which paint for this look?

[Didymus]

I agree with both Klutz and DM.

I've been very happy with Tamiya, both cleared and not-cleared. I recently showed a TS'd model to the guys at my LHS, and they were amazed that it wasn't cleared. It can really produce a high gloss if it's sanded and compounded correctly. I think the key is to use 1500 or 2000 grit and Tamiya Coarse to eliminate all OP and paint texture. If you spray it right, you don't even need to sand it.

I've heard about problems with Tamiya TS-13, and had a few of my own spraying it over decals. That's why I switched to U-POL, and never looked back. I really love the stuff.

I've never used Mr.TopCoat. Is it waterborne or solvent-based?

Ddms

[klutz_100]

Originally Posted by Didymus

I've never used Mr.TopCoat. Is it waterborne or solvent-based?

AFAIK it's a waterbased acrylic clear.

[DSheth]

thanks for your replies i really appreciete it!!
I have ordered the tamiya compounds over ebay they were pretty cheap £10 for all three including postage+packing.
as for the tamiya paints, they seem to sell TS -14 black and TS-13 in this online shop, i tried to contact them if they have actual stock but no replys so far. the direct link is VERY long but its at http://www1.conrad-uk.com/ and if you search tamiya TS-14 it shows you a rather german picture of the paint.
i will look at halfords spray paints but i have another question which might seem a bit stupid
do you need to put some sort of 'dull' clearcoat or varnish on the other parts of the model such as engine etc.. to lock the paint in, i will be using tamiya and revell acrylic paints for other parts apart from the body. Dont want to use enamel because they seem to be a bit dangerous.

thank you everyone for your help!!

[drunken monkey]

whoa...

An online store that serves the UK, may actually be based in the UK that has TS sprays for sale.
Wonder how long it'll be before someone (ahem... maybe me...) empties their shelves...

[Didymus]

Keep looking for U-POL and Mr. Top Coat.

If you just can't find either one, be careful with the TS-13. Apply it before you apply decals. Spray the first coat very light and dry, i.e., from maybe 12 inches. Let the first coat dry before spraying the second coat, which should also be pretty light and dry. Don't ever spray it very wet. In other words, don't let it puddle on the surface.

No, you don't need to dullcoat or clearcoat areas painted with acrylics.

There's nothing "dangerous" about enamels. I much prefer them over acrylics for small parts. Enamels cover better with less paint, so they hide less detail. In my opinion, an enamel finish, flat or glossy, is more durable and better looking than an acrylic finish.

[Didymus]

Originally Posted by drunken monkey

whoa...

An online store that serves the UK, may actually be based in the UK that has TS sprays for sale.
Wonder how long it'll be before someone (ahem... maybe me...) empties their shelves...

I checked the Conrad website. Interesting that they label TS-series paints as "acrylics."

[Didymus]

Here ya go for U-POL in the UK:

http://www.bodyshopwarehouse.co.uk/category/powercan

Order the UV-resistant clear coat.

Ddms

[KevHw]

I know there is a Mr. Hobby Top Coat which is water based so it should be safe for decals, but I'm confused as to if wet sanding it or washing off polishing compound from it etc will affect the clear coat. Is it safe after drying, to let it get in contact with water?

[Didymus]

Originally Posted by KevHw

Is it safe after drying, to let it get in contact with water?

Yes, once they are dry, acrylics are not affected by water.

Ddms

[DSheth]

noo i ordered TS-14 and TS-13 from the conrad shop, they emailed me back and said they had it in stock, i got a 10% discount too because it was my first order with them.
i shoulda got the u-pol its soo cheap compared to tamiya TS too

[robertgreen94]

I also agree with both Klutz and DM.

Tamyia's stuff can produce very nice finishes, but i would be very careful and use very fine coats. I had the experience of too much and it was bad. If you have an airbrush, Johnson Clear (Future) polish is very good. Its safe, cheep and easy to use.

If you get MR TOP coat, test on something else first as sometimes the can lies. Which ever you use, make sure that there is no temp fluctuation. I talked to some paint experts in regards to a crackling issue I had. I added the clear coat in the garage, and overnight we had a very cold spell, causing the clear to shrink, taking the paint with it. So let it dry where there will not be fluctuations, preferably somewhere warm and dry.

[Didymus]

Originally Posted by DSheth

i shoulda got the u-pol its soo cheap compared to tamiya TS too

And better!