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Tamiya AS aircraft colors

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  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: San Diego
Tamiya AS aircraft colors
Posted by Centurion on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 3:00 AM

So I'm slowing starting to except the fact that Tamiya is not going to make their AS colors in bottle form. With that being said, does anyone know how I can mix the AS colors using the current Tamiya X & XF Acrylic paints?

With all that being said, I hear such good things about Tamiya paints, but the mixing and not having the color variety makes me want to look at Testors Acryl line. I'm totally new to this and have yet to even use my airbrush with either brand. I did purchase a whole bunch of Tamiya colors so that I can put together the Tamiya F4U-1 Corsair and wish they would just make bottled colors for the cans. What's the closest I can come to mixing my own colors. Spraying from a can is not an option.

Thanks,

Burt 

Master of my own miniature worlds.

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Commonwealth of Virginia
Posted by USArmyFAO on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 8:27 AM
Hi Burt,
Try looking at Tamiya's website and comparing the paints utilizing their provided color chips. For example in TS-2 (Dark Green) is the same as XF-5 (Flat green), although I have found the TS to be almost a semi-gloss, while the XF really sprays almost dead flat. Also, I have found with Tamiya acrylics, that to spray them best, I have to use Tamiya thinner and not rubbing alcohol, like with some other acrylic paints. Also, when brush painting them, it is best to keep your brush a bit wet with Tamiya thinner as this help the paint flow better and prevent it from drying so fast.

Here's Tamiya's website: http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/archive.htm (scroll down to the bottom and click on the paint range you wish to view)...

As for Testor's Acryls, I have never had good luck with airbrushing them, and really just stick with Gunze or Tamiya. Airbrushing, though, is really an art and not a science so while I may say Testor's Acryls are not the best others may find them perfectly acceptable... The bottom line at least for me is not to fret about colors - I get to a 90% solution, and then let weathering do the rest (I build WWII USN, FAA, and IJN naval aircraft for the most part and in a salty, sunny, combat environment, FS colors didn't maintain their fresh out of the paint shop look for long).

Hope it helps and have a fun! The Tamiya F4U-1 is a great kit!

Cheers, Matt

"If we increase the size of the penguin until it is the same height as the man and then compare the relative brain size, we now find that the penguin's brain is still smaller. But, and this is the point, it is larger than it *was*."

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Peoples Socialist Democratic Republic of Illinois
Posted by Triarius on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 10:17 AM

Many have complained about adhesion problems with Testors acrylic lines—but some swear by them instead of at them. Bottom line: YMMV.

You should investigate the Polly Scale line (also manufactured under the Testors umbrella). Also look at Vallejo and Lifecolor.

Ross Martinek A little strangeness, now and then, is a good thing… Wink

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: San Diego
Posted by Centurion on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 1:02 PM

 USArmyFAO wrote:
Hi Burt,
Try looking at Tamiya's website and comparing the paints utilizing their provided color chips.

So it looks like I have to just compare colors by eye then correct? Do you know if the AS canned colors are all gloss or are they flat?

To make Insignia White for example, would I just mix a Flat White and Sky color together? Is that kind of how it's done?

Thanks again! 

Master of my own miniature worlds.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: San Diego
Posted by Centurion on Sunday, June 1, 2008 4:31 PM

Ok I'm hoping to get more help on this subject in the new thread I started here. /forums/954631/ShowPost.aspx

Please follow the link and provide any kind of information you have. Thanks 

Master of my own miniature worlds.

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