Tamiya Paint Mixing?

Steve,

Thank you very much on the Tamiya mixing instructions. IT WORKED perfectly.

Now can I ask you of something else? Since this is my first armor kit and an M10 by the way I would like to pick your brain as I asemble and paint. I am very impressed with your M10 and see you are very advanced.

 I'll wait for your response before I send my first question.

 Thanks,

 Marc

Steve and Ruddratt have it pretty much covered. My ratios are close to 1:1—I usually start there. It varies a little with relative humidity. I always use 91% isopropyl for thinning. Windex or Simple Green or "Magic" (1 part Windex, 1 part Simple Green, 2 parts water) for cleaning.

The only time I exposed Tamiya to lacquer thinner, I got a coagulated mess that was very difficult to clean up—but lacquer thinners vary. Those with a high alcohol content might do well, indeed, especially as a final rinse. Those heavy on other organic solvents might not. I'd test your brand, first. 

IBuildONE48 wrote:

Does anyone have successful ratios? Also can you clean your airbrush after using Tamiya Paints with water as suggested or is Mineral Spirts OK?

After I've sprayed with Tamiya paints, I'll blast some windex through my airbrush first to clean out the majority, then I spray some lacquer thinner through just in case there are any stragglers.

You want the Tamiya acrylics to be about the same consistancy as skim milk. Tamiya acrylic thinner is the best, but expensive. I have great results using 91% isopropyl alchohol, with a tiny drop of dish detergent to keep the paint from drying in mid air. My ratio is one part thinner to 2 parts paint. Sprays through my Badger 360 and my Iwata Micron like a dream. Mineral spirits are a NO NO for acrylics.

My M10, (AFV Club), finshed with Tamiya acrylics:

regards,

Steve