Tamiya Smoke, do you thin it?

I use it for post-paint panel shading, so I dilute it a lot with the Tamiya thinner so I can build up the effect.  Something around 10% Smoke to 90% thinner...

I've never tried using it as you've described, but I have used highly diluted black and brown paints to build up exhaust stains and gun smoke stains.

You might find a different ratio to be more effective, so experiment.

I thin it down pretty far, too. 10/90 sounds about right, then it gets build up over successive passes.

Depending on what you're going for, you may also want to give Alclad's Smoke a try.

I've found Tamiya Smoke leans more toward the warm side of the spectrum, with a redder/browner cast. Alclad's Smoke goes in the opposite direction, cooler and more blue-ish. Both have their place and I think could even be used very well in conjunction to create more complex staining and shading effects. 

Doogs, I didn't know that about the Alclad Smoke...  is it an enamel/lacquer or acrylic base?

Well, it's definitely not acrylic. Not sure if it's lacquer or enamel-based though. I know all their metal finishes are lacquers, but all of their clear coats are enamel...will try to remember to look when I'm at the bench tonight.

Yes, thin it.

Like the others say, depends how you want to use it.

I've only used it a few times and just thinned it like i do normal paint.  However, reading the other suggestions, might be better to thin more than normal and build up the effect slowly.

My only gripe is that it's gloss.  I normally leave it to the very very end, which means i then have to do a matte coat over it.  Would be happier if it was matte.

Chris.

cml

My only gripe is that it's gloss.  I normally leave it to the very very end, which means i then have to do a matte coat over it.  Would be happier if it was matte.

Chris,

Just mix a  llittle X-21 Flat Base into it.

The first time I used it I totally blew it by not thinning; talk about a mess! Now I thin it in the ratio already mentioned but also try to dab it on a paper towel before applying I found it's real easy to add too much so this way I can more gradually build it up.

Phil_H

cml:

My only gripe is that it's gloss.  I normally leave it to the very very end, which means i then have to do a matte coat over it.  Would be happier if it was matte.

Chris,

Just mix a  llittle X-21 Flat Base into it.

Can't believe i've never thought of that before.

Will pick some up tonight.

Chris.

Thank you everyone! I think I'm going use Tamiya smoke (thinned) with X-21 for my WW2 bird and Alclad 2 Jet exhaust for the Jets. I'll post how it comes out.

Bill

billy2cold

Thank you everyone! I think I'm going use Tamiya smoke (thinned) with X-21 for my WW2 bird and Alclad 2 Jet exhaust for the Jets. I'll post how it comes out.

Bill

Bill,

Go light on the X-21 flat base, as it's known to go cloudy/hazy when you use too much when added to X-22 (Clear) One part X-21 to four parts X-19 (Smoke) should be about enough.

My preference would be pastels....          in my opinion - much easier and less fuss / cleanup

In any event,,, good luck with it Bill...  hope it turns out well

Bill