I've been using Tamiya acrylic paints since I started airbrushing and I really like them for the same reasons you mention. I have tried several different types of thinners and I like their A 20thinner best. Yah, I know everyone will tell you it's too expensive, etc., but unless you're using an awful lot of it, that's not an issue in my opinion, and, it works best. If you are going to be spraying for a longish while, add a single drop of retarder to the colour cup (I use Createx brand). I have tried distilled water, isopropyl alcohol, Windex, and varying combinations of those, without success. I mix all of their paints with 1/3 (A20) thinner after much experimentation.

I have not seen the rubbing off issue you mention at all, but I spray at a much lower pressure than 20 psi - I spray at between 7 and 12 psi, normally around 10 psi.

I would not hesitate to recommend the Tamiya paints to anyone.

Rich

hey Zak,

I was advised when using Alclad II and getting rough finishes to use a lower psi too, so it will hopefully work out.  Further, if you're not using a primer coat on your paint-jobs then doing so will help with the scratching/flaking that sometimes happens without primer.  Truth be told I've almost NEVER primed my models before but when using acrylics have encountered the same damage vulnerabilities you have, so I'm slowly changing my ways.  I used Mr. Surfacer 1200 recently (thinned with laquer thinner) and although the smell was unappealing and the mixing took some fiddling (I really should have noted the thinner ratio--sorry) it finally worked out, after I overcame the spider-cobweb effect I think you mentioned earlier.  The only other substance I've encountered that did that to me was ModelMaster's flourescent orange (or was it red? I forget).

Hope this helps!

DON'T use Windex as a reducer—use it to clean only.

Other than Tamiya's thinner, which is essentially 90% isopropyl alcohol and a retarder, the best thinner (reducer) for Tamiya acrylics is…

90% isopropyl alcohol and a small amount of retarder… 

Ok

   Here is what I do. I use almost nothing but Tamiya paints. I've bought there biggest bottle of A20 for JUST thinning the paint. So as you may guess I don't use much and that means it should last a long time. It costs about 7-8 bucks but since it will be used very sparingy it is worth it, IMHO.

Then I buy anything from 70% and up alcohol for cleaning or sometimes I will use Windex. All are pretty much cheap, a dollar or less usually.

Hope this helps.

Scott

Triarius wrote:

Other than Tamiya's thinner, which is essentially 90% isopropyl alcohol and a retarder, the best thinner (reducer) for Tamiya acrylics is… 90% isopropyl alcohol and a small amount of retarder…

This bears repeating... A lot...

Hans, I wish I had a buck for every time I've said it! I'd be exporting venison…

Thanks!