how to interpret tamiya painting instructions

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

Hi all;

Just picked up my first Tamiya kit (1/72 Vought F4U-D Corsair) and have a question about the painting instructions. Next to certain parts, there are instructions like “XF-3 : 2 + XF-5 : 1” and an arrow indicating where to paint. My interpretation is that I am to mix these to paints in a 2:1 ratio, and apply that? Is that correct?

If not… I’m at a loss. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

2

Yes, that is correct. But I don’t worry too much about the painting instructions, many times they are off base. Do what seems right to you.

3

I really like to use Mr Color paints. But I also really like Tamiya kits. The problem is that Tamiya aways plugs its own paint.

So here’s a little trick I use. I go to this site and look at the instructions from other kit manufacturers to see what paints they recommend. Just search for a kit that is similar to the one you’re building to bring up a description/review and there should be (in most cases) a link to the kit’s instructions. Since I like Mr Color I can look at Hasegawa and Hobbyboss instructions to get a general idea which paints to get.

4

Thanks, just as I figured.

5

That is a great idea… thanks!