painting multi colors schemes?

Hi Jeff,

You shouldn't have any problems whatsoever painting acrylics over enamels. Just make sure you leave the enamel base long enough to cure completely (abiout 24 hours) before over-painting.

Will you be brush painting or airbrushing? Tamiya acrylics can be a little finnicky to brush paint, but it can be done with a little thinning and a little patience. Airbrushing over cured enamel (or any other properly cured base) shouldn't present any problems.

Yes you can, provided that the enamel paint has fully cured before applying the acrylic. That could be a couple of days to a week depending on temperature and humidity.

Thanks guys for the reply..its gonna need a few days to dry, it still smells pretty strong.

OK, what should I thin the Tamiya paint with? Its gonna be airbrushed, and was thinking rubbing alcohol? sorry, its been a few yrs, and I seem to have forgotten the basics

Hi Jeff,

Tamiya's own thinner works best, but as a substitute, Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) should be suitable. Depending on temperature and humidity, (and  individual airbrushing technique) you may require an acrylic retarder (available from art supplies stores) to reduce the incidence of "tip dry" and to reduce the tendency of the paint to dry in mid-air between the airbrush and your model (which can cause a dusty/gritty finish).

Thanks for the reply, I have iso alcohol, look like I'm all set.

does a 3-1 ratio sound about right?

The ratio will vary, depending on the brand and color.

When airbrushing, I've been told that you want the paint to be the consistencey of milk. I've always found that to be a little vague, so here's what I do - after mixing the paint about 50/50 w/ thinner, I stick a toothpick in the paint, and drag some up the side of the color cup. If 90% of the pigment runs right back down into the cup, then I know it's just about right. too thin, more paint. Too thick, more thinner.

Your milage may vary, of course. I always test on an index card before putting any paint on the model.

Tamiya recomend a 3 (paint) : 2 (thinner ) ratio, seems to work fine for me.

Thanks for the input..I unfortunately noticed the iso was only 70 %. Guess its off to the lhs for some tamiya thinner, and brass stock.

Glad ya posted the ratio, mine would've been way too thick! maybe thats why my Iwata was always clogging