need help please!

[88Ayrton90Senna91]

i have a few question about finishing my tamiya williams fw-13b and future models

1. i only use tamiya paints, if i use a difrrent brand of decal softner could it act up aganist my paint?

2. there is one part where it has two colors on it, if i sand them down, apply tamiay polishing compound (course, fine, finish) will it mix the two colors together?

3. i have a bottle of tamiya x-21 flat base, is this the same as primer?

4. when the tamiya paint bottle has no indication wheather it is flat or semigloss is the color then gloss?

5. if i aplay tamiya clear coat to parts that are painted in flat and semigloss color will it give them a gloss look? should you ever aplly a gloss coat to flat semigloss colors?

6. when aplaying decals that go on the corwling how do you get the cut right. do you aplay them first with the cowling attached then stick a knife in the middle of the crowling and body and just follow the curve? or do you just precut the decal and hope it comes out alright?

[2.2 Straight six]

Faq.

[MPWR]

Originally Posted by 2.2 Straight six

Faq.

Oh come on- almost nothing he asked is covered well in the FAQ. If you don't want to answer then fine, don't. But before you fire of a "check the FAQ", at least make sure that what's being asked is in it.

Hi 88Ayrton90Senna91, welcome to AF.

1. There are some brands of decal solutions that do attack Tamyia acrylics. Solvaset and Mr Mark Softer shouldn't be used on them. Can't say for sure about others, so test first to be sure!

2. Yes, polishing like this can mix colors somewhat. It's usualy best to paint and polish the first color, then mask paint and polish the second. Or paint both without polishing, and overcoat with clear. Then you could polish the clear and not worry about mixing.

3. Nope, Tamiya Flat Base has nothing to do with primer- though by the name, i can understand your confusion. Tamiya flat base is used to add to gloss colors, to turn them into flat colors. You can also make flat clear coat, by mixing flat and X22 clear.

4. Colors marked X are gloss, colors marked XF are flat. There are rare exceptions, like X18 semi gloss black- but exceptions will say so on the label.

5. Yes, clear gloss applied over flat or semi gloss will make them glossy. Sure, you can definately do this- it's usefull sometimes, such as decalling.

6. It's really tough to accurately precut decals- but it's also hard to give a general answer to a question like this. What are you applying decals to?

[stevenoble]

1.No,shouldn't make any difference.(I've never had any problems with Microsol and Set on Tamiya paints)
2.Not sure what you mean by 'Mix' if you rub enough with the compound you may rub through the join.Best option is to use clear varnish to lessen the step.
3.Flat base is added to Tamiya gloss paints to make them Satin or matt depending on how much you add.It is not a primer but a matting agent.
4.All the Tamiya flat paints are XF,the F indicating a flat finish.X can be Gloss or Satin but usually it will say so on the jar as with X18 Semi Gloss black.
5.Yes they will be Gloss if you Gloss coat them.You can apply Gloss to Matt or semi Gloss parts if you want a Gloss finish.
6.Apply the decal first allow it to dry a little and then make the cut with a sharp hobby knife.If you cut while the decal is still wet it may tear the decal.