Model Masters Ultra Gloss Clear Coat over Tamiya Flat Acrylics?

Good point, Jesse. By definition, a coating that can be applied, redissolved in the same or similar solvent, and then reapplied is a lacquer. However, in this day and age, different lacquers may use entirely different solvents (which is why lacquer thinner is a blend of solvents), so one lacquer may not dissolve another. Once again, best to test it on scrap first.

A good substitute for scrap is a glazed ceramic tile or a piece of heavy glass.

There is one concern about spraying a lacquer paint over a lacquer paint.  Lacquer based paints, even when cured, can be made soft again by applying more lacquer paint.  What I mean by this is, cured lacquer paints can be made liquid again by adding more lacquer paint.  If your going to spray a lacquer paint over cured lacquer paint, just make sure you don't spray it too heavily or the underlying coat might soften and mix with the top coat.  Just spray light coats and slowly buildup the top coat.

Jesse

mesh wrote:

Thanks. Ufortunately, this is my first model, and so I dont really have any extra / spare plastic. Could I just try it on the spru from the model? mike

Yes. Sorry I missed the question. 

Some manufacturers are coming out with acrylic aerosols, or so they say. So far, everything I've heard about them has been negative. But if Tamiya came out with one, it might be different, and I, too, took Mesh at his word.

While the "opposite system rule" (paint with one system, weather/wash with the other) is a good rule of thumb, some lacquers, and occasionally an enamel (particularly an aerosol) will attack some acrylics. That's why the Scale Modeling Gods (Murphy and Associates) gave us paint hulks……

That is a good point. I dont know Tamiya stuff and so many different products appear on the  market. I allowed that mesh would know if it was acryl or not. Sort of like, "Well, he's using it he bought it, he should know..." No foul, none called. The whole "testing for compatibility" is still a good habit to get into, though, don't you agree? Left over sprues would make a fine test medium for this, as they are the very plastic the subject is made from!

And yes, get an airbrush. I like Badgers, as they dont cost and arm and a leg and they are an American company, but doas your wnats and pocketbook allow. And here's another cool thing about airbrushes: you can decant paint from a spray can, thin it well, and use it in an airbrush.

Phil_H wrote:

If it's Tamiya paint in a spray can (eg. one of the "TS" or "AS" range), it's a lacquer based paint, not an "acrylic" like the X/XF series jars. You shouldn't have any problems, provided that as mentioned above, you leave sufficient drying time between coats. For some reason, many people seem to think that because Tamiya makes acrylic paints, then automatically, any paint with the Tamiya brand on it is acrylic. This is NOT the case. They make acrylics, yes. They also make lacquer based spray cans and an enamel version of the X/XF range. The entire X/XF range is duplicated in enamels, but these are not available in all countries.

Yes! Thank you very much. I was thinking the spray was acrylic (im not sure why). I also found some information on the Tamiya site that said that their lacquer clear coats would also work with detail work done with acrylics.

I think i just need to get an air brush, and then I can spray whatever I want, and not just what comes in a spray can.

thanks again for the clarification.

mike

mesh wrote:

Tamiya Flat Acrylics from a Spray can Model Masters Ultra Gloss Clear Coat Tamiya Flat Clear Coat TS-80 (for final finish). Does anyone see any issues with this? I want to make sure that the paints and coats can work together, and it doesnt mess up the paint job. Thanks for any input... mike

If it's Tamiya paint in a spray can (eg. one of the "TS" or "AS" range), it's a lacquer based paint, not an "acrylic" like the X/XF series jars.

You shouldn't have any problems, provided that as mentioned above, you leave sufficient drying time between coats.

For some reason, many people seem to think that because Tamiya makes acrylic paints, then automatically, any paint with the Tamiya brand on it is acrylic. This is NOT the case. They make acrylics, yes. They also make lacquer based spray cans and an enamel version of the X/XF range. The entire X/XF range is duplicated in enamels, but these are not available in all countries.

Thanks. Ufortunately, this is my first model, and so I dont really have any extra / spare plastic. Could I just try it on the spru from the model?

I guess I could also just go and get some future, and just apply that to the areas where I will apply the decals. However, I was concerned that even after applying the final flat coat, the areas which had future applies would look different.

mike

Ross is right. Take that little extra time and try it out first. Wouldn't want to muck up things in the end.

Seems I've done that - painted solvent based finishes over acrylic, way back when. This was before I discovered Future and airbrushes. While I don't remember all the details, I can recall that I allowed the acryl to cure completely, like for days, and applied the overcoats in thin, quick dry coats. I also have a phobia about priming everything. If you've painted the acryl on bare plastic....

Better safe than sorry - follow Ross's suggestion.