discussion Getting a good gloss from tamiya

[peterairfix]

How in the world do I get a decent gloss finish from tamiya as I a want a good finish for my kitt
I have tried all sorts of combinations and still end like this
Hellllllppppp!!!

 

[Si Benson]

Are you airbrushing of rattle can Pete?

 

[peterairfix]

Are you airbrushing of rattle can Pete?

I am using 10ml jars thinned down I have tried all sorts of ratios but still come up short I will be going to my local model shop and see what else is on offer

 

[Jim R]

Not sure what thinner you are using but for gloss the lacquer thinner works better that their X-20A.

 

[Stefee]

I have found that Mr Hobby MLT thinners works perfectly with Tamiya X and XF paints. In warmer temps I mix 1:1 but at the moment I am adding some extra MLT. I use a 0.5 needle at 18 psi for larger panels and 0.3 for more detailed work. I have found that the solid colours have a very good gloss out of the gun but the metallic colours dry quite like a semi gloss/satin. The X22 clear generally behaves like the solid colours.
Hope that helps.

 

[Si Benson]

I am using 10ml jars thinned down I have tried all sorts of ratios but still come up short I will be going to my local model shop and see what else is on offer

I’d go with Jim on the Tamiya lacquer thinner. Obviously your using Tamiya X-1 but you can add Tamiya X-22 clear gloss to your mix for xtra shine.

 

[Andy T]

Echoing Jim & Stefan, it looks like a thinner issue. Appears to be drying way too fast, before it's had time to flow and level out.

 

[Guest]

you can add Tamiya X-22 clear gloss to your mix for xtra shine.

Though that will reduce the covering power of the paint. If you’ve got X-22 clear gloss at hand anyway, you might as well use it as intended, IMHO: spray it over non-gloss paint after that has dried, to turn it gloss.