Tamiya X-22 gloss varnish.

[Gern]

Hi guys. I used some really well shaken Tamiya gloss varnish for the first time yesterday. It was sprayed at about 25psi using a 0.4mm nozzle on top of Tamiya XF paint which had had 3-4 hours to dry.

My question is, how come I've got a better matt finish than I would have done if I'd used a matt varnish?

[Mr Bowcat]

Sounds like it might be drying before hitting the model. What thinning ration are you using? 50/50 is a start by I tend to go 60% thinners to 40% paint.

The pressure might be a bit high too, try 15-18 psi and spray a bit closer to the model.

[Gern]

Sounds like it might be drying before hitting the model. What thinning ration are you using? 50/50 is a start by I tend to go 60% thinners to 40% paint.

The pressure might be a bit high too, try 15-18 psi and spray a bit closer to the model.

Oops! I didn't think it needed to be thinned as most varnishes are used without thinning - or is that yet another thing I got wrong!?

[Mr Bowcat]

I've not used Tamiya Gloss, I used to use W&N Galeria but since moving to lacquers now use Mr Hobby GX100.

But yes, I would imagine it will need thinning. Start at 50/50, but probably 60/40 will work better.

[Gern]

I've not used Tamiya Gloss, I used to use W&N Galeria but since moving to lacquers now use Mr Hobby GX100.

But yes, I would imagine it will need thinning. Start at 50/50, but probably 60/40 will work better.

OK, thanks Bob. I'll try that later today.

[rtfoe]

I would suggest testing a new medium first on scrap everytime before applying on the kit. You will have corrected the consistency needed, psi and distance before actual application.

Cheers,
Richard aka Wabble

[Tim Marlow]

I dilute about fifty fifty with MLT when spraying Tamiya gloss varnish. It is my “go to“ gloss under decals.

[Gern]

I dilute about fifty fifty with MLT when spraying Tamiya gloss varnish. It is my “go to“ gloss under decals.

MLT = Mr Colour Laquer Thinner right?

[Tim Marlow]

MLT = Mr Colour Laquer Thinner right?

Sorry Dave, yes, that’s the one. I use it to dilute all my Tamiya (and Mr Color) paints for spraying.

[Geoffers]

Along the lines of Mr Bowcats reply I I saw a video of it being done by Phil Flory to prove you could just manage with gloss varnish.
The reason being the varnish is starting to dry as it hits the surface so creates a Matt finish.

I think :thinking: :smiling6:

Geoff

[Gern]

OK. Thanks guys. Looks like I got to do some practising with my thinners (I don't got any MLT but I do have an assortment of others; starting with Tamiya X20A) and air pressure - for which I'll dig out some scrap bits of plastic.

[Gern]

Sounds like it might be drying before hitting the model. What thinning ration are you using? 50/50 is a start by I tend to go 60% thinners to 40% paint.

The pressure might be a bit high too, try 15-18 psi and spray a bit closer to the model.

Thanks for this Bob. Tried what you say and got some gloss shine with a guesstimated 60:40 mix of X20A:X22 and 18psi. Seems to be the way to go so I'll be playing around with those numbers to see if I can do better. I've also got some Humbrol and Vallejo varnishes to play with.

Got to say it feels counter to common sense though. I would have thought a lower pressure means the varnish takes longer to reach the surface and therefore has more time to dry on the way?

[Tim Marlow]

Got to say it feels counter to common sense though. I would have thought a lower pressure means the varnish takes longer to reach the surface and therefore has more time to dry on the way?

Seems that way Dave, but isn’t. Lower air pressure also means larger paint droplets, and larger paint droplets means slower solvent evaporation. The varnish is then still wet when it hits the surface and can flow out giving an even coat. Dropping the air pressure too low, however, makes the droplets too large, leading to an unwanted spattering effect. Like everything in airbrushing it’s a balance between something you want, and something else you also want…..

[Gern]

Seems that way Dave, but isn’t. Lower air pressure also means larger paint droplets, and larger paint droplets means slower solvent evaporation. The varnish is then still wet when it hits the surface and can flow out giving an even coat. Dropping the air pressure too low, however, makes the droplets too large, leading to an unwanted spattering effect. Like everything in airbrushing it’s a balance between something you want, and something else you also want…..

Amazin' the range of info you can gather in this hobby. Now I just need to learn how to retain it all!

[Tim Marlow]

Amazin' the range of info you can gather in this hobby. Now I just need to learn how to retain it all!

I wouldn’t recommend that Dave…….I seem to, and it means I can’t remember anything vaguely important :flushed: