I’m going to try using Tamiya panel liner for the first time. In order to clean up excess, I believe I need some enamel thinner on a Q-tip. But I can’t find Tamiya X-20 enamel thinner available anywhere (just the X-20A acrylic). Is there an alternative that would work? Thanks!
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Any hardware store mineral spirits will work,just make sure your base coat is acrylic,or protected by an acrylic clear,thoroughly cured,and used sparingly,and rubbed lightly,and that goes even if you got your hands on X-20
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Mineral Spirits for sure. I’ve been using their panel line stuff and I’m not a huge fan. You have to have a really good shiny clear coat on your work or it tints the color. Also trying to use just enough thinner to wipe can be difficult. Sometimes it takes it off completely or you do several passes. there has to be something better.. I’ve even rubbed a bit of paint off. I don’t airbrush too heavy…
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Take a look at Flory Washes they are compatible with all surfaces,and are nearly foolproof
A lot of places in the US carry them
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I just got some from Amazon. I’ve been using this stuff for a decade now.
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I just got some last week. Looking forward to using them.
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Q-tips is what I use too. After I dip it in mineral spirits, I roll it between my fingers to get the excess out. They do leave strands of cotton behind, from time to time. They can easily be picked off after the wash is dry with tweezers.
For big areas, I cut small pieces off of an old cotton t- shirt.Wrap it tightly around your finger, dip it in the mineral spirits, dab your fingertip on a paper towel to remove the excess mineral spirits, then start wiping. It’s a good idea to put the t- shirt material outside until the mineral spirits evaporates. After it’s dry, you can use it again for another job.I hope this helps. I’ve used this process for a very long time.
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I use Tamiya panel liner sparingly. I find it pretty hot and heavy (not in a good way). I’ve been making my own washes from oil paint and turpenoid for years. And I second Flory washes - simple to use, completely inert and clean up with water.
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I just use testors enamel thinner and pointed cotton swabs. Don’t over think it.
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