Working with Acrylic paints

Once upon a time, Tamiya's acrylics had nearly magical properties.

Straight out of the bottle, they went on incredibly smoothly, levelled themselves out, and with the right brush looked almost like a sprayed finish..... Then they changed the formula...  

Since the early 90's, Tamiya's acrylics are notorious for "roll-up" because it starts to "skin over" super-fast. Brushing back over paint that you have laid down - even just a few brush strokes earlier, will drag up the previously laid down paint.

For best results brush-painting with "today's" Tamiya acrylics, you need to add a little thinner and acrylic retarder - don't paint straight out of the bottle.

Transfer some paint to a pallette and then add a little thinner - how much is really a matter of experimentation. When you have the right consistency, squeeze a single drop of acrylic retarder onto your pallette (not into your paint/thinner mix) and when painting, just touch the tip of the brush to your drop of retarder before "loading" your brush. 

It may seem fiddly, but the results are worth it.

Tamiya's acrylics spray on well. Go with another brand if you plan on brushing. Technically there are things you can do to make it easier to brush on such as adding retarders etc... but it might be easier to just use another brand. Some like Model Master others like Polly S. You might try buying a bottle of several brands and test which one behaives best for you. Greg

I brush Tamiya on small parts frequently. The trick is to keep a small container of 90% isopropyl handy. Dip the brush in the alcohol, then in the paint (in a small container, not the bottle). Then apply the paint. Using retarder is a great idea for larger areas or parts.

All very helpful tips as I knew they would be. I can only imagine what a master modeler I could have been if all those years ago there was this avenue available and I had kept up with what was truly a passion in my youth. Now it has become a work in process to catch up, but am enjoying the challenges. Thanks for the information.