Tamiya Paints

[basket19]

You are all very helpful, I appreciate it. I'm just getting back into model making after several years away from it. I'm trying to get what I need togeather before I get started. I actually have 2 questions.

First one- I like Tamiya acrylic paints, but it seems like even trying to order them from Tamiyas website, a lot of them are out of stock and have been for a while. I also don't have any hobby shops nearby that carry their paint. Does anyone have a reccomended place to buy them from?

Also, I never use to use primer at all on my models, mainly because I didn't think I needed to. Plus I was younger and impatient and just wanted to get them done as fast as I could, thats why none of them ever turned out very well. I'm going to start using primer now, just wondering if anyone has any reccomendations on a good primer. The only primer I currently own is a small jar of Model Masters gray primer, and I've heard that stuff isn't the greatest.

Any information would be appreciated greatly.

Thanks

Bryan

[Peter Lombardo]

Good question Bryan. As a kid, I also never used primer. Even today, though I know better, I find myself fighting the urge to start spraying right over the plastic and putty because I can’t wait. Be patient. Use the primer. I tend to paint with (cool) Tamiya acrylics and (hot) automotive lacquer paints. Both need primer to work best. I buy my primer in the local hardware store. I usually get the Rust-o-leum spray lacquer primer in gray. It works great for both paints and will take a light sanding so you get a nice smooth surface to paint over. I have not tried Model Master Lacquer over it, but I am sure it also would be great.

As for the availability of Tamiya paints, I have been blessed with 3 hobby shops within a 10 mile radius so finding the paint has never been an issue. It is my understanding that Tamiya is changing suppliers of their paint, could be good, could be bad, but everyone says that that is the reason for the shortage of the paint. I think it will be a short term problem….at least that is what I have been told. If I could not get Tamiya or Model Master spray paint, I would do one of two things. One, buy an airbrush (I have two) and airbrush on the Tamiya bottle paint. And/or 2, I would go to my local auto supply store and buy Dupli-color rattle cans and Lacquer primer and go that route.

Of course, you can always us enamel paint, but it is “softer†so it will scratch easier and it takes much longer to dry, and if you are as impatient as I think you are,†longer†just will not cut it. Good luck, I hope this helps.

[crispy]

Good sound advice from Peter.

I usually use primer to,

a} Check for any mold lines, sink marks and fix.

B} create a barrier between paint and plastic.

My favorite primer is Tamiya's Fine white or gray primers. I also use Plasti-Kote T-237)gray) sandable primer.

As for buying the paint's online, check out these guys:

http://www.plastic-models.com/

Or direct from Japan:

http://www.hlj.com/

I've had great service from both companies.

Good luck!

Chris

Edited April 3, 2008 by crispy

[basket19]

thanks for the advice. I actually use an airbrush right now, or lets say I'm learning to use an airbrush.

I like acrylic because of the ease of cleaning and faster dry times, and I like Tamiya because they seem to have more acrylic color options than model master. There isn't a real big selection of model master acrylics at my local hobby store.

Bryan

[67 GT-Five]

Well, I can't really help you on your Tamiya Quest, but I can help you with the primer issue. I've just recently started using it, but I've seen it used for a while, and after using it on just a few things, I'm hooked. It's PlastiKote Sandable White Primer. You can get it just about everywhere for around $5-$10, but a can should last you four kits or so, depending on how heavy you use it, and if you use multiple coats.

[dryvr12]

i found tamiya paints at lcs (hobby town)