Tamiya paint colour/codes and mixing.
Discussion
I know this may be a very basic question, but I've not made a model for 30 years.
Could someone enlighten me about paint colour codes on the instructions for a Tamiya model.
I know, for instance, that "XF-56 + X-9" means to mix two colours, in equal amounts, to make another colour, I also understand that ratios can be added to this formula, to give different shades.
What I don't understand is this type of formula "TS-17(X-11)", the part in brackets appears directly below the first paint code, in the instructions.
Does this mean it's an "either or" choice of colour!
This is the exact formula, as it appears in the instructions, for clarity, "TS-17" is gloss aluminium, X-11 is chrome silver, so they're relatively similar colours.
The model I'm attempting to build is the 1/12 Honda VFR750R (RC30)!
Amy help on this matter will be appreciated.
Could someone enlighten me about paint colour codes on the instructions for a Tamiya model.
I know, for instance, that "XF-56 + X-9" means to mix two colours, in equal amounts, to make another colour, I also understand that ratios can be added to this formula, to give different shades.
What I don't understand is this type of formula "TS-17(X-11)", the part in brackets appears directly below the first paint code, in the instructions.
Does this mean it's an "either or" choice of colour!
This is the exact formula, as it appears in the instructions, for clarity, "TS-17" is gloss aluminium, X-11 is chrome silver, so they're relatively similar colours.
The model I'm attempting to build is the 1/12 Honda VFR750R (RC30)!
Amy help on this matter will be appreciated.
CypSIdders said:
I know this may be a very basic question, but I've not made a model for 30 years.
Could someone enlighten me about paint colour codes on the instructions for a Tamiya model.
I know, for instance, that "XF-56 + X-9" means to mix two colours, in equal amounts, to make another colour, I also understand that ratios can be added to this formula, to give different shades.
What I don't understand is this type of formula "TS-17(X-11)", the part in brackets appears directly below the first paint code, in the instructions.
Does this mean it's an "either or" choice of colour!
This is the exact formula, as it appears in the instructions, for clarity, "TS-17" is gloss aluminium, X-11 is chrome silver, so they're relatively similar colours.
The model I'm attempting to build is the 1/12 Honda VFR750R (RC30)!
Amy help on this matter will be appreciated.
"TS" is "Tamiya Spray" in other words the equivalent colour, but in a spray can. Presumably for a car body or aircraft airframe? ETA, sorry, I see its a bike - presumably bodywork or chassis for the TS code?Could someone enlighten me about paint colour codes on the instructions for a Tamiya model.
I know, for instance, that "XF-56 + X-9" means to mix two colours, in equal amounts, to make another colour, I also understand that ratios can be added to this formula, to give different shades.
What I don't understand is this type of formula "TS-17(X-11)", the part in brackets appears directly below the first paint code, in the instructions.
Does this mean it's an "either or" choice of colour!
This is the exact formula, as it appears in the instructions, for clarity, "TS-17" is gloss aluminium, X-11 is chrome silver, so they're relatively similar colours.
The model I'm attempting to build is the 1/12 Honda VFR750R (RC30)!
Amy help on this matter will be appreciated.
"X" is usually a gloss designation.
"XF" is usually a matt (Flat) designation.
As Dr-GN says the TS's are available in spray cans and the X's and XF's are brushable acryllics (water based) if bought from most model shops. Having said that X's and XF's are available in brush on as enamel as well I think but aren't usually stocked in model shops as far as I am aware.
I have made a lot of the Tamiay 1:12 bike series and swear by the acryllic X's and XF's and only use the TS's for the fairings. If you need any other help let me know.
The code you showed will be equivalent TS or X paint. If they want you to mix them they usually say XF-16:1+XF-56:3. That would be 1 part XF-16 to 3 parts XF-56.
I have made a lot of the Tamiay 1:12 bike series and swear by the acryllic X's and XF's and only use the TS's for the fairings. If you need any other help let me know.
The code you showed will be equivalent TS or X paint. If they want you to mix them they usually say XF-16:1+XF-56:3. That would be 1 part XF-16 to 3 parts XF-56.
No probs. Are the frame spars on that model white or black plastic? I have made that one but cant remember.
I don't tend to bother painting the frame if they have the shiny silver coating. You can remove this with brake fluid I believe but have never tried.
Here are a few of mine for inspiration:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/98882529@N00/albums/...
I don't tend to bother painting the frame if they have the shiny silver coating. You can remove this with brake fluid I believe but have never tried.
Here are a few of mine for inspiration:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/98882529@N00/albums/...
IME Tamiya acrylics are great for spraying, but hopeless for brushing. Like many model acrylics, they dry quickly and can drag and/or leave a streaky, lumpy finish. All these issues can be limited by using a retarder medium, which slows drying and allows a degree of levelling. I use Vallejo retarder. If I was going to advise on acrylics for brushing, in general Id go for Vallejo model colour. It does benefit from retarder, but unlike Tamiya, it's not essential.
Ta.
Ta.
Dr GN, Contrary to that I've not had many problems with the Tamiya acryllics. I don't own an airbrush so all of mine are brushed except for some of the fairings which I bought TS sprays for, but then again I'm probably not looking for the same amount of detail you achieve with your models! I'm just happy if they look "ok" and not rubbish!
chrisga said:
No probs. Are the frame spars on that model white or black plastic? I have made that one but cant remember.
I don't tend to bother painting the frame if they have the shiny silver coating. You can remove this with brake fluid I believe but have never tried.
Here are a few of mine for inspiration:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/98882529@N00/albums/...
The frame spars are a gun metal plastic, the motor is black plastic, the tank, seat, wheels etc are white plastic and the fairings are clear plastic!I don't tend to bother painting the frame if they have the shiny silver coating. You can remove this with brake fluid I believe but have never tried.
Here are a few of mine for inspiration:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/98882529@N00/albums/...
I painted the frame earlier with chrome gloss aluminium and flat aluminium, not much difference really!
I used a tiny artists brush, the paint went on easy enough and the finish is reasonable, but I'm not an expert.
Thanks for the help.
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