Hi, new guy here. I paint aircraft with Tamiya acrylics. I coat with Tamiya TS-79 semi gloss. I try using Tamiya black panel line wash, and have found that cleaning off the excess is problematic and smears or eats into the clear coat. Does anyone have any suggestions other than using an acrylic clear coat?
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When using Tamiya Panel Liner over Tamiya TS-79 Semi-Gloss Clear spray paint, it’s generally recommended to proceed with caution.
Here’s why and some best practices:
- Tamiya Panel Liner is enamel-based and contains solvents like xylene and mineral spirit. These solvents can potentially weaken and crack plastic, especially in areas where the liner pools or is applied too heavily, according to Reddit users. This is particularly true if the plastic is already stressed or assembled.
- Tamiya TS-79 is a synthetic lacquer. While Tamiya states their TS spray paints are not affected by acrylic or enamel paints, using the panel liner over a TS-79 coat can still be risky if the clear coat hasn’t fully cured.
- The key is to minimize the exposure of the underlying plastic and paint to the solvents in the panel liner. You can achieve this by ensuring the TS-79 is fully cured and by applying the panel liner strategically.
Best practices
- Thoroughly cure the TS-79 layer: Allow a sufficient drying/curing time for the TS-79 clear coat before applying the panel liner. Tamiya recommends up to a week for best results.
- Consider a gloss coat before panel lining: Applying an additional acrylic-based gloss coat (like Future or Pledge) over the TS-79 can provide an extra barrier against the panel liner’s solvents. This also helps the panel liner flow better.
- Apply the panel liner carefully: Dot the panel liner into the recessed lines and allow the capillary action to draw it along the lines. Avoid over-applying and pooling of the liner.
- Work on disassembled parts: If possible, panel line the individual parts before assembling the model. This allows for better access and minimizes the risk of the liner seeping into joints and causing brittleness.
- Clean excess liner promptly: Once the panel liner is dry (allow at least 15-20 minutes, potentially longer for thicker lines), carefully remove the excess with a cotton swab or suitable tool lightly dampened with enamel thinner or lighter fluid. Be gentle to avoid damaging the underlying paint or clear coat.
Important: Always test the compatibility of any new paints, thinners, or layering techniques on a spare piece of plastic or an inconspicuous area before applying them to your actual model. This will help prevent accidental damage.
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thank you very much! I appreciate your knowledge and time!
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Your welcome,courtesy of Google AI
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Tojo72
Good points to remember
Yes. Make your own panel line wash with water and water-based acrylics. A medium to dark grey, and burnt siena, make good panel line colors.
I refused to pay the late Mr. Tamiya, or Mig or his estranged business partners for something I can make myself.
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I just pulled out my Flory Wash to do my Folgore,I hadn’t used it in awhile and forgot how easy it is to use,it’s just water and clay so it’s compatible with everything,it’s practically fool proof.
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I tried that initially with tamiya acrylic and their acrylic thinner over a mule I coated with semi gloss and wasnt happy with the result, but we’re thinking alike!
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I just looked them up, and it looks like its worth a try. Thanks!
Great recommendation from The Baron. I am guilty of shelling out money to Tamiya for the black panel line wash. But I have also made my own. It’s best to go that way.
If I thought the Tamiya panel line was superior I would keep buying. But it’s not.
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I must say, I’m pretty green when it comes to washes in general, but every time I told myself “go on, just get yourself some premade panel accents and be done with it”, the lil’ angel on the other shoulder said “why though, you already have oils, and can do any tints you need”.
So yeah, little less QoL but those premade aren’t cheap 
I used Tamiya paints, and clear coats. After the clearcoat has dried for a few hours, I apply the Tamiya accent panel wash. After it’s completely dry, I use mineral spirits to remove the excess. You don’t have to use a lot. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Thank you. I tried that over the weekend and you’re right. It works just fine!
Yes,like it was mentioned in my first post,make sure everything is completely cured,don’t flood on the spirits,and don’t overly work them.
Glad it worked out and the article that I Found helped.
I only paint with acrylics and wondered about this panel liner as well. I have it but I haven’t been very comfortable using it. Thank you for the great AI info. I hadn’t thought about asking the AI about it.
Tamiya panel liner can be great if used correctly. Googles right about the paint curing, but if it causes any issues with the clear coat you cam just clear coat it again and itll fix the issue. Thats saved me 1000 times
As for tamiya panel liner, youll never get it all off. It obviously flows into the panels, but itll also act as lile a post shader for panels making the edges darker of course. For aircraft i think its very nice. I wouldnt use it on armor as its generally tougher to reach.
Every product out there can work in some way and are generally extremely similar. Making them at home like people are saying is very easy too
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Thank you for the info, still learning and I’ve tried several products and often wondered if one day I will destroy my hard won paint job.
I use too Tamiya´s pane line, please se my Mi-8 video, in the 13:13 minute you can see how I weathering the model´s rivets with Tamiya panel line: first I applied a X-22 coat, then I’m diluting brown panel line with X-20 thinner, next I applied, and then I wipe the excess with the same X-20 or white spirits, but well, please check the video, here the link:
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Thank you and BTW, what a beautiful aircraft build!
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