How to Mix Tamiya Paints
The Tamiya Group is dedicated to providing model crafters with the highest quality models available. The company has been making models since 1948, and has since gained a reputation for its attention to detail and quality of products offered. Tamiya paints come in both spray cans and bottled forms. The bottled paint can be used with brushes or an air gun. While the company does offer a wide variety of bottled paint colors, hobby enthusiasts like to mix their own, for a truly custom look. The paints mix well and leftover paint can be saved for later use.
Things You'll Need
- Glass jar with lid, small
- Tamiya paints
- Craft sticks
- Lacquer thinner
- Brush
- Spare model plastic
Instructions
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1
Clean glass jar and lid with hot, soapy water. This ensures that nothing left in the jar will contaminate the paint mixture. Dry the jar completely, or let air dry.
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2
Stir the paints to mix them. Use different craft sticks for each paint color so that the colors do not combine yet.
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3
First pour a bit of the primary color into the empty glass jar. This color is the base of custom color. There is usually more of this color than the others that are added later.
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4
Add the next color a little at a time. The easiest way to do this is with the craft stick. Drizzle some of the second color into the base color. Use a clean craft stick to mix the two colors together. Add more paint, or other colors, until the custom paint is the desired color. If the mixture seems too thick, add a drop or two of lacquer thinner at a time until the consistency is correct.
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5
Brush some of the new color onto a piece of plastic from the model kit. Use a piece that will not be used for anything else later. Cap the jar with the new color tightly while allowing the fresh paint to dry. If the desired result is reached, the paint is ready to go. If not, continue mixing until it is.
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Tips & Warnings
Make notes of general amounts of paint used, so more can be made later if needed.
Always work in a well-ventilated area.
References
- Photo Credit automobile model image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
