Thinning Tamiya Paints

Tamiya acrylics are some of the most widely available and highly regarded paints on the market. And for good reason - they airbrush like a dream, and are extremely flexible when it comes to thinning options. This video examines several thinners and makes recommendations for uses.
#tamiya #airbrushing #thinningpaint
0:00 Start
0:15 Intro
0:56 Benefits of Tamiya paints
3:17 A few drawbacks
4:46 Now which Tamiya paints are you talking about?
5:25 What is Tamiya made of? Isn't it just alcohol?
6:28 The starting point - Tamiya's X-20A
8:06 Tamiya's lacquer thinner
9:33 Other commercial thinners
9:58 AK Interactive High Compatibility Thinner
10:30 Mr. Color Thinner
11:11 Mr. Color Leveling Thinner
13:29 Alternative thinners - Isopropyl alcohol
15:08 Other alternates
16:03 What about water?
17:04 How about thinning ratios for Tamiya paints?
19:49 OK, so boil it down for me Mr. Blah Blah Man...
20:43 Wrapping up
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[@CaptainEshara]

a simple topic, but for those of us like me who've never used tamiya it was an invaluable guide to starting with Tamiya paints, thank you

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad you found the video helpful! That is always an encouragement to hear from viewers. Have fun in your modeling - thanks for watching and commenting!

[@JuergenGDB]

@@JonBius Massively helpful thank you.

[@jxvolker]

Always expect the best videos from Jon and I have never been disappointed. Great information on Tamiya paint and especially the use of Mr. Color leveling thinner.

[@JonBius]

Wow, thanks! I'm so grateful for your kind words! And thank you for watching and commenting. 😊

[@barriemothersele9510]

Glad I've finally found your channel Jon.This video has answered all the questions I have been trying. Thanks a million.

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@vicenteriha]

Jon, you are one of the most informative guys when it comes to modelling! Me and my hobby thank you so much for all the hard work!

[@JonBius]

Wow, thanks! I am so grateful for your kind and encouraging words. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@davemarks7322]

Yes I like what I'm seeing and hearing. You're well spoken and have a friendly, relaxed style I'll watch more for sure..

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much! I am grateful!

[@jmachjim]

This is a great video - detailed but simple language, easy to understand. And what I like the most - it has added value even years after it was captured. Good job done and thanks for it!

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! And thanks so much for your kind words, and for watching and commenting. Happy day to you friend!

[@plasticposse768]

Jon, this is a great video - one of your best. I love your approach. Your balance of different options, real world experience, pros and cons of each option, and your lack of a "one size fits all" conclusion are all welcome.

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked it. And thanks for your kind and encouraging words. Have a great day!

[@The12348567]

Glad I found your site. I keep going back and forth between Vallejo and Tamiya. I think I'll start using Tamiya for all my modelling after watching your video. Thanks!

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@jeansamson4079]

As what the others observed, I really love how clear your explanations were when it comes to this. I've watched a bunch of videos like this (paints and thinners guide) but I found yours to be the most helpful especially for a beginner like me. Just stumbled upon this btw so I was really happy to hear about your experiences per thinner as well as use-case advices. I bought my first armor model kit a few days ago and I'm really excited! Subbed and greetings from the Philippines!

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much for your kind words, and I'm so glad you found it helpful. And thanks so much for watching, commenting, and subbing!

[@bricktopperheadon5490]

I haven't built a model since 1981, boy how things have changed! Watching lots of tutorials to get started again, and this one has been excellent. Lots of good points and great tips - subbed! Thanks so much for doing what you do, it's extremely helpful. 👍

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad you found it help! Thanks for your kind words, for subbing, and for watching and commenting. Welcome back to the hobby - have fun with it!

[@johnroan7755]

Like your "down to earth" delivery. Subject was well explained and needed for airbrush beginners like me. Building wooden,from scratch, steam powered ships for years but never used airbrushes . Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@JonBius]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for your kind words. Thinning, air pressure, and experience are the key to airbrushing successfully. Enjoy the journey! Please be sure and subscribe too. I generally have a new video out every Friday. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@D__T_____]

Thanks for your experience and the helpful tips, Jon!

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@RCmodeleng]

Thanks for all the info, I am a tamiya modeller, traditionally spray cans, but just bought my first airbrush and trying to get some understanding of the many techniques from the experience and knowledge of your vids.. Well done and thanks

[@JonBius]

Thanks for your kind words, and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Tamiya paints are great for airbrushing because they are so very forgiving. I really love them! Thanks again for watching and commenting!

[@felixezra16]

I'm a novice when it comes to painting and model kits. I appreciate all the information. I've liked, subbed, and even hit that little bell notification. Thanks a bunch! Sick outro music

[@JonBius]

Awesome, thank you so much! I am grateful! Yeah, I like that outro myself. It's some of the free music KZbin makes available for creators. It really sounds like Satriani to me. It's not, but definitely his style. It's called Led Foot. Give it a listen... if people would tolerate a two plus minute outro, I'd use the whole song! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoOzl6qioLJ2iZY

[@EvolvA1987]

thank you very much, I'm just starting with airbrushing and this is the first video I found (after searching quite a lot in youtube) with a straight and detailed answer about thinning tamiya paints for airbrushing

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thank you for your kind comments. You may also want to take a look at a video series I did aimed at beginning airbrushing modelers: kzbin.info/aero/PLZt56FNuWOKeOiywAlXlB-uAdF_VaJ_mj Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@EvolvA1987]

@@JonBius I sure will watch them all, cheers from Spain ;)

[@warmachine5835]

Thanks for recommending this video to me. I keep at least 2 bottles of Mr Color in stock because I love that thinner so much, and I don't want to get in a situation where I run out of a bottle and have to stop. I primarily to lacquer paints, but I had a bunch of Tamiya in storage, so understanding I can use this stuff gives those new life for me. More generally, I can't get enough of your videos. I love how you outline your thought process and technique at every step along way. It's amazing for learners and I've taken to recommending your videos when people are just getting into the hobby. To wrap up, on the topic of thinning--I was recommended an awesome video by "Brushstroke Painting Guides" titled "HOW TO THIN YOUR PAINTS: A Step-By-Step Guide." I think it's probably the best thinning guide I've ever seen simply because he goes into the mechanics of how the paint behaves. It's more geared toward brush painting, but I think learning the principal helped me understand when and why to thin. I'd experimented with thinning paint to an inch of its life before to make my own washes, so I was already halfway there. But in summary, the goal of thinning is to help the paint flow in a controlled manner, such that it coats the piece and enters the details without building up and clogging those details. It's probably a bit remedial to someone who has the learned experience with thinning, but it was a great crash course the helped contextualize all those "milk" comments.

[@JonBius]

James' video was wonderful! Such a great help when it comes to thinning! Thank you so much for your kind comments regarding my videos, and for commending them to others. I deeply appreciate it! Thanks for watching and ocmmenting!

[@DRCRailroard]

Thanks, Jon. It's folks like yourself that provide invaluable information through your experiences to the novice. I'm greatfull there are so many modelers willing to take the time to pass it along. I've been recently interested in acquiring an airbrush eventhough I have honed my painting skills with reliable techniques using conventional means.

[@JonBius]

Great to hear! Thank you for your kind words. I'm always happy to know that the videos are helpful to fellow modelers. Here are a few others I've done that may be of interest: Beginner Airbrushing Series (3 videos): kzbin.info/aero/PLZt56FNuWOKeOiywAlXlB-uAdF_VaJ_mj Freehand camo airbrush: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5jKqWuwobujldE Airbrush weathering: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZato4OXhZuigLc I hope those are useful as well. Happy day to you friend!

[@doitatit]

That was extremely helpful, thank you for taking the time to make this show. It's invaluable to entry level modellers like my self to gain confidence and knowledge in to spray painting. When you put a lot of time in to making a kit, this next step can be daunting. Cheers mate👍

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! And thank you so much for your kind words, and for watching and commenting. Keep focused on the fun. Happy day to you!

[@markcobham1361]

Great video, thank you. It was good to have all the different products included for comparison. Learned something new about the benefits of IPA too for post-painting effects.👍

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! I do like the IPA for fading and shading - it really works well. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@deanlewis8083]

I'm getting back into the hobby (model cars mostly) after about a 20 year hiatus and am starting to use airbrushing now. Great tips, thank you

[@JonBius]

Great to hear, and I'm glad the video was helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@johnscull1142]

Another awesome video. I learn so much watching them. I have used Tamiya paints in my air brush and it is my fleet paint for my older truck fleet. And again you lay things out great and easy to under stand. Ant the Beard is truly awesome looking.

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much! I am glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@michaelatkins5927]

Thanks so much for the quality of information in this video, great content and a great presentation of the content as well. Keep it up!

[@JonBius]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@samuelvasquez8170]

thank you for sharing your knowledge about Tamiya paints and thinning. It will be very helpful for me in the future.

[@JonBius]

I'm glad it will be helpful to you! Thanks for your kind words, and for watching and commenting!

[@el7x539]

Im a beginner in airbrushing and this video was extremely helpful. Thank you 🙏

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad! Enjoy the journey, and thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@timothyjerry2455]

Correct. I want to stop doing it wrong, making this video invaluable to my skill set at this time. I really learned allot and have subscribed. Thank you!

[@JonBius]

That's great to hear! I'm always encouraged when I know the video is helpful to a fellow hobbyist. Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@CrazyRobotFromSpace]

I'm a total newbie to airbrushing, this video really helped me out. Thanks!

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad the video was helpful! Enjoy your journey into airbrushing. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@MrWoodykeys]

I’m new to model spraying so trying to soak up as much info as possible so this video has been really helpful . Thanks very mush.

[@JonBius]

I'm glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. 😊

[@mark3208]

Thank you for this. Very helpful. My Tamiya X-20A arrived a few weeks ago. Glad my 5 year old Tamiya paints are still good.

[@JonBius]

Glad it helped. :) Thanks for watching and commenting! The X-20A should do the trick if any are a bit thick. I always use an electric stirring too. It will make sure everything gets thoroughly blended. Happy painting!

[@fangbricks1587]

This was super helpful trying to get back into the hobby! So thank you!

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Enjoy your journey back into the hobby. Thanks for watching and commenting - happy day to you!

[@tatankaiyotanka1]

Really helpful video on thinning Tamiya paints as after years I have finally got myself an airbrush.

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting too! Be sure and check out my playlist about getting started in airbrushing. It may be helpful. (kzbin.info/aero/PLZt56FNuWOKeOiywAlXlB-uAdF_VaJ_mj) Have fun!

[@haroldquill8761]

Good video, been modelling for years and always go back to Tamiya paints over all others I have played around with. Have all those thinners too.

[@JonBius]

They're definitely good stuff! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@ronmcnally868]

Thanks, This video really helped me. I have all the Tamiya thinners, but because of this video I ordered some Mr color thinner leveler👍

[@JonBius]

I think you'll really like it! I've always felts it was the "secret sauce" for Tamiya paints. X-20A is good, but the MCLT is like adding double cheese and bacon to it! :D Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@davidterrito1730]

Well thank you for this video. I build model cars and always prime the parts first with stynelrez, then use Tamiya paints thinned with home brew thinner. I have Mr color leveling thinner that I use for painting the body with lacquer. You saved me a big step. Thank you. So glad I watched this.

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad it was helpful! I used that combination on hundreds of aircraft - worked like a charm! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@martingates1364]

Very goood clear info for a begginer like me or maybe an old hand. You are the first yank i can listen to Thanks buddy from a cross the pond

[@JonBius]

Thank you so much for your kind words - I am most grateful. Greeting from this side of the pond! 😊

[@paddcc]

Jon - really happy you DIDN’T just shoot off a quick list. This is a really informative video. Totally agree with the plastic posse’s comment!

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much! I wanted to try and make the video helpful and informative. Thank you for affirming that - I am grateful!

[@gasgassteve]

Great vid , answered pretty much all my questions . First time watching your channel , I subscribed after watching this video. Keep up the good work

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much - I'm glad you liked it. And thanks for watching, subbing, and commenting!

[@markcowen8834]

Thank you easy to watch and plenty information for someone starting over agai.

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@JuergenGDB]

Thanks, Jon, been out of modeling for about 15 years... Just purchased a crap ton of models because I wanted to get back in. This helps a lot as I was always a Brush and Can guy.

[@JonBius]

Welcome back to the hobby! Focus on the fun, and enjoy the process. 😊 Thanks for watching and commenting - happy day to you!

[@luckenbachmachineworks7000]

This is very useful info. Looking forward to trying Mr Color Leveling Thinner out on my next project.

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@gawdknows1]

Excellent video. Just bought my first airbrush - this will be a great help. Thank you!!

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! You may also want to check out a three part series I did several years ago about getting started in airbrushing. It was an early video, but I think the content is still valid. You might find a few helpful tips there too. Here's a link - kzbin.info/aero/PLZt56FNuWOKeOiywAlXlB-uAdF_VaJ_mj Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@brettlane6908]

I’m back to modeling after a 30 year hiatus. A LOT has changed so I’m basically a beginner again! Very useful advise. Thank you.

[@JonBius]

You are so welcome! I am always glad to know the videos are helpful Thanks for watching and commenting. Enjoy your return to the hobby!

[@gabrielpalmieri2707]

awesome video Jon; very informative please keep them coming sir!

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much!

[@optimusplange1]

The video and information I’ve been needing for years!

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad you found it useful! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dccebula1802]

Just what I needed. I have used Tamiya spray cans for decades but only a few times have I used their Acrylic bottles. As you note, their color variety is decent but.... I need to spray paint some box cars XF 50 Field Blue. I have had a bottle of it around for a decade or so. I also found an unopened bottle of Tamiya Lacquer thinner after watching your video. Going to try spraying it this afternoon. Thank you. Again, your video was just what I needed.

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Have fun with your project, and thanks for watching and commenting!

[@KelgaCreations]

Thank you Jon for sharing your knowledge and experience! First got into airbrushing with Tamiya Acrylics before getting Mr. Color, other lacquers and Vallejo. When my compressor packed up last year, I tried hand painting some kits in full, surprising how well they are with brush painting too!

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Yes, they can be brush painted for sure - it just takes a slightly different approach. It's good to hear you did that! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@KelgaCreations]

@@JonBius I apply 3 or more coats and let each coat surface dry before applying each coat!

[@klaas-janvanrijswijk5013]

Thanks for this video! I will start paint brushing my Bismarck model for the first time. This is a verry helpfull video about thinning the paint.!

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@JoseDiaz-nd9ic]

Thank you so so much, great information, I'm about to start airbrushing and this info will be priceless.

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Have fun on your journey. Happy day to you friend!

[@neil2242]

There are some simple topics that only sink in during long conversations.😅 Aside from answering the query you also gave valuable insight on all the alternatives, and that's always appreciated.

[@JonBius]

I'm glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@kabreigny]

Thank you Jon for sharing this information. Learned some more tips from this video.

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jesusferrer5326]

Very helpful explanation about Tamiya paints usage.

[@JonBius]

I'm glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@hansgoebel4688]

Hi Jon, thank you for a real informative video. You have covered it very well and very easy to understand. Cheers from Australia

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much - I'm glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting. Greetings from North Carolina, USA!

[@paulelliott2861]

At last. No sponsorship lead advise. Just plain talking. Yes I’m a newbie 😂 so thank you very much. 👍👍👍👍👏👏👏🇬🇧

[@JonBius]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I try to keep it simple- talk about that will hopefully be helpful. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@ancliuin2459]

That was really comprehensive and helpful. Thanks a lot, and you got a new subscriber.

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much for your kind words, for subbing, and for watching and commenting! Happy day to you. 😊

[@captgol]

Thank you Jon. This was most useful and enlightening.

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@johnmacdonald6220]

New to airbrushing thanks for the information. It is greatly appreciated.

[@JonBius]

You're very welcome! You might find a few helpful tips here too. Here's a link - kzbin.info/aero/PLZt56FNuWOKeOiywAlXlB-uAdF_VaJ_mj It's a series I did on getting started with an airbrush. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@christopherchurch223]

Good stuff Jon. Thanks for the breakdown.

[@JonBius]

Thank you for watching and commenting - I am grateful!

[@FHollis-gw4cc]

Add me to the list of people who found this video extremely helpful. I am also new to Tamiya, being an old Floquil guy. My stash is now gone and I need to learn all over again. This will definitely help. I've watched a bunch of how toos and have chosen yours over all of them. GOOD JOB! And, Thank you for sharing this.

[@JonBius]

I'm so happy to know that the videos I do are helpful to people! Thanks for letting me know - it is quite an encouragement. Thanks for watching and commenting too - happy day to you friend!

[@chiplane3976]

Hi Jon - lots of great tips...thanks for sharing the information!

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@philipjones3856]

That's really a great discussion/video. Gotta agree with your preference for Mr Color Levelling Thinner. (Here in Ireland the "Levelling Thinner 400" costs about 12 euros, and the Tamiya paints about 3 euros each, but the Thinner lasts for ages, so it's well worth it). I also loved your idea of a demo of a skim milk effect in your airbrush by using actual skim milk, to see what it looks like!. Very practical... Like also your advice on the mixes between paint and thinner for our various uses. And your advice about using a respirator mask...not that every one of us use them :) (And I went to the very end of the video. Many thanks!

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much! I am so glad to you enjoyed it, and that the ideas were useful. That's especially encouraging to me. And thanks for hanging in to the end, and for watching and commenting!

[@PhillipJ]

Good info, thanks! I just sprayed my first car body today with Tami ya paint and the 20a thinner. Went on very nicely other than a couple snaf’us with my airbrush.

[@JonBius]

I'm glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. And keep at it - experience will work through the snafus after a while!

[@user-rf7mg1sx3e]

Very informative video. I have been thinning my Tamiya acrylic paints with water for years. But after seeing this I may try using some lacquer thinner.

[@JonBius]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@seanswann7713]

Really helpful for someone who is getting back into it

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Have fun with the journey. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@williamfotiou7577]

Thank you for a very informative video. Lots of info here to take in, definitely a game changer. Thanks

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@BillHalliwell]

G'day Jon, I can't tell you how helpful this video of yours has been to me. Like many people, I've come back to modelling in the last 6 years or so, after having a 'break' from childhood, where I began modelling at the age of 9, My first model kit was the Airfix 1/72 Mk 1 Spitfire. Being an Australian, my generation grew up with the memory of WW2 fresh in our parents' minds. It was almost 'obligatory' to make your first model a Spitfire, followed by the equally famous P-51 Mustang in US, RAF and much later, RAAF livery. We didn't have much of a choice back then in the early 1950s and kit supplies from the UK, still stinging from post-war rationing, meant the supply of kits, and toys in general were slow to get here, and in small numbers when they did. We didn’t start seeing US model kits until the late 50s/early 60s. It gave us kids enough time to save up our pocket money and Christmas money so that we could snap up the new kits as they arrived in our few, precious, hobby shops. All my childhood modelling was done with Humbrol paints which was all I knew about. It was then, just about, the same as it is now, only slightly worse, but we didn't have a benchmark so we didn't see its shortcomings. Sometimes it was so thick in winter that it was like molasses. My uncle was a cabinet maker and French Polisher (a dead trade now) so I used to get my supplies of turpentine etc. from my uncle for free. Sometimes I had terrible mess ups with my paints but, mostly, it worked out OK. I had no idea what an airbrush was, I'd never heard the term until I was in my mid-20s. Basically, it was brush painting with Humbrol and turps or nothing. I also have a faint memory of using water for thinning paints, so maybe I had access to other paints. I can’t recall. When I got back into kit modelling of aircraft, seriously, about 6 years ago (many years back, I spent some time in the Air Force so I specialised in fighters and bombers). I found that kit modelling was so much easier than I remembered as a kid. Of course, there is a bewildering choice of products and tools that I am still, now, learning about almost every week. One of my biggest investments in my return to modelling was building up a range of paints. Because my local hobby shop specialised in Tamiya paints, they are the ones I purchased first, plus their X20A Thinner. No problems at all. Still, it is great to hear simple explanations as to why certain other products can be better, and why. This is why you're been such a help to me since I subscribed to your channel, about a year ago. I started with a cheap but neat, small hand-held airbrush unit and slowly taught myself what I could about airbrushing. Last year, I bit the bullet and got myself a full airbrushing set up with a compressor and all the accessories. It has been wonderful and so time saving laying down primers, base coats and surface finishers. What comes with that is the sometimes confusing array of products, chemicals and specialist tools. Modelling is easier these days and, in some ways, harder. I'm in my late 60s and I never was good at chemistry or anything to do with math etc. In the many years since I was in the Air Force, I'd become a writer, journalist and now, a military historian. So writing is my thing, not the technicalities of aerodynamics etc. However, I was briefly posted to a C-130 maintenance squadron and I learned so much about how an aircraft is put together, and taken apart. Needless to say, the Hercules quickly became my favourite aircraft in a hands-on respect. Thanks to your channel and others I follow, I've branched out into armour, ground vehicles and even submarines. Sorry if I've rambled on too long, Jon. Just wanted to say a big thank you for your advice and being able to see you build models I would never have dreamed of when I was a kid. Young modellers, these days, don't know how good they've got it. Every aspect of modelling has become easier... and paradoxically, more complex for old codgers like me. All the best to you and your family and hoping you have a great 2022. It just has to get better, eh? Cheers, Bill H Hobart, Tasmania

[@JonBius]

That's great stuff Bill - thanks for sharing that! I definitely can relate to the C-130... I jumped out of them many times! :D And thank you for your kind words! It's so encouraging to know the videos are helpful to people in their enjoyment of the hobby. Thanks again for watching and commenting!

[@BillHalliwell]

@@JonBius G'day Jon, I went along on a few Army para-drop missions. I had to link up to a tie-down point so I didn't accidentally get thrown out by the Jump Master! 🙃 I think I was only invited along to collect the sick bags... 😉 Cheers, BH

[@jackwig7337]

Fantastic info, thanks for the video, very relaxing

[@JonBius]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@Dean-qt8jw]

Great video, have saved it as I am very close to getting into airbrushing for the first time. Will be referring back to this one.... now lets go check the rest of your catalogue hehehe

[@JonBius]

Have fun with airbrushing! Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@OzScalemodeling]

Tamiya are my go to paints. Great informative video, Liked and Subscribed, now looking forward to going through your past videos. Cheers mate 👍🇦🇺

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much! I am so very grateful! I hope you find my other videos helpful and enjoyable. Happy day to you!

[@theBaron0530]

I remember reading somewhere in my travels that Tamiya's acrylics are formulated for airbrushing, and are meant to be thinned for use. My own experience is that they're best thinned with Tamiya's proprietary thinner, the X-20A, as Jon mentions. I went through trial-and-error, before I arrived at that conclusion. For airbrushing, lacquer thinner works-a tip I got from you, Jon, in our Agape Models forum. Lacquer thinner will make the matte colors go down absolutely dead-flat matte. Tamiya paints can be brushed by hand, but must really be thinned for that use, too. Again, I use their X-20A to thin the paint for hand-brushing. It was to apply them by hand, that I went through trial-and-error to find the thinner that worked best for my. First, without thinning, straight out of the jar, the paint would go down clumpy. And second coats would lift off previous coats. I tried water, and got the same results as I did without thinning at all. Next, based on comments that Jon also mentions, that so many say, "Oh, Tamiya acrylics are alcohol-based", I tried isopropyl (91% solution), but still got clumping with some colors (flat black tended to clump the worst). Then I broke down and bought the X-20A, and all problems went away. Using Tamiya's thinner, I can lay down coats by hand that are as thin as if I had airbrushed them. I will use either of 2 methods: I will use the jar, or the jar lid, to pick up some paint on my brush, and then dip it in a jar of X-20A, and then apply it to the piece. Or I will mix a little of the color and the thinner in the well on my ceramic palette, then apply it to the piece. My ratio, whether airbrushing or hand-brushing, is about 1:1 If there is any drawback to Tamiya's acrylics, for me, it's that since they are not water-soluable, I can't use them on my wet palette, with my water-based acrylics. But that's really a non-issue. This is what I do. Your mileage may vary.

[@erabbit777]

love your videos man! I'm about to do my first model kit and I'm trying to learn as much as possible. it's gonna be spray cans and brushes for the first few models to see how I like it. have to say.. your models look spectacular!

[@JonBius]

Thank you so much for your kind words! Rattle cans and brush paint is a good plan - it works well and doesn't require the expense of an airbrush. Have fun with that! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@kiowabelgium]

perfect explanation, just what i needed !

[@JonBius]

I'm glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@user-xi4vq5el1r]

As a new airbrusher this video was excellent. Thanks Steve

[@JonBius]

I am so glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. 😊

[@sprucehouse9]

I find all your videos so helpful, but I found this especially so since I am still honing my airbrush skills. I didn't know you could use lacquer based thinners with the Tamiya acrylics and I plan to try it - specifically for the good adherence you talked about. Thanks for making it a longer episode!

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad it was helpful! That is always such an encouragement to know. The lacquer thinners are definitely the "secret sauce" of airbrushing Tamiya paints. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@medic53067]

If I’m not mistaken, isn’t Tamiya Acrylic actually a kind of hybrid acrylic lacquer? Or maybe I’m thinking of of the Tamiya TS spray paints. That’s what allows the Mr. Hobby Leveling Thinner to work so well…?

[@JonBius]

Yes, you're correct! It's very flexible paint! Thanks for watching and commenting! 😊

[@MartinBozone]

Nice video. Good info. As a beginner it was just what I needed to know.

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! That's always good to know. Enjoy the hobby, and thanks so much for watching and commenting. Please be sure and subscribe! 😊

[@timothyjerry2455]

Really great tutorial. Much appreciated👍🏼

[@JonBius]

I appreciate that! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@Phil-wo8pe]

Learned a great deal about a subject I thought I knew about. Thanks

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad to know it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@raytheron]

Great video, Jon!

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much, and thanks for watching and commenting! 😊

[@raytheron]

You're welcome! Subscribed, too! 🙂

[@Imk278]

Excellent stuff. Forgot my X-20A at home when visiting my parents but I have some Mr Color Thinner to airbrush with my Tamiya’s 👌🏽👌🏽

[@JonBius]

Thanks! I think you'll like the MCLT and Tamiya combo. Have fun!

[@The12348567]

Great video. I use Tamiya paints and I have a bottle of Mr. Color thinner, but look forward to trying Mr. Color leveling thinner.

[@JonBius]

Thanks! The Mr. Color is good, but the Leveling Thinner is just enough better that I think it makes a real difference. I think you'll like it! Thanks for wathcing and commenting!

[@Skullandrumit]

Thank you Jon, absolutely top notch information. Many thanks. Kind regards

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your kind words. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dvdhobby3213]

Hi Jon ! This is David from Italy !! I really thank you for you work ! All your videos are so accurate, but at the same time, so friendly and funny... It's like had a talk bout our hobby, with a good friend ! thanx again ! CIAO !! :-)

[@JonBius]

Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! I am so glad you enjoy them, as I really do want them to feel like we're just sitting down and talking. I'm so glad to know you like it! Thank you so much for watching and commenting! If you're not already subscribed, I'd be grateful if you would! :D

[@dvdhobby3213]

@@JonBius I am Jon !! :-)

[@JWitchard]

Like you said, a simple topic but really interesting. I learnt a lot. 😊👍

[@JonBius]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jasonmiglia2836]

Thank you so much. I just bought an airbrush and it looks like you to save me a bunch of aggravation

[@JonBius]

I'm glad you found this helpful! Check out my airbrushing series of videos - they may be useful also. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@kaptkrunchfpv]

Funny thing, im getting back into modeling after about 17 to 20 years, I dug out my old Tamiya paints and 99% of them are STILL GOOD! AMAZING!

[@JonBius]

Yeah, they have an incredibly long shelf life. They're excellent paints for sure. Welcome back to the hobby! 😊 And thank you for watching and commenting!

[@MrDreyven]

Great video. I have latched onto the Mr.Color Paints but same difference, they have worked very nicely for me so far (except the time I used the wrong thinner haha). Having the nice airbrush paints from tamyia/mr. hobby really makes things a lot easier and more enjoyable. Speaking of more enjoyable, the biggest turn of for me when I started was cleaning, it was a mess. I had some weird Vellejo cleaning solution and it just didn't do the job well, especially for primer etc. and in crevices, sometimes I still got clogging the next day if I had sprayed primer. I've now gotten the Mr. Hobby tool cleaner and it literally eats paint and now I don't even need to literally take apart the whole airbrush every time I use it and it has been such a game changer.

[@JonBius]

Thank you so much, and thanks for watching and commenting! I went full nuclear with my heavy duty cleaning. I use automotive lacquer thinner. It does the same thing as the tool cleaner - it gets *everything* out of there! Happy day to you!

[@alexandremartins1462]

amazing stuff answered all my questions thank you!!

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thank you for watching and commenting. 😊

[@stealthbomber2127]

When I thinned my Tamiya acrylics with alcohol I began to have tip drying issues. Very informative video. A demonstration video would be great too.

[@JonBius]

It can happen. I've had it happen with a few colors. Generally the problem almost disappears with either MCLT or X-20a. But tip dry can happen with anything depending on the conditions. Try the X-20a and see if that helps. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jamesavery9236]

Very effective and informational video. By the way, Climb to Glory!

[@JonBius]

You noticed that, huh? :) My team from 9th PSYOP BN (ABN) was sliced to 1/22 in summer '93 in Mogadishu. During that time, 2/14 swapped out with them. Seems like a million years ago. Thanks for your kind words, and for watching and commenting. Take it easy bro.

[@jamesavery9236]

Yeah, I was in 1st Brigade from '16-'19. I kinda miss it up there, but life goes on.@@JonBius

[@rogerclark3731]

Thank you. That was very helpful. Brand new to Airbrush painting. 👍

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@markdesantis6325]

Great presentation Jon. Extremely informative and sends me forward with a new approach on working with my Tamiya paints. This is a big topic relating to an extremely important and time consuming part of the hobby. We probably spend 30 to 35 percent of our time painting! ….and that’s without errors ! 😂

[@JonBius]

I'm so glad the video was helpful! And thank you for your kind words. Happy day to you friend, and thanks for watching and commenting!

[@HobbyDad1989]

Invaluable information, thank you!

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful -thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@aviarro4988]

Thanks for explaining this!

[@JonBius]

I'm glad it was helpful - thanks for watching and commenting!

[@lappin6482]

awesome video, thanks for the advice 👌

[@JonBius]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@TheSeanBampton]

As a relatively new modeller (back into it after a 40 year hiatus), thank you so much for the very descriptive, informative and slightly humorous video. I've liked, subscribed and clicked the bell. Personally I've found that 50/50 is a little too thin for my spraying even with a 0.3 needle down to 12-15 psi, so I'm using a roughly 2:1 ratio of paint to thinner, with Mr. Color Levelling Thinner. That seems to be spraying well for me. I've followed the old "thin it to the line on the inside of the bottle", and it's working. Maybe I just don't know any better, so I'll start experimenting with putting the skim milk in my airbrush cup to see what it's like. Thanks again.

[@JonBius]

Welcome back to the hobby, and thanks for your kind words! I have found in talking with other modelers that thinning ratios vary quite a bit, though 50/50 is usually a solid starting point. It's the same with air pressure - I've had folks tell me they go as low as 8-10, and others up to 35-40! So many factors can affect it, from paint type and color to local humidity to personal preference! The trick is to get to a point you have reached - experiment to find the sweet spot! Thanks again for watching and subbing, and for your kind comments. I am grateful. Happy day to you friend!

[@geo0711]

Excellent information. I knew most of this stuff just from other modelers and my own trial and error, but I definitely still found some value in it. If I may say so, you crusty old scale modelers are a wealth of knowledge and experience 😂😂

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much - I'm glad you enjoyed it! We have our moments, when we're not yelling at the squirrels in the yard. 😉😁 Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@wayne2411]

Great video once again!! Funny thing is your "go-to" thinner just arrived in the mail yesterday.

[@JonBius]

How about that? Enjoy it! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@pawpawstew]

That beard is looking good, Jon! Great video, too!

[@JonBius]

Hey, thanks! I am grateful! And thanks for watching and commenting!

[@markdesantis6325]

Well done. Very informative.

[@JonBius]

Thanks so much, and thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mmlips]

Extremely helpful, thanks!

[@JonBius]

Glad to hear it! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@deputy3690]

Great informative video!

[@JonBius]

I'm grateful, and I'm happy it was useful for you. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@liamgray9805]

Hi Jon, great video I'm new back to the hobby after over 40 years and thinking about getting into air brushing with one of the mini air brushes, this is very helpful for using Tamiya paints. cheers.

[@JonBius]

I'm glad that was helpful - and welcome back to the hobby! Thanks for your kind words, and for watching and commenting!

[@liamgray9805]

@@JonBius my pleasure keep up the good work.

[@JonBius]

@@liamgray9805 Will do! :D