Tamiya color codes

Don Stauffer

I am trying some Tamiya paint for a Zero, because a friend gave me a bottle he had been using for one of the colors. I believe in using all the same paint brands on a model, for best compatibility.

I have found the XF colors I need, but not a couple of AS colors.  What is the difference between XF, X, and AS colors/paints?

 

Hi Don, 

XF colours are simply their flat acrylic colours in a jar.  X is their glossy colours in a jar.

AS colours are their rattle cans colours specifically for aircraft.  The weird thing is, is that some of their AS spray colours are not available in bottles for airbrushing.  For example, AS-20 Insignia White is only available as a spray, but not in a bottle.  However, their AS-7 (Neutral Gray) is available in a bottle under XF-53.  

However, their rattle can colours, including their AS colours, are being released in bottle for as a lacquer.

bluenote

 

 

Don Stauffer

I am trying some Tamiya paint for a Zero, because a friend gave me a bottle he had been using for one of the colors. I believe in using all the same paint brands on a model, for best compatibility.

I have found the XF colors I need, but not a couple of AS colors.  What is the difference between XF, X, and AS colors/paints?

 

 

 

 

Hi Don, 

XF colours are simply their flat acrylic colours in a jar.  X is their glossy colours in a jar.

AS colours are their rattle cans colours specifically for aircraft.  The weird thing is, is that some of their AS spray colours are not available in bottles for airbrushing.  For example, AS-20 Insignia White is only available as a spray, but not in a bottle.  However, their AS-7 (Neutral Gray) is available in a bottle under XF-53.  

However, their rattle can colours, including their AS colours, are being released in bottle for as a lacquer.

 

Yes, I find I cannot find the same color in the bottles yet.  I tried looking at same name only, not number, but the light gray I found is not light at all- it does not look like the box art.  Okay, for an acrylic paint, what would folks recommend for the underside of a Zero?

BTW, I am known as an enamel diehard.  I see the handwriting on the wall, however, and am trying to learn how to use acrylics properly :-)

 

Don Stauffer

I tried looking at same name only, not number, but the light gray I found is not light at all- it does not look like the box art. Okay, for an acrylic paint, what would folks recommend for the underside of a Zero?

Tamiya's "Light Grey" (XF 66) is actually quite dark and bluish. Take a look at "JN Grey" (XF 12) or if you need the one with the slight greenish tinge, "Grey Green" (XF 76)

Don Stauffer

BTW, I am known as an enamel diehard. I see the handwriting on the wall, however, and am trying to learn how to use acrylics properly :-)

Tamiya's bottled paints are also available in enamel, with the exact same numbers and names, but they aren't imported into the US. In some markets, like here in Australia, you can find racks of Tamiya acrylics and enamels side by side.

Phil_H

 

 

Don Stauffer

I tried looking at same name only, not number, but the light gray I found is not light at all- it does not look like the box art. Okay, for an acrylic paint, what would folks recommend for the underside of a Zero?

 

 

Tamiya's "Light Grey" (XF 66) is actually quite dark and bluish. Take a look at "JN Grey" (XF 12) or if you need the one with the slight greenish tinge, "Grey Green" (XF 76)

 

 

Don Stauffer

BTW, I am known as an enamel diehard. I see the handwriting on the wall, however, and am trying to learn how to use acrylics properly :-)

 

 

Tamiya's bottled paints are also available in enamel, with the exact same numbers and names, but they aren't imported into the US. In some markets, like here in Australia, you can find racks of Tamiya acrylics and enamels side by side.

 

I love the Tamiya enamels!  I order them from Ebay.  I use Tamiya acrylics for airbrushing and their enamels for brush painting.  Perfect!

Here is a handy link...https://www.tamiyausa.com/articles/feature.php?article-id=72#.W1sf7qQpCaP

Thanks, guys.  I may head for my local (sort-of) hobby shop tomorrow.