Hi guys,
I would like to use this color in my next model but i don’t have any experience with pearl color. Actually I own a full set of Tamiya Lacquers and I would like to use the following:
-
LP-43 Pearl White
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LP-49 Pearl Clear
Which primer should I use? Tamiya LSP White is flat, i’m afraid that it could flatten my final pearl colour… maybe it’s better to use a Honey Primer ALC-303 (transparent but very glossy).
Then… should i proceed directly with LP-43 or it’s better to use a pure white over the primer and then the pearl white?
Finally… Can I use LP-49 over a LP-43 or it’s better to use a alclad gloss klear coat (or tamiya clear coat) ?
Thank you in advance!
You can sand the primer with something like 1000 grit to shine up the dull primer a bit. Or, even wipe it carefully with paper towel.
I find the Tamiya fine surface primer works well under gloss paint, but here again if the first coat is not glossy enough, 1000 or 2000 grit can polish up that first coat. If you get a good pearl coat you may not even need to clearcoat.
The Tamiya pearl white is slightly transparent and it will take on some of the tones of your primer coat. If you use grey, for instance, the color takes on a muted, slightly grey tone. If a purer white is what you have in mind, then use a white undercoat. Tamiya’s white primer works pretty well, but the primer often needs a little rubdown to smooth it out before applying the pearl paint.
Tamiya’s pearl clear is alright, but not an absolute requirement. It doesn’t add much more pearlescense to the finish and Tamiya’s gloss looks just as good to my eye.
If you’re in doubt, then test the primer/paint/sealer combinations before you go to paint your project.