Tamiya Flat Base question.

I use chopped up sprue, and flatten one end and trim it square so I can scrape the bottom. Works great, and I have a lifetime supply!

Actually the "toothpicks" that I use for stirring are not really "tooth" picks per se.  They are the ones that are used to do things like wrap bacon around scallops,etc.  They have a flat blunt end on one side.  But I would agree they are most likely less efficient than something wider.  In the past I have chopped up sprue, which offer something more substantial to hold on to.  But I guess I should just break down and do as you say and try some brass rod.

Brian

Toothpicks are highly inefficient, as is any round hand stirring device. Flatten the end of a piece of mild steel or brass rod, file to a square paddle, sand with 300 grit, and it will serve you very well for a lifetime.

Excellent guys, I knew I would get what I was looking for here.

I have visited Swanny's on a number occasions.  I completely forgot about the Future article though.  

I do use toothpicks to stir up my paint (though I also do shake afterwards....).

Thanks again fellas!

Brian

Thixotropic? Flocculate? Two 2 bit words in one post? Ross, you astonish me!

While Swanny's site is always worthwhile visiting, you can forget why you're there, when all you want is the ratios!

Future does produce a glossy finish so many modelers will introduce a flattening material or only use it as a pre-decal sealer. If you wish to use flattened Future as a final coat here are a couple of suggested ratios of Tamiya flat base for different effects:
      1 part flat base to 3 parts Future = very flat
      1 part flat base to 10 parts Future = flat
      1 part flat base to 15 parts Future = satin
If you get too much of anybody's flat base on the surface of your model you run the risk of making it all go white. No thinning is required just make sure it is well mixed.

And here is a link to the Complete Future article. Please do go and visit Matt's website, it's well worth your afternoon!

I haven't used Tamiya Clear Gloss in at least fifteen years, but I mix the Flat Base with Future. Based on that experience, and what I know about the Flat Base (it's thixotropic and tends to flocculate over time) I'd recommend first stirring the flat base very thoroughly. (Shaking won't do—but you should never shake hobby bottles to mix them, they're too small for cavitation to work.) Then try various ratios until you find the one you like. Swanny's model site has an article on using Tamiya Flat Base with Future, which you may find useful. Those ratios might be close to the ones for Tamiya Clear Gloss.