Tamiya Flat Clear Lacquer lightens the undercoat?

[Ferbz]

Hey gang, I've had lots of experience with many brands of rattle cans but am relatively new to using Tamiya spray can lacquers. They are pricey for the small amount of paint that you get in those tiny cans, but I've discovered that the quality is worth the cost 😉 My question: I recently used the Flat Clear lacquer (TS-80) for the first time and it could be just me, but it seemed to subtly lighten the Coral Blue (TS-41) I sprayed it over. I started with two light coats then one final medium coat. I don't mind the effect as it adds to the theme of my current build, but has anyone notice a similar thing with it?

[stitchdup]

Any flat clear will appear to lighten the colour but if you wet it it should look the same colour as before. its down to the light reflecting differently. in a similar way a satin clear will look to darken the colour slightly. you can see it best on darker colours 

[Ferbz]

3 hours ago, stitchdup said:

Any flat clear will appear to lighten the colour but if you wet it it should look the same colour as before. its down to the light reflecting differently. in a similar way a satin clear will look to darken the colour slightly. you can see it best on darker colours 

Ah, very good info👍 Thanks!

[customline]

21 hours ago, Ferbz said:

Hey gang, I've had lots of experience with many brands of rattle cans but am relatively new to using Tamiya spray can lacquers. They are pricey for the small amount of paint that you get in those tiny cans, but I've discovered that the quality is worth the cost 😉 My question: I recently used the Flat Clear lacquer (TS-80) for the first time and it could be just me, but it seemed to subtly lighten the Coral Blue (TS-41) I sprayed it over. I started with two light coats then one final medium coat. I don't mind the effect as it adds to the theme of my current build, but has anyone notice a similar thing with it?

 

I would like to second what you said about Tamiya spray paint, Ferbs. I started using it recently as well. I just bought ten cans (@$7.75 ea.) in various colors to take advantage of a coupon from Hobbytown to save $15.00. I love the stuff. I think the secret is the fine atomization. It goes down pretty smooth. In the cooler weather I heat up the can with a hair dryer to ensure that there's enough pressure to properly atomize it.  I use a pistol-grip attachment to give me better control and an industrial style head lamp to help me see better. If I used to invert and clear nozzles after painting but I stopped doing that. It doesn't always work and it wastes too much paint.  At $7.75 per, I'll gamble on the clog. Just my $0.02.