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Tamiya Flat Clear XF-86 - Thinning Ratio and Spraying Advice?

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  • Member since
    April 2008
Tamiya Flat Clear XF-86 - Thinning Ratio and Spraying Advice?
Posted by Kizzy on Saturday, August 20, 2016 4:55 PM

After finsihing decaling, I'm preparing to airbrush my model with a matte finish using Tamiya XF-86 Flat Clear.  I've never used this product before, but my understanding is that it is specifically intended for use as a final coat (and is a different product than Tamiya Flat Base X21.)

Before I begin, I am hoping to get some advice from those who have used the XF-86 Flat Clear in an airbrush, so that I can get a good flat coat with no frosting.

1) What is the best thinner to use for this product?  I have Tamiya X-20A on hand, which is what I would assume would be best to use, but am not sure.

2) What thinning ratio would you suggest?  Normally with Tamiya acrylics I thin at an approx. 2:1 ratio of paint to thinner, to the consistency of skim milk.  But with a flat clear, should it be a bit thinner than that, say a 1:1 ratio, to avoid it going on too thick and causing frosting?

3) What PSI would you recommend?  From my research, it seems approx. 10-15 PSI at a distance of 6 inches or so seems best for this sort of thing.

Thanks for your suggestions.  Just want to be sure I get this right as it is the final stage of a model that has taken a long time to build!  I obviously plan to do some tests first but am hoping someone can steer me in the right direction.  There's always something new to learn with this hobby!

-Kizzy

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Saturday, August 20, 2016 11:03 PM

X-20a thinners should be fine. I'd say thin it more around 50:50. Try a higher psi like 20-25 and hold the airbrush farther away than you normally do. You are going for light mist coats, not complete coverage. It always helps to try out ur technique on a scrap piece of painted plastic first. 

 

 

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