t work. Don’t do it. You’ll wind up with a chalky mess and ruined finish. You use X-21 to flatten an actual clear gloss paint, such as future or Tamiya Clear.

For the safest flat mixture use at least a 4:1 future to x-21 ratio.

7

I made the mistake of airbrushing a model with FLat Base without gloss and my whole model cam out “frosted”. You can however, thin the glos/flat base mix just like you would with ordinary flat paint.

8

Thanks everyone…

I am glad I asked. I will get some clear gloss, and have a play around on practice model, and see how I go…

Thanks for the help…

Chris