Question About Tamiya Paint

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Nigel Heather - 30 Jul 2004 19:10 GMT

For the first time I am going to try the technique of applying gloss varnish
before decals and then matt varnish over the top.

I looked at the Tamiya paints in my local model shop (read toy shop) and
what I assume is matt varnish is called Flat Base. But it looks almost
opaque and very gloopy - the teenager 'in charge' of the shop didn't seem to
have a clue.

So my very simple question - is Tamiya Flat Base (X21) the same as Matt
Clear Varnish?

Cheers,

Nigel

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Eyeball2002308 - 30 Jul 2004 19:41 GMT

Tamiya flat base is meant to be mixed with glossy paints so they will go on
flat,although it can be mixed with Future/Klear to make a flat overcoat.
Applying it straight from the bottle will just leave you with a chalky white
mess...been there done that...

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mumbles - 30 Jul 2004 19:46 GMT

> For the first time I am going to try the technique of applying gloss varnish
> before decals and then matt varnish over the top.
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> So my very simple question - is Tamiya Flat Base (X21) the same as Matt
> Clear Varnish?

No,not quite.I believe you are supposed to add the flat base to
clear(gloss?) varnish to make it matt.

neil.

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Nigel Heather - 30 Jul 2004 20:26 GMT

Thanks, that must be why it looks so gloopy. So a couple of furthsre
questions:

(i) Is mixing it with Tamiya clear gloss a good way to make matt varnish or
should I be using something else ?

(ii) Assuming it is a good approach, what ratio should be used to get a matt
finish ?

Cheers,

Nigel

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Jonathan M - 30 Jul 2004 21:26 GMT

> Thanks, that must be why it looks so gloopy. So a couple of furthsre
> questions:
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Nigel

(1) Yes you can mix it with Tamiya CLear Gloss, which is probably more
advisable as it is more compatoble. I used to use Humbrol's Matt acrylic
varnish which wroekd a treat, failing that their Mattcote which is oil
based. The old Aeromaster vanrishes were also good.

(2) I always found the ratios to be a little hit and miss. Bst to mix up a
batch and try it on a junk model. And do make sure you shake that flat
base thourough;y so as to get rid of any little flecks.

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Art Murray - 31 Jul 2004 13:57 GMT

Ratio: Not very scientific, but I use about 1 part base to 4 parts gloss
both then mixed with 50% thinner. It doesn't take much. However, as
always, experimentation is best.

Art

> Thanks, that must be why it looks so gloopy. So a couple of furthsre
> questions:
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Nigel

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Wayne C. Morris - 30 Jul 2004 21:54 GMT

> I looked at the Tamiya paints in my local model shop (read toy shop) and
> what I assume is matt varnish is called Flat Base. [snip] - is Tamiya
> Flat Base (X21) the same as Matt Clear Varnish?

No, Flat Base is an additive. Mix it with other Tamiya acrylics, including
the clear and transparents, to change them from gloss to flat; the more you
add, the flatter the result, up to a point.

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Sean - 30 Jul 2004 22:03 GMT

I remember this as my first question ever posted when I first found this
group!
I use the flat base as an additive to Future. Find what ratios would work
for you, but I found that you can mix the Flat Base in just enough to make a
satin-like sheen, or more in to make a killer-dull paint.

Sean

> For the first time I am going to try the technique of applying gloss varnish
> before decals and then matt varnish over the top.
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Nigel

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Greg Heilers - 31 Jul 2004 00:52 GMT

> For the first time I am going to try the technique of applying gloss
> varnish before decals and then matt varnish over the top.
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Nigel

As others have said, it is an additive, used to make the glossier Tamiya
colors, a little less glossy. Have you tried Polly Scale acrylic flat?
I find it to be wonderful; and many others give it high marks also.

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Model Forum / General / Models / July 2004

Question About Tamiya Paint