Flat coat(Lame question)

Nandakumar, listen very carefully -
Holy moly - be careful with that stuff -
It's actually a flat base that's used to add to gloss paints to make them dull.
Whatever you do, DON'T thin it and spray it on all by itself!!! You'll end up with your whole model turning a chalky white color - do you hear the voice of experience in what I'm saying? I killed a beautiful Spitfire once using that stuff - the label had Japanese writing on it - no English, so I didn't know how to use it...........................
You'll have to experiment with the correct proportions to mix the flat base to a gloss color - or a gloss clear. Just experiment on a aluminium can or something.
Personally, I just use Humbrol Dullcote or one of the Microscale products - I don't bother with the flat base - it's easier to just open up a jar and paint away, instead of taking the chance of adding too much of the flat base and ending up with a flat white model...................
Good luck and cheers,
LeeTree

leemitcheltree,

Hey thanks very much man!! You just saved my model in time!!! Yeah Japanese instructions cant be read by me!! Thank you very much... I was tempted to try it on a refuelling truck cos my dark earth has a semi gloss finish!!

Cheers,

Nandakumar

If you have the option, check out Testors Clear Flat Spray. I believe that is the product you're looking for. Glad you found out about Tamiya Flat before tragedy struck. That's been a theme that has shown up occasionally on this forum. Nice call, Lee. :)
PS: Nandakumar, there's no such thing as a lame question around here. If you need information, just ask. Someone's bound to be able to help. - Ed

Sad but true....

Testor paints are no longer imported in Singapore!!!


Thanks very much Keyworth... I'll try to look for it cos I dont think stocks may have vanished...

Cheers,
Nandakumar

Nandakumar,
I'm glad I was a help.
Keyworth said it best - there is no such thing as a lame question.
If you don't know, then ask. We'll all help as much as we can. That's why we participate in this forum. Any help I can give is a bonus.
I have a friend who has built only 7 models (cars) in his life, and because of my hints and tips, as well his subscription to ScaleAuto (another Kalmbach production) he's building models that look like he's been building for 15 years, because he asked question after question - I wish my first models had looked that good and that I'd had someone to ask all the confusing questions.
The point I'm trying to make is, "There are no stupid questions".
The only stupid question is the one you DON'T ask - and then you'll probably get something wrong because you DIDN'T ask that question.
OK?
Whatever you need, just ask and someone will probably have the answer.
Cheers mate,
LeeTree

Not a lame question at all, very FAQ as a matter of fact. I use the Tamiya Flat Base Mixed in with Pascoes Long Life which is the current alternative to Johnson's Future acrylic floor sealer here in Australia. The Pascoes is sold here in Australia, I am not sure what it would be sold as in Singapore, but most acrylic floor sealers that you can mop on, are compatible. You can experiment on old models if you are not sure. Getting back to the Flat Base, it is very strong and is to be mixed with gloss or semi gloss paints to make them matte. A little goes a long ways. I use it with the floor sealer mixed at 7 parts Long Life to 1 part Flat Base and this gives me a nice matte finish with a strong durable coat. If you look at my post about the Ta183 Huckebein there is a photo of the last kit I matte coated with the combination.

I have recently found in my local hobby shop both gloss and flat clear coats made by Model Master. They come in a 1 oz. bottle instead of the normal 1/2 oz. size. I have not used them yet, I still have the Testers product to use up first. I have been using the Testers gloss an flat for many years and have found NO problems with them, I think they are a great product. I hope this helps.

Thanks guys... Frankly I feel secure building models knowing you guys're around and there to rescue me from potential disasters!!!

Cheers,
Nandakumar

Hey guys, just gimme a holler when Japanese gives ya any trouble! If you can scan it or otherwise get it onto a format I can see, I can give ya a quick translation.
Actually, I probably have the product right here in my house, which would be even quicker.
Don't hesitate to ask!