Here's the answer to Tamiya's Paint shortage

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

Hey all,

As of fan of Tamiya, I’ve been real curious as to why their paints have been on short supply. I decided to email them.

Here’s my original email:

Recently, myself and many modelers I talk with have noticed a
shortage of Tamiya Acrylic paints in their local hobby stores and in online
stores. Rumors have surfaced suggesting Tamiya is changing the labels to
conform to US Customs regulations or that Tamiya is changing formulas.
Could you shed some light on this problem? I know many people would be
appreciative.

Thank you, Jesse

Here’s the reply :

Dear Tamiya Customer,

This shortage is due to our recent warehouse move and general out of stock
items. Also, no paints have shipped for the past two weeks because our
warehouse has been conducting their annual inventory, shipments are to
resume next week. As for the paint labels, they were changed approximately
two years. And I have no information regarding re-formulation of our
paints.

Tamiya America
Customer Service

I hope this clears up some questions.

Jesse

2

Jesse!

That seem like a no B.S. reply to a well phrased question…the reply covers the end-of-year inventory thing…plus…well, a warehouse move? Seems to make sense right now.

Nice follow up.[tup]

Nam

3

If they changed the labels two years ago, and my LHS still has some old label stuff then that means that the store inventory is… [:O]

4

Canada’s distributor get their paint straight from Japan Bill. We don’t get the same label the US do, ours are labled and packaged in quebec at the dist.

5

Except that the last few “new” bottles I’ve bought have had the California label…

6

"Also, no paints have shipped for the past two weeks because our
warehouse has been conducting their annual inventory, shipments are to
resume next week."

Correct me if I’m wrong, but hasn’t the shortage been going on for a few months?

It just seems like a “canned” answer…but then again I’m somewhat of a cynic when it comes to large companies.[:D]

7

Well that settles that then doesn’t it [D)]

8

Not to worry, considering the shelf life if properly stored.

9

Oh, I know that Ross, I’m still using a couple of bottles I bought mid-80s. My point is I’ve been buying paints from this LHS for more than two years and I’m beginning to realize I might be one of the few customers buying Tamiya there!