Newbie here, Question about increasing life of Tamiya paints

I have some Tamiya acrylics from the mid-80's (yep, that's 35 years or so) which are still good to go.

On the other hand, I have found Tamiya's enamels (in the little rectangular bottles) tend to dry out in the bottle. I recall seeing some which had dried out in the paint rack in a hobby store.

Whip_It

Hello Everyone, 

Hope you guys are doing great. This is my first time on this forum. Hello from Toronto Canada. 

I have a question about Tamiya paints. The thing is, i hardly use these paints but i do not want them drying out!!!! 

WOULD it be a good idea to put in 10-15 drops of x20A (tamiya thinner acrylic) to ensure longer hydration / increase its lifespan? 

Please let me know, my local hobbyshops don't have a clue about this. 

I want to extend the life of my paints outside of just ensuring the lids are clean and there no clogging. 

I guess what I am trying to get at is, is there ANY drawback in adding extra tamiya thinner to my tamiya jars just for that extra hydration / peace of mind.

I never use tamiya paint not thinned regardless, i always thin tamiya paints when using anyways.

Thank You

 

Whatever you do, DO NOT add drops of thinner to your Tamiya paints!!!! As others mentioned, keep your lids tight and jar lips clean. 

First, a warm welcome to the forum. Very glad to have you with us!

plasticjunkie

Welcome Whip! Hey I’ve had mine for several years (at least 8) and they are fine. Just make sure the tops are on tight. 

Have to echo what PJ said: lids on tight is the key. I've used Tamiya almost exclusively from about 2005, and have had no problems with well-sealed jars lasting for years with full 'usability'...if that's a word.

In my experiece adding a few drops of the same-brand thinner will certainly do no harm...but it also won't help a lot if any air can get in to evaporate those solvents.

Welcome Whip! Hey I’ve had mine for several years (at least 8) and they are fine. Just make sure the tops are on tight.