Prepping windshields/ Tamiya 'Smoke' transparent lacquer

[Speedfreak]

This is really a two part question; What do people do (if anything) to prep their windshields before installation? I know some people use auto polish stuff for this and their windshields look amazing. The second part of the question is, I'm going to use Tamiya's transparent 'Smoke' to tint a windshield, can I use the auto polish method to prep the windshield 'before' I apply the tint? Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fitforbattle]

Is the smoke really available in TS? Thought they only did them in PS sprays.

Or do you mean the Tamiya X paint?

[Speedfreak]

Ya, I just checked Robin, it's TS-71.

[slusher]

I would think wax would cause it to run easy but if you have an old windshield you could try it..

[JollySipper]

Since you would have to tint the inside of the glass, I would think that you could polish the outside...... just do it after you spray the inside though, in case you get any overspray on the outside.

[Scale-Master]

Good luck using the TS-71 for window tinting. Unless you want "limo tint" or darker that is. I've used it several times and in order for it to smooth out and not look splotchy you have to put a certain amount on. That amount varies on how thin the coats you use to build it up. I think it looks more like "transparent black".

If you don't want the tint to be too dark I suggest using the acrylic Smoke. It is lighter, and while it too needs to be built up to a certain degree as well, I find it works better for most of my tinting needs. Of course you'll need to airbrush it...

[Speedfreak]

Good luck using the TS-71 for window tinting. Unless you want "limo tint" or darker that is. I've used it several times and in order for it to smooth out and not look splotchy you have to put a certain amount on. That amount varies on how thin the coats you use to build it up. I think it looks more like "transparent black".

If you don't want the tint to be too dark I suggest using the acrylic Smoke. It is lighter, and while it too needs to be built up to a certain degree as well, I find it works better for most of my tinting needs. Of course you'll need to airbrush it...

BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH, I don't have an air brush! So, how does Tamiya intend for this to be used? Over a base coat?

Tulio and some other people use what would be more of a 'polish' than a wax Carl, something with a little grit to take the scratches and imperfections out of the plastic, and , his windshields always look 1:1 I've never done it so I'll experiment with some parts box windshields, which I have. And then I'll spray the plastic and see what happens, hope it doesn't go 'limo' on me, but , at least I'll know.

Thanks for all the great tips and suggestions you guys, ya gotta love this hobby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gee, all I said was carp (re-arrange) and they BLAHED it, lol.

Edited June 28, 2014 by Speedfreak

[Pete J.]

What he said. Mark is the Tamiya master!

[fitforbattle]

All though the acrylic smoke and transparents from Tamiya "needs" to be shot through an airbrush, I've had great results brushing it on with a brush, specifically one of those brushes with thick bristles meant for kids watercolors. Super stiff stuff.

I have to say tho, I've only used the brushes on headlight and rear light lenses, in 1:24 and 1:10. in other words no bigger areas. The brushes has always been as wide as the parts painted. You could try this on a spare part.

Paint I'm referring to is the Tamiya X-# (smoke, transparent).

[Scale-Master]

Another point to consider with any tinting of clear parts is scratches. If they are not just very minor and superficial there is a good chance the tint will collect in them and amplify them.

As mentioned, don't use wax, only polish. I like Meguiar's mag polish for this.

RE: Blah,blah,blah, I'd still suggest investing in an airbrush. It'll pay off very quickly in paint cost saving and abilities to build better. For the cost of a handful of Tamiya TS cans a decent airbrush can be purchased, and I get a lot more control and paint mileage by spraying my TS paints through an airbrush. Plus I can paint any brand and color.

[Darbo]

I spray the iside of the windows straight out the can, Very light coats though.

I you spray it on to heavy it can pool up in the corners of the glass.

[Speedfreak]

So what was TS-71 created for? To be used as a top coat over a base coat somewhat like regular 'clear' is used? And has anyone used it for this?

Edited June 29, 2014 by Speedfreak

[Scale-Master]

I think it is more akin to the candy color coats, transparent red, blue, yellow, etc. than clear gloss. But much darker, like I said, transparent black. It does however gloss up very nice.

[GLMFAA1]

Tamiya clear green is useful for making the early tinited windshield with the green at the top only ( air brush )

I use Future on my windshield to give them a thinner appearance

greg

[Speedfreak]

I think it is more akin to the candy color coats, transparent red, blue, yellow, etc. than clear gloss. But much darker, like I said, transparent black. It does however gloss up very nice.

Ya, that's what I meant really when I said 'clear.

[Burtis]

I have had a lot of luck with applying it directly from the bottle to the glass with a brush. No thinner added. I do this with light coats and allowing it to dry overnight. It tends to run, so what I have learned, and this can be tedious, is that of you continue to rotate the windshield while the paint is setting, it won't run down to one end of the windshield. Again, it's tedious but it works. And it's self leveling so it will smooth itself out of you have stroke lines. Repeat these steps until you have the desired look. Be patient with it and it will look amazing.

[espo]

I have only used the spray cans, but the only drawback is getting a smooth color blend from dark to light. I mask the outside of the window and mask off the bottom edge that I want on the inside. One or two light coats seem to look the best. This one was done in Clear Blue because of the blue body color. I have done another in Spray Smoke as well. 

[StevenGuthmiller]

Anybody know if Testors still makes this particular paint?

 

 

I still have a couple of cans of this, and it's one of the few Testors paints that I swear by, although I don't use it often.

Just spray a light coat onto the inside of the glass and your done.

 

Unfortunately, my guess is that it's no longer produced as the Model Master line is now defunct.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve