Tamiya Flat Base advice

[Cato]

I realize we're not military modelers on here but a dead flat or mixed semi gloss can have it's place on four (and two) wheels. I have found Tam's X-21 difficult to handle and get good results.

Either mixing with acrylic color or various clears, I can't get satisfactory results. I know you're only supposed to use small amounts or it will flat white-out everything.

Anyone got the secret to this finish?

[Dragline]

I use it with either Mr Color or Tamiya acrylic clear to seal tire decals on my drag prjects and have had great results.

There was a learning curve though. At first I used too much, then not enough. It's true it can white out so if you end up with that finish you can go over it again with another mix to correct it.

I now use my special mixture exclusively for tire decals and have found other uses as well.

Gotta mess with it a bit till you find the happy medium you seek.

Good luck, it isn't hard to find.

Bob

Edited August 4, 2010 by Dragline

[MikeMc]

i've never tried mixing it with any of thier clear colors but have mixed it with alot of the gloss colors and had no problems.

Dave

Thats what its for.....seems to work well. As with mixing any paints do it drop by drop, then write it down for next time!

[Cato]

Thanks guys. I specifically want to try various blacks and grays to suede and thinking about mixing with Future for clear flats and semis. Dullcote is good for certain apps but not very flexible.

Should I start mix ratios about 1 part base to 9 parts Future or do you guys wing it and just add drops 'by eye'? I'm talking air brush only.

[935k3]

I believe Tamiya recommends 15% Flat Base added to Gloss colors to make them Semi-Gloss.

[Cato]

Very helpful-thanks all.

[MikeMc]

Thanks guys. I specifically want to try various blacks and grays to suede and thinking about mixing with Future for clear flats and semis. Dullcote is good for certain apps but not very flexible.

Should I start mix ratios about 1 part base to 9 parts Future or do you guys wing it and just add drops 'by eye'? I'm talking air brush only.

I will tell you that Tamiya acrylics do not mix well with Future AND Future is mainly used as a final gloss treatment. That said if your looking for blacks and greys in suede then get over to the primer shelf....you can mix n match suedes by finding different types...sandable, sealer, filler, hi build...Or google the Tamiya site and search it you will find a wealth of tips there on how to mix their products...

I also use lots of dullcote....you do have to plan it out before assy....been there, done that

[Cato]

I will tell you that Tamiya acrylics do not mix well with Future AND Future is mainly used as a final gloss treatment.

I was thinking of Future as a 'carrier' or vehicle for the flat base. More base, more flat, etc. But I can see what you say to be true, it may not 'homogenize' well with Future. Can't get to experiment just yet, other stuff going on.

Thanks for the primer tips-will look into.

[Brett Barrow]

This might help - http://fichtenfoo.net/blog/clear-coats-with-future-floor-acrylic/

[MikeMc]

This might help - http://fichtenfoo.ne...-floor-acrylic/

Great find Brett!!!!!

[Cato]

Excellent link-thanks for posting.