Using Tamiya Enamel paints for brushpainting details

[smb]

Hi everybody, I'm currently doing a Kawasaki ZX-12R. I'm starting to paint the insides of my bike and I bought Tamiya enamel paints for this. Anyone has any experience on using tamiya enamel paints? My current problem is that the paint dries up to quickly. I always end up with more paint dried up than used. I use tamiya enamel thinner to thin the paint but as I use it, I notice that the paint slowly loses its body and its color starts to become dull. I really need an advice before I can confidently continue.

[freakray]

Are you talking about it drying in the bottle?
How long do you leave the bottle open that it has time to dry out?

[smb]

No. When I use enamel paints, I place a small amount in a palette. The paint in the palette dries up to quickly.

[iceblend]

Why dont u try using it straight from the bottle? i do that..it turns out fine

[clem24]

I use their stuff straight from the bottle. Just make sure that you DO NOT SHAKE IT. It just causes bubbles and usually isn't sufficient to mix it. Their acrylics also bubble up if you shake it too.

Anyway, I find that the best way is to stir it really good cause the paint likes to settle. I usually cut off a nice long straight piece from (make sure it's unpainted) sprue to use as a stir stick. Then just really get in there in mix it up REAL good, picking up all the stuff off the bottom. My bottles last me quite a while, and they do tend to thicken over time, and yes, it does dry up quite quickly if you paint from a plate.

You'll find that the paint looks really good and dries quite evenly. And you won't find ANYTHING that matches the quality of the X18 semi-gloss black. I use it for all my window trims and other pieces that need to look plastic. So far, I haven't encountered anything yet that looks as good as the X18. The only other colors I use from their enamel line are the metallics (such as X31 and X32). X11 also makes for pretty convincing chrome. The enamels are also impossible to come by here in Canada, so I usually stock up on overseas trips...

Good luck!

clem..