What is the best clear for Tamiya Acrylics?

[seeker589]

As the subject says I'm looking for the best clear for Tamiya Acrylic paints.

Has anyone ever used thinned testors clear? With what results?

Thanks for any help.

Edited April 3, 2011 by seeker589

[Erik Smith]

I used krylon crystal clear with good results. I wasn't sure what would happen, but it worked. It dries fast and you can wet sand and polish.

[935k3]

Future.

I had many problems with cracking paint when using Future over Tamiya Acrylics, that's one of many reasons I stopped using them on bodies. Two stage Urethane clears are probably the only option.

[Greg Pugh]

That's kinda what I was thinking too.....

[MrObsessive]

Kind of a wacky idea here but how about Tamiya x-11 acrylic clear??

That can crack too if put too quickly over their acrylics. If you're going to use them you better make sure the paint is thoroughly cured in a dehydrator before airbrushing the X-11 clear. I had this problem with cracking when trying to use their paints on bodies back in the '80's. The paint formula was changed sometime around then but the cracking problem persisted.

I believe the problem is their clear dries much faster than the color acrylics...............the clear is dry but the paint underneath is still shrinking thus leading to cracking down the road.

[Dragline]

Yessireeee, Tamiya synthetic laquer in the spray can can be sprayed directly over Tamiya acrylics with no ill effects.

Bob

[curt raitz]

Yessireeee, Tamiya synthetic laquer in the spray can can be sprayed directly over Tamiya acrylics with no ill effects.

Bob

I agree...TS-13 is excellent, a little on the expensive side - but bulletproof

[MikeMc]

Tim like others have said,get yourself some Tamiya clear and be done with it. Future is good for some things,but not as a clear over body paint. I like the TS-13 myself.

I agree...TS-13 is excellent, a little on the expensive side - but bulletproof

Gotta Agree on this one..TS 13 is the best ...but make sure your base is dry B)

[seeker589]

The only reason I don't like acrylic clear is it can be washed away with water. Could this happen after the clear cures? Is it color-fast?

What is the cure time with either Tamiya color or clear? How does it take masking tape? Is pull-away a problem?

I painted a car (without clear). Great coverage properties and very little build-up. I decaled it and the setting solution seemed to dull or change the hue somewhat. Will this happen after I would use Tamiya clear before decaling or will the setting solution mess with the clear, too??

Edited April 3, 2011 by seeker589

[RANDY L]

hi

tamiya ts-13 is a great topcoat but i have had problems with decal solvents etching the paint, like a waterspot but deeper.Just be careful.

Randy Ludi