Tamiya Clear (X-22) Woes

Hi guys,

I've been a long time aircraft modeller, who recently branched out and did a tank, and now trying my hand at doing a Toyota Soarer (Fujimi).

I've learnt alot from reading this forum and would like to thank many of you for contributing such good tutorials, tips etc etc. Anyway, onto my problem, which i hope you guys can help me with.

I have airbrushed the body of my car using Tamiya XF-11 J.N. Green with great results, and obviously i want to apply a gloss clear over the top to apply decals and polishing/waxing etc. The problem is that when i airbrush the clear (X-22), it seems to spread a fine misty white powder-like coat across the rest of the model (area that is not directly being sprayed). It is extremely noticeable in the panel lines, door frames and grills. I've seen no other mention of this problem, however like most things in this hobby, there's probably a very simple solution to overcoming this.

If there's no simple fix, i'd be open to suggestion to use other brands of clear gloss - but i've always been very impressed by Tamiya paints and tend to use them almost exclusively these days.

Thanks for your help.

Your applying it too thickly. Do many light misty coats, about 4-5 and then one final coat slightly heavier coat, this to stop any orange peel.
This is my method and im happy with it.
Good luck........

Later, Mike.
:smokin:

Thanks Mike, I will try some lighter coats. I can't say i'm getting the orange peel effect with my current application, but perhaps the lighter coats will fix my problem too.

The whit dust when spraying x-22 is caused by some of the atomized paint drying before it hits the surface being painted. What are you thinning with? Adding more thinner to the clear, or changing the formulation will more than likely solve your problem (it does for me). Happily, the white dust can usually be wiped/polished away.

X-22 is my favorite for clear overcoat. I've tried a number of others, but tend to have best luck with the Tamiya stuff. Among other things, it doesn't seem to craze or crack after drying- a problem I've certainly had with other clears. And with a bit of patience, it can be polished to a terrific shine.

Good luck!

Using the Tamiya thinner. i had a feeling the thinner has something to do with it - will defenitely try adding more! I might also wait until this heatwave has passed (41c degrees here and rising)

Thanks.

See also my post on "what is acrylic thinner" (too lazy to retype it all!)

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=191979

Oooo, 41c.... Sounds nice! :rolleyes:

If you have a perfect paint job...dont put a clear over it !!