Tamiya Flat Base X-21

Yep, the Flat Base is really thick goo in the jar, even when "factory fresh".

Beware, because a little goes a long way. Depending on how "flat" you want the final result, 1 part  Flat Base to 4 - 6 parts of X-22 Clear will give you a very flat clear coat. Any more and your clear coat will be a translucent white coat.

Yep, the Flat Base is really thick goo in the jar, even when "factory fresh". Beware, because a little goes a long way. Depending on how "flat" you want the final result, 1 part  Flat Base to 4 - 6 parts of X-22 Clear will give you a very flat clear coat. Any more and your clear coat will be a translucent white coat.

Like he said ;)

It varies slightly but it's always pretty thick, Mike.

Phil_H wrote:

Any more and your clear coat will be a translucent white coat.

The first time I used Flat Base, I didn't mix it waith any gloss coat! Result: one totally frosted plane and one totally frustrated modeller!

So, don't forget: It's a flattening agent , that should be used with an acryllic gloss coat such as Tamiya Clear or Future.

RemcoGrob wrote:

Phil_H wrote:  Any more and your clear coat will be a translucent white coat. The first time I used Flat Base, I didn't mix it waith any gloss coat! Result: one totally frosted plane and one totally frustrated modeller! So, don't forget: It's a flattening agent , that should be used with an acryllic gloss coat such as Tamiya Clear or Future.

Triarius wrote:

Mike, it is also thixotropic—a $5 word meaning it changes viscosity as you stir it. Stir it gently before picking it up with the dropper.

MikeV wrote:

Maybe mixing a little Polly Scale flat with Future may be a better bet, anyone tried that?

I mix the Flat Base with Future, and it works fine as long as you use the proper quantities.

ajlafleche wrote:

Ah, the monthly XF21 thread.

ajlafleche wrote:

Ah, the monthly XF21 thread.

Gulfstream, yes it is from The Red Green Show. Our PBS station just ran the official last episode a couple weeks back. It came as something of a shocker to us. They are still carrying re-runs, however.

Mike, I am behaving. You should see some of the things I've said about this . It seems there's a thread a month from someone who assumed this clear flat was like all the other clear flats on the market and ruined a good model in the last steps. I know many of the posters here swear by it, I swear at it. Part of the problem is the weak labeling. I get good results with Testors Dullcoat shot through my airbrush and I only need to add a touch of thinner to get it to the right consistency rather than mixing it at whatever the right ration of base and Future to get he right degree of flat. One thing I learned, lo, those many years ago when I wasn't selling insurance for a major mutual life company was the K.I.S.S. principle. When thisngs get more complicated than need be, I  look in the mirror and remind myself, "KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID."