Despite the fact that XF-17 has a flat, “dusty” texture when it’s airbrushed, I love the color. I needed a lighter shade of it to differentiate fabric control surfaces on a Corsair. I punted and added some XF-57 Buff to the blue and gave it a spray. The color wasn’t what I hoped for once it dried, but it did have another unexpected result:
The addition of the Buff produced a glossy texture.
Does anyone know why this would be the case? Further, is there a product that can be added to Tamiya flat colors (XF paints) that will produce the same, glossy result?
Same question re: Vallejo paints: is there an additive that will produce a glossy texture? I’m getting a little tired of heaping Alclad Klear Kote onto my models to knock down the “tooth” of Model Air paints.
I don’t know about Tamiya, but regarding Vallejo I believe that is the purpose of their Gloss Medium product. Here is a quote from their FAQ page regarding that product;
11.1. What is the use of your Gloss Medium, can I varnish with this product?
No, the Mediums are never to be used as a varnish; they are not suitable for this purpose. The Mediums (Gloss and Matt) are intended to be mixed with colors or pigments, to change the qualities of these products, to thin them, or to increase transparency or gloss without losing adherence