That’s a bit of an oversimplification. In fact the bottlle states “Flat BASE”. Nowhere does it say “Clear Flat” or “Paint”. It specifically states that the product is a “Base”. If someone doesn’t know what paint base is then I would think they would try and find out before spraying it on a model they had worked quite hard on. I know I did, and so did most of the others who have not had problems with it. After all, people don’t pour just anything on a hamburger, take a big bite, and then say, “Hey! What’s cosmoline?” (OK, that’s an oversimplification to)
I can’t believe that this thread made it to two pages.
Let’s see if we can make it 3 pages by midnight. [swg]
I’m sure that it can be done ratter easily.
Scott, it pains me to do this…
Which clearly (pun intended) shows it as a paint.
As you may remember my very first post here was along the lines of “I used X-21 Flat Base and…”. I had posted here for the first time looking for an answer to why my son’s P-51 was covered in white. Luckily I discovered your website and your helpful tip on how to use Flat Base properly. Something that couldn’t fit on the teeny little label above. I can well understand how otherwise reasonable people can go wrong with this product. Luckily all was saved without any real harm done (though that son now has a tendency to ask “really?” now [:)]). I still use Flat Base to this day
I’ve never put cosmoline on my burger, but would question why somebody would have a squirt bottle full of it on the table!
I think a lot of the confusion arises simply out of the name “Flat Base” and the fact that we use terminology such as “base coat”, “colour coat”, “top coat”, “clear coat” etc. People read “Flat Base” on the label and assume that it’s used in a similar way to a “base coat”.
I think the problem lies in the packaging, where X-21 sits in the rack right in the middle of a whole range of similar looking bottles. Package it in something that looks nearly identical to something else and people will try to use it the same way. It would have been preferable to have this item separate from the “normal” paint line with its own separate instructions for use.
However Tamiya are not alone in this. Gunze make a similar product and it is also “in the rack” alongside the regular paints. (Again with no particular special instructions) Next time you pick up a spray pack of Testors primer, see if there is any difference between the instructions on the label and the instructions on the label of a “normal” colour paint.
So what would be a better name for this product , Flat base pigment ? .
Ooops, my bad. It does indeed read “Paint” on the main label.
A “Base” to a paint manufacturer has a very specific meaning. It is the vehicle into which pigments, thinners, and (sometimes) other mediums are mixed to create true “Paint”. I can see where, to a company that makes paint, labeling it as a base would be all that is necessary.
I wish they would put a little grid on the label showing the ratios of mixing it to the clear for flat, eggshell, semi-gloss etc. That would eliminate the true problem… no directions on how to use it.
p.s. oooo… almost to 3 pages! [;)]
It would have to be an infinitesimally small grid.
Just doing my bit to lengthen the thread… [:D]
perhaps is can add some length as well. [:)]
as for me i alkways stick to polly scale clear flat. good stuff that.
So what is the age of an "adult modeler " ? Maybe we are not mature enough to figure out how to use it . LoL
Page 3 yet ?
There an age listed to the right of the flammable symbol (14+). Individual maturity levels is left to the discretion of the modelers. It would be best if we didn’t ask our significent others for their opinion… [:-^]
Reading the directions certainly does not suggest anything but straight from the bottle use. “Stir slowly and very carefully before use. Allow one hour drying time before recoating…Use Tamiya Acrylic thinner (X-20A)” which, except for the designation of X-20A, are exactly the same directions as on their clear gloss and is essentially what is on the PollyScale flat, thought they suggest longer times between coats. Their website says this about hte Falt Base: "At this time, no further information is available about this product.
We are constantly updating product information, pricing, and details
so please check back later."
Hmmmm , i dont have to ask her , she just tells me "to grow up " ![:D]
Yeah I use the same, good stuff no problems. Tamiya Flat Base is well known as a additive to dull or flatten gloss or semi-gloss paint. (I just wish I would of known it before I ruined a nice A-4)[sigh]
Bummer man. You’d think though that Tamiya would wake up and include decent directions on how to use it. I’m sure many people have learned that lesson the hard way.
so… are
Ok, just doing my part to take this tread to page 3 [:P]
Hey Scott, when you use your mix Future and Tamiya Flat, are you airbrushing a heavy coat? Or do you just slowy build it up?
I bought it to give it a try but Poly Scale flat is so good I haven’t had a reason to try the Tamiya flat base.
I am using Polly Scale atm but after I run out I will switch to Tamiya:Future for dull coat.