Tamiya Spray Paints in UK

[KevHw]

Hello all,

Some of you might remember there being a paint "recall" from Tamiya, meaning it was impossible to get any Tamiya spray cans in Europe. First they said they'd be back in March, and then the last I heard was that they should be back on shelves in June.

I've just called my LHS to see what the situation was and they're saying the paints will be back next year!! Is this for real!?!

For some colours, I can always use automotive paints from Halfords, but I'm in dire need of a specific colour to finish off my current wip. I've already had to wait since winter 2007 (I'm sure as have a lot of you other European modellers have been waiting patiently) and now I can't wait till next year.

For my current wip (MP4-13), I need MS-5/XF-56 Metallic Grey and heard I can use X-10 Gun Metal as a substitute but it's way too light to blend in with the decals. I also don't know which is the correct colour from the Halfords range. Oh, and TS-51 Racing Blue for my M1.


What have you fellow European modellers heard about the current paint problem? Can anyone on this forum also help me with my wip paint colour problem? I very much appreciate all your inputs . It's so frustrating having been told 3 deadlines Tamiya couldn't keep.

[The Sheene Machine]

Have you tried using Zero paints? They do a better colour for the M1 and a Mclaren grey/silver for the West sponsored cars..

http://www.hiroboy.com/catalog/produ...oducts_id=1435

http://www.hiroboy.com/catalog/produ...roducts_id=621

Personally, I have never really got on with Tamiya's spray paints, and only had any real success after decanting them. Interestingly, I did purchase a month back, the Kawasaki Lime green direct from HLJ with no problem.

[exit13]

The problem is that the current formulation for Tamiya paints had something in them that was nasty (technical term!) and with the new EU directives regarding paint and formulations, the formula has to be revised. This has led to the UK distributor recalling all the paint and having to ship it all back to Japan. The labelling on the product also has to be changed.
I agree its not the greatest situation in the world but it seems with the nanny and litigation culture we need a directive/proceedure/standard for everything. I reckon it'll just get worse and could hit the hobby on other products too...
I can't wait, probably in 10 years time I'll have to be supervised to an EU standard to wipe my own ar$e...
Just my opinion....!!

[stevenoble]

Tamiya seem to be taking ages to sort out this problem.I heard the same thing in my local hobby shop that there is something in the paints and they either have to change the formulation or re-label them.Either way they seem to have been gone an awful long time......
I also heard from the guy at my local hobby store that they won't be back till 2009 at the earliest, but the way my local hobby store is going THEY won't be around then either.The shelves were very bare the other day and when I asked when they were getting more stock in they were not sure.....????
Seems like it might go the way many other model shops go.
I have used the Zero paints for most of my modeling needs lately as well and find them better than the Tamiya TS sprays.The way things are going I probably won't miss the Tamiya sprays at all and if they do ever come back I'll leave them and stick with Zero.The range goes from strength to strength with more new colors added daily.

[drunken monkey]

I was always under the impression that it was purely a labelling issue and not a formula issue.

Now this isn't a scientific test but the smell of the new humbrol lacquers smells very, very close to the tamiya paints and the humbrol ones are perfectly "legal".
It is interesting to note that in terms of labelling, one thing that the humbrol cans have that the tamiya ones do not, is one of the Irritant symbols on it. something that humbrol and halfords sprays have on it.

Let's hope that it isn't something as mundane as that when they say it is a "labelling issue".

[Titanicshiloh]

According to Tamiya it could be earliest mid 09 before the EU health and safety appove the TS sprays for use due to a labelling issue!! Zero paints and Halfords spray cans are pretty good at the mo! Can't see me going back to TS sprays when(if) they're re-released!!!!!!!!

[KevHw]

Thanks for such speedy replies, guys. I had heard it was both a labelling and a chemical problem but now after what you all say, I'm more inclined to believe it to be a problem meeting EU health & safety.

Oh, and I should have made clear from the start that I don't have an airbrush (as much as I'd love one!) so Zero paints aren't really an option for me (...yet).

Personally, I think I would fit into the niche of the hobby between "starting out" and "amateur hobbyist" so I have to rely on there being the spray cans to match the colour requirements of certain kits. I don't yet have the funds (or sufficient knowledge) to buy myself an airbrush so am really suffering because of this Tamiya issue . Thus because of this ETA of mid 2009 (I doubt they can meet it) I'm really considering which cheap but decent airbrush I can get to help me transition to the "amateur" stage . It seems that almost everyone on this forum uses an airbrush...am I just getting left behind? lol

[filmidget]

I am roughly the same as you, perhaps a bit further 'behind', to the extent I can afford/justify an airbrush (yet...)

I also have tried Halfords paints and found them very good in comparison.

My trouble is I painted a shell in Tamiya, and then just barely polished through to the primer... I daren't try 'repairing' any other paint in case it reacts. Unfortunately the model was built to replicate a friends car and intended as a gift.

[exit13]

Originally Posted by drunken monkey

Let's hope that it isn't something as mundane as that when they say it is a "labelling issue".

I can assure yhou that it is to do with the contents of the paint too. Working for TMMI I visit the Hobby Co a lot, they are only located 1/2 mile from where I live too.

Having been in their paint store area when the recall was going and looking at the sheer quantity of paint they had to ship back and the potential loss in sales from this issue, I'm sure they are as pleased as we all are!

It has all arisen because of the EU directive. Tamiya and the UK importer are doing their level best to resolve the issue but as with anything to do with EU and their 'jobs for the boys' directives, this is gonna take a while...

If you are looking to buy an airbrush then all I can say is go for it. The investment may seem high buy it will make life so much easier and your finishes 10 times better. Couple it with Zero Paints and you are truly onto a winner.

[KevHw]

What I don't understand is exactly why there would be a difference in chemical content for European cans versus cans anywhere else they sell in the world. I might have over-simplified things in my mind, but surely you have a vat of paint named "Blue" for example, then just can it according to the destination country; Japanese text on can to Japan, English to English speaking parts of the world, etc... I dont hear a recall in the US or Malaysia for example.

And also, I don't know about you guys, but I only found out about this whole thing after noticing all the paints had gone from the shelf and had to ask. If it was such a health risk, how come we weren't given proper notice about it...and what am I supposed to do with the current cans I have? Doesn't that mean they technically do not meet the current EU Health & Safety requirements?!

Do you guys have any recommendations for a cheap but still decent airbrush? Is there anything I should look out for especially. Having read that there are loads of clones of 3 basic "models" of airbrush, I'm really scared I'll end up being scammed with something that'll break or perform very badly (or get over-charged etc). I just checked eBay and the price range is so varied its slightly daunting. I think I'm going to pop off down to my LHS now to see what they have...

[exit13]

Kinda nail on the head scenario there, you've answered your own question sort of. No recall in US, Malaysia or Japan because they are not part of the EU and its directives!

As for airbrushes, there are indeed a lot of copies out there, can't really recommend them too much I'm afraid. I use Iwata, supplied by the Airbrush Company (www.airbrushes.com I think) Its just like any tool, quality costs. I personally use a TR2 and think its great. Good precision and quality with teflon packing so you can put all sorts through it chemical paint based wise.

I was asked some time ago to test some airbrushes for a major hobby distributor in the UK that they were looking to import. On balance, they looked ok, quality was ok but they looked very familiar....
First thing I put through one of them was some automotive paint, went through it ok if a little inconsistently. When cleaned with celly thinners though the whole thing just siezed up. It was made with cheap rubber seals...ok if all you ever want to put through it is water based paint I suppose.

The company did not bring them in and distribute them!

In short, I recommend that you save yer money and go for Iwata gear when your budget allows. You'll also find that Iwata stuff tends to hold its value a bit better too if you ever decide to sell it. Talk to the guys at the Airbrush Co. too, they are most helpful. If you are near then pop in, they are based in Worthing, West Sussex. Tell them the fat bloke from Tamiya Model Mag sent you!

Cheers,

Jon

[drunken monkey]

Originally Posted by exit13

I can assure yhou that it is to do with the contents of the paint too. Working for TMMI I visit the Hobby Co a lot, they are only located 1/2 mile from where I live too.

it's good to have some "official" explainations as to what's going on rather than the guesswork you get from hobby stores who are as much in the dark as we are.
Thanks.

[Tervo]

Originally Posted by KevHw

Do you guys have any recommendations for a cheap but still decent airbrush? Is there anything I should look out for especially. Having read that there are loads of clones of 3 basic "models" of airbrush, I'm really scared I'll end up being scammed with something that'll break or perform very badly (or get over-charged etc). I just checked eBay and the price range is so varied its slightly daunting. I think I'm going to pop off down to my LHS now to see what they have...

You asked a dangerous question! Seen those airbrush debates in modelling forums, international and here in Finland. Most of those professionals will say you to wait and buy an Iwata, or some other top-range brush. Well, I bought my Iwata HP-C back in 80's, costed a lot more than I could afford. Painted quite a lot of models then, until there was a break of 15 years in the hobby, until last year when I searched my tools again and started building. First model was painted with my trusted old Iwata, but I was not totally satisfied how it behaved with Zero paints (0,3mm nozzle), propably would have worked when thinned. So I looked for a brush that had a larger nozzle, and someone here was using Sparmax brush. So I ordered from LuckyModel Sparmax with 0,5mm nozzle (price was about 47 dollars plus postage, well under 40 Euros). I was so satisfied with it, that ordered also another Sparmax with 0,2mm nozzle (the price was the same). I use automotive lacquers as primer and clearcoat, automotive waterbased colors and Zero for painting bodies and Vallejo and Lifecolor acrylics for details and interiors, and those Sparmax's work like a charm. No problems with thinners.

So, if you are uncertain how long your hobby will last, stay with some cheaper brush! But remember, the brush isn't the only cost, you will also need a compressor, and there you will need more money than in the brush!

[MPWR]

Originally Posted by Tervo

So, if you are uncertain how long your hobby will last, stay with some cheaper brush! But remember, the brush isn't the only cost, you will also need a compressor, and there you will need more money than in the brush!

That may seem like safe, conservative advice, but I would advise the opposite. If you're already building models, already an active member on a car modeling forum, and are planning a future as a model builder, the chances are that you are entirely ready to purchase an airbrush. You can wait longer if you want to, but you're costing yourself the enjoyment and learning of having it and using it now. Sure it makes sense to put off the expensive investments until you know you're ready- but in all likelihood you are ready now.

Do not buy a cheap 'starter' airbrush. Ever. If you buy an airbrush, buy the one you will be using for the next 20 years. Iwatas are terrific, but Badger and Paasche make excellent airbrushes also. The brand doesn't matter so much as the design. Get a dual action, and preferably gravity fed (instead of siphon) airbrush.

[KevHw]

Thanks Tervo for that mini-review of your experiences with the Sparmax. I found a so-called "starter kit" which has a mini compressor, hose and air brush for about 50GBP which sounds to me like a deal, and it's the best price/combo I've found yet. I'm just dreading the cleaning of it etc. and decanting and everything else that I'll have to learn about. Link: http://www.simple2trade.com/prod6.as...79&msg=&offset .

There's a slightly cheaper one on that site which is gravity fed but doesn't say comes with the Teflon needle. Having seen from a Tamiya video the guy using a gravity fed brush, it looks easier to use/clean than a siphon one. Would Zero paints require the Teflon needle? What about for use with cellulose thinners if I were to use Alclad2 Chrome? There's the third option they offer which is both siphon and gravity fed + compressor for 65GBP, which I wouldn't mind saving a little extra for, but only if you guys really think it's worth it.


exit13, thanks for the advice. I've realised Iwata are a very popular choice but they are unfortunately over my budget. I'm really poor . I don't need anything fancy, just something that can spray a base coat on a model, or if need be, touch-ups/small jobs without wasting paint in overspray like cans often do.


Sorry for all the questions, but I really am kinda lost in the airbrush world .

*edit* just saw MPWR's post:

Thanks for confirming to go gravity-fed...but the questions about the importance of Teflon are still there. and I'll be happy using something "humble" in a few years time. Once I have a decent job, I'll look into better investments.