Why do I like Tamiya spray paints so much?

[pnolan48]

While very expensive, the Tamiya spray can paints just seem better than anything else I've tried, especially on resin. I use a lot of haze gray on ships and just don't have any problems. They just seem flatter, smoother and cover much better. Can anyone explain what's different? I'm not much of a painter--it's by far my least favorite part of modeling, so I've never paid attention to different brands or qualities.

[DKS]

Can't explain why, but I must agree. Tamiya rattle cans are the best I've used. With Floquil being the worst (sad to say--good paint, lousy spray cans).

[James Costello]

The Primer Grey is great - I don't fire up the airbrush for that anymore.

[peteski]

While very expensive, the Tamiya spray can paints just seem better than anything else I've tried, especially on resin. I use a lot of haze gray on ships and just don't have any problems. They just seem flatter, smoother and cover much better. Can anyone explain what's different? I'm not much of a painter--it's by far my least favorite part of modeling, so I've never paid attention to different brands or qualities.

+1
Tamiya seems to have their act together. It is not just paints. Have you even built any of their plastic model kits? The engineering and molding quality is excellent and the parts fit perfectly!  I don't know what their secret formula is but whatever it is, to works! 

[Ian MacMillan]

...I don't know what their secret formula is but whatever it is, to works! 

Its attention to detail....something gone from many companies these days!

[Lemosteam]

I think it's the nozzle.  It atomizes paint better than any spray can I have ever used.  I want to try using their nozzle on other rattle cans to see if it makes a difference with them too.

I'm just an airbrush beginner, but already I am not a fan of cleaning the brush.

[chicken45]

I think it's the nozzle.  It atomizes paint better than any spray can I have ever used.  I want to try using their nozzle on other rattle cans to see if it makes a difference with them too.

I'm just an airbrush beginner, but already I am not a fan of cleaning the brush.

What brand airbrush you got? I got an Iwata that's covered in chrome. Actually pretty easy to clean.

But, my trigger is actually sticking a little but. It's sluggish and doesn't shut off airflow right away. Any suggestions?

I swear by Tamiya's extra thin green caped plastic cement.

[Lemosteam]

badger 150- it was a gift.  I struggled pulling Badgeacrylic paint out of the bottle which is designed to fit directly on the brush.  Maybe it as an old jar and needs to be thinned a little.

[chicken45]

I like gravity feeds. I could never go back.

[VonRyan]

I think it's the nozzle.  It atomizes paint better than any spray can I have ever used.  I want to try using their nozzle on other rattle cans to see if it makes a difference with them too.

Transferring the Tamiya cap to another brand of paint should most likely do it.

One thing I've learned as a result of having a brother who happens to be a graffiti artist is that the high-end brands of spray paint don't even come with caps, thus the user is free to put on their own, not to mention change them out for anything from a thin line to a wide cone.


-Cody F.

[pnolan48]

Pete,

Actually I did build a number of their race car kits a few years back--and they were wonderful.

[tankcar]

Their white primer covers bare black plastic very well. I then brake out the air brush and spray a light coat of gloss white. Even light
Gray requires to much gloss white to cover well.

Bobby

Click the link to see my scratchbuilt 6 & 8 axle tank cars



http://www.flickr.com/photos/53243414@N00/

[peteski]

...I don't know what their secret formula is but whatever it is, to works!

Its attention to detail....something gone from many companies these days!

That part of my post referred specifically to their paint formula. I agree that the execution of their kits shows superb craftsmanship. I had the pleasure of visiting their headquarters in Shizuoka City and I was given an full tour.   It is a very impressive place. Their paint also shows quality similar to their kits.

Lemosteam: I don't understand why so many people shy away from airbrushes because they dread the cleanup. I realize that this doesn't directly address your statement but I just wanted to mention that. I've been using a Badger 200 siphon feed airbrush for 20 years and cleaning was never a chore. After painting I just put in about 4 pipette's worth of  lacquer thinner in the paint jar and swirl it around to wash the paint off the jar's walls. Then I spray that liquid out into a paper towel while constantly opening and closing the needle.  Then I put in 3 more pipette's worth of lacquer thinner in the jar and again swirl it. At this point the liquid is almost clear.  I again spray it out of the airbrush but this time I repeatedly cover the nozzle with a paper towel while spraying. That deflects the lacquer thinner into the nozzle, rinsing it out. I also fully cover the nozzle while spraying which causes the air to come out through the siphon tube. The I repeat the process of putting some thinner in the jar for the third time (it it now clear) and fully spraying it out of the jar without obstructing the nozzle.

This whole process takes about 1 minute and it is very easy.   I do fully disassemble the airbrush but that happens less than twice a year.  However I only use organic-solvent based paints (not water based acrylics). I have not yet graduated to spraying water-based paints.  I'm not planning on it either - I like the old fashion smelly paints.

As far as your problem with Badger paint goes, it might have been too thick or partially curdled. Or maybe the airbrush was  clogged up? 

As for using Tamiya nozzles on other spray paint brands, that might be difficult. They use totally different valve system than most other hobby paints.

[Chris333]

I hardly do a thing to my airbursh to keep it up. When I'm done I run water or thinner through it and set it on the shelf for next time. I've completely tore it apart for cleaning about 3 times in the last 20 years.

[Scottl]

My experience is the same with water-based paints.  I run a lot of water through it after use, and it has never failed me.  For years I avoided air brushing because of all the suggestions I read about difficulties.  I have been pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to use and the quality of the finish it provides.

I recently graduated to a Badger Patriot 105(?) with an integral gravity cup.  I now use dropper bottles for all my paints and I find it even easier to keep everything clean and I waste less paint.

Having said that, I think I am going to try Tamiya gray paint on my next project!