Mixing Ratio Tamiya Clear/Tamiya Paint

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

Hello,

I was wondering if someone could tell me what ratio they use for mixing Tamiya Clear + Tamiya paint? I will be painting some armor and would like to know what is the best recipe for getting a satin or slightly glossy finish.

I am looking to do this type of finish for both decals and washes on my tank(s).

Thanks,

Brian

2

I’m guessing you want a glossy finish on your model so that applying decals and doing washes is easier. If that’s the case, just paint your model and after it drys, apply a coat or two of Tamiya Clear. Why mix the paint and clear together?

Jesse

3

Jesse,

I was under the impression that you had to mix the Tamiya Clear with the Tamiya paint in order to get the proper finish.

4

Brian,

Nope. Tamiya Clear is a top coat that provides a glossy finish. Just paint your model what ever color you want. After the paint dries, apply Tamiya Clear in the same way you painted the model. Apply your decals and washes. Then, apply a finish top coat of either gloss or flat to seal in the decals and washes.

Jesse

5

You may be confusing this with mixing Tamiya clear gloss (X-22) (or Future) with Tamiya Flat Base (X-21) to make a clear flat coat, as Tamiya does not make a flat clear coat “in the bottle”.

Similarly, the Flat Base may be mixed with gloss colors to make them “flat”.

6

I think you are right, Phil. I think I got the flat and clear Tamiya mixed up.

Thanks,

Brian