Trouble with Tamiya X18 Semi-Gloss Black and Sanding question

[Katsura]

Hi all,

I brush my mid size/ smaller parts for now (still not had the confidence to air brush yet). I seem to have the most problem with Tamiya X18 acrylic colour.

This colour always dries up with 'patches', it's meant to be semi-gloss, but there's always parts that show up to be really shiny. almost like a swirl mark.

If I don't thin the paint then it doesn't flow too well, and there's brush marks. But if I thin it then it doens't cover and makes the 'shiny patch' stands out even more.

A lot of the parts that's labled X18 are CF ob reference photos, do I still need to apply the paint if I decide to use CF decals? can I apply the decal direct to plastic and skip over the damn X18 paint?

I have also got a question regarding sanding/ polishing. I sprayed the bodywork but due to lack of experience, end up with quite some orangepeel ont he paint work. I'm trying to sand off the bumps with a P2000 grid sand paper then polish it up, but while this works I've also sanded parts of the paint off the model, the joints/ ridges and corners where body panels meets or changes direction are most easily sanded off. What's some good tips for sanding without damaging protruding body parts?

Thanks in advance!

[klutz_100]

X18 is notorious for being inconsistent in it's finish. You might want to try semi gloss paints from other mctrs. I can recomend Model Master black chrome trim as in interesting alternative in many cases.

Try putting some masking tape over the protuding parts to protect them during teh sanding/rubbing process.

HTH

[Kurzheck]

Make sure you have stirred the X-18 very well before brushing. My favourite semi-gloss black is Polly Scale "steam power black" It brushes way better than Tamiya and is just slightly "flatter" than X-18. Kurzheck

[mickbench]

As you are in the UK, get on over to www.hiroboy.com and buy some Tamiya Enamel X18. It might be old skool paint, but it's THE BEST for brush painting, and lays down almost brush stroke free.

I gave up on Acrylic X18. Even through airbrush it's iffy... I use TS29 for large surface Semi gloss, this is a Tamiya spray can, and is superb and I use Enamel X18 when I need to brush paint..

As for black under CF decals.. Get on over to Halfords, buy a can of spraycan PLASTIC grey primer, and a 500ml can of satin automotive black spray paint.. The plastic primer will protect the plastic from the hot automotive lacquer, and the satin black is PERFECT for a base for CF decals..

500ml for a fiver, much cheapr, and quicker... Tamiya Acrylic X18 is not all that good, you can make it work but is hard, even when airbrushed..

HTH

Edit - I do still use Acrylic X18 for window frames, but only airbrushed.. But thats about it after the last time I used the same paint on seats and it went glossy in places..

[Katsura]

Thanks for the advice folks!

Are other Tamiya Acrylics usually regarded as good paints or should I try a differnt brand/ enamel for all my colours?

Doesn't Tamiya Enamels used to be on sale in all UK shops? I would def order from hiroboy.com again though, top service

[M1CRO]

Try washing the parts prior to painting. Some parts have a waxy feel to them initially which makes certain paints react on contact.

Sometimes a rinse in lightly soapy water and left to dry OR a light sand to take off the shine can make all the difference.

As for sanding... work on a small area at a time and cover with thin strips of masking tape ALONG the ridges and edges which always have less paint coverage..saves having to repaint or touchup the delicate edges and corners.


Hope this helps.

M1CRO.

[SeaBee]

No, you don't have to worry (IMO) about the rest of Tamiya acrylics. The X18 just tends to be tricky - and you got plenty good advice on that.