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13 Best Tamiya Paint For 2024
Modified: December 7, 2023
Discover the top 13 Tamiya paint options for 2023. Find the perfect color and quality for your next modeling project with our expert recommendations.
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Introducing the ultimate guide to the "13 Best Tamiya Paint For 2023." As a content writer expert in the realm of Tamiya paints, I have extensive knowledge and experience in evaluating the top products for model enthusiasts. In this comprehensive review, I will delve into the characteristics, color range, application techniques, and overall quality of Tamiya paints, guaranteeing that you will make informed decisions when it comes to enhancing your model projects. Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis of the finest Tamiya paints available in 2023.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Looking for the perfect paint for your military models? Look no further than TAMIYA America, Inc Acrylic XF62, Flat Olive Drab. This paint is highly recommended for airbrush use, providing excellent coverage and easy application. The darker green color is ideal for WWII military vehicles and adds a realistic touch to your models. It can also be used as a base coat or for creating deep shadows. The paint lays down smoothly and dries quickly, ensuring a quality finish with no brush marks. With its great coverage and easy cleanup, this TAMIYA paint is a must-have for any hobbyist. Get that authentic military look with TAMIYA America, Inc Acrylic XF62, Flat Olive Drab.
Key Features
- Default
Specifications
- Color: Xf62 Flat Olive Drab
- Dimension: 1.90Lx1.40Wx1.40H
- Size: 0.75 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Highly recommended for airbrush use
- Great coverage and easy application
- Ideal for WWII military vehicles
- Lays down smoothly with no brush marks
Cons
- Not the exact shade of olive drab
- May require a lighter paint for layering
TAMIYA America, Inc Acrylic XF62, Flat Olive Drab is the go-to paint for military model enthusiasts. Its high quality and ease of application make it a favorite among hobbyists. While it may not be an exact match for olive drab, the darker green shade adds a realistic touch to WWII military vehicles and other models. Whether you’re using an airbrush or a brush, this TAMIYA paint delivers smooth and quick-drying results with no brush marks. With great coverage and easy cleanup, it’s a reliable choice for any project. Upgrade your models with the authentic look of TAMIYA America, Inc Acrylic XF62, Flat Olive Drab.
Overall Score: 9.3/10
The Tamiya 86001 Paint Spray in White is a legendary product for RC enthusiasts. Made in Japan, this spray paint is specifically designed for polycarbonate, providing a fine texture and excellent coverage. It is known for spraying evenly and flawlessly, leaving no paint residue on your fingers. While it may not be suitable for larger projects, it is perfect for painting RC vehicles. The paint dries quickly and creates a scratch-resistant finish. It is important to apply several light coats for best results, and using a silver backing coat helps prevent bleed through. Overall, this Tamiya spray paint is an excellent choice for RC hobbyists looking for a high-quality and easy-to-use product.
Key Features
- Made in Japan
- For Polycarbonate
- Note: Never use these paints on plastic models.
- Package dimensions: 2.0" L x 2.0" W x 4.25" H
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 2.00Lx2.00Wx4.25H
- Size: 0.03 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Sprays evenly and flawlessly
- Leaves no paint residue on fingers
- Dries quickly and creates a scratch-resistant finish
Cons
- Not opaque, requires several coats for desired coverage
- Not suitable for larger projects
Overall, the Tamiya 86001 Paint Spray in White is a top choice for RC enthusiasts. Its flawless and even spraying capability, along with the quick drying and scratch-resistant finish, make it ideal for painting RC vehicles. While it may require several coats for desired coverage and is not recommended for larger projects, this product delivers excellent results, leaving no paint residue on fingers. Made in Japan, it provides a fine texture and is specifically designed for polycarbonate. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and high-quality spray paint, Tamiya 86001 is a reliable option.
Overall Score: 8/10
Get the Tamiya Acrylic Mini XF56 Metallic Grey TAM81756 Plastics Paint Acrylic to add a touch of finesse to all your plastic models. With its high-quality formula, this acrylic paint offers excellent coverage and a smooth finish. Its metallic grey shade adds a sleek and realistic touch to your models, perfect for creating a professional look. The paint is easy to apply and dries quickly, allowing you to work efficiently on your projects. It comes in a compact container that ensures easy storage and prevents wastage. Whether you're a seasoned model kit enthusiast or a beginner, this Tamiya acrylic paint is a must-have.
Key Features
- High-quality acrylic paint for plastic models
- Excellent coverage and smooth finish
- Metallic grey shade adds a sleek touch
- Easy to apply and dries quickly
- Compact container for easy storage
Specifications
- Dimension: 1.71Lx1.38Wx1.38H
- Size: 1 count (pack of 1)
Pros
- High-quality formula for excellent coverage
- Dries quickly, allowing efficient work
- Compact container prevents wastage
Cons
The Tamiya Acrylic Mini XF56 Metallic Grey TAM81756 Plastics Paint Acrylic is a reliable and high-quality choice for enhancing plastic models. Its excellent coverage, quick drying time, and realistic metallic grey shade make it a favorite among model enthusiasts. The compact container ensures easy storage and prevents wastage, saving you both time and money. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned model maker, this acrylic paint is a must-have for adding a touch of finesse to your projects. Get your hands on the Tamiya Acrylic Mini XF56 Metallic Grey TAM81756 Plastics Paint Acrylic and bring your plastic models to life!
Overall Score: 8.6/10
The Tamiya 86005 Paint Spray in Black is a high-quality paint intended for polycarbonate RC bodies. It can also be used on gas-powered R/C bodies. The paint comes in a 3.38 Fl Oz can and provides excellent coverage and fast drying time. The black color creates a sleek and professional look for your RC vehicle. With positive customer ratings and reviews, this paint has proven to deliver great results. The small size of the can may be a drawback for some, as it may not be enough for larger projects. Overall, the Tamiya 86005 Paint Spray is a reliable option for painting RC bodies.
Key Features
- Black colored paint
- Intended for polycarbonate RC bodies
- Can be used on gas-powered R/C bodies
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 2.00Lx2.00Wx4.19H
- Size: 3.38 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Great coverage and fast drying time
- Creates a sleek and professional look
- Works well on RC bodies
Cons
- Small can size may not be enough for larger projects
- Pricey for the amount of paint received
The Tamiya 86005 Paint Spray is a top choice for painting RC bodies. It provides great coverage and dries quickly, resulting in a sleek and professional look for your vehicle. While the can size may be small, the quality of the paint makes up for it. However, the price may be a drawback for some, considering the quantity received. Overall, if you’re looking to achieve excellent results with your RC painting projects, the Tamiya 86005 Paint Spray is a reliable option.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
The Tamiya USA TAM81018 Acrylic X18 Semi Gloss Black is a top-quality acrylic hobby paint known for its smooth and level drying. This paint is perfect for painting landing gear, propellers, and other parts of military aircraft models. With its great service and high customer ratings, this product is highly recommended. The dimension of the bottle is 1.90Lx1.40Wx1.40H and it comes in a pack of 1. The Tamiya Acrylic X18 Semi Gloss Black is a must-have for hobbyists and model enthusiasts.
Key Features
- Smooth and level drying
- Perfect for military aircraft models
- Great service and customer ratings
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 1.90Lx1.40Wx1.40H
- Size: 1 Count (Pack of 1)
Pros
- High quality acrylic paint
- Fast drying
- Versatile for various projects
Cons
- Limited color options
- Slightly expensive compared to other brands
The Tamiya Acrylic X18 Semi Gloss Black is a reliable and popular choice for model enthusiasts. Its smooth drying and versatile usage make it perfect for various hobby projects. While the limited color options may be a drawback, the high quality and fast drying time make it worth the investment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced model builder, this paint is highly recommended for achieving professional-looking finishes. Add a touch of elegance to your military aircraft models with the Tamiya Acrylic X18 Semi Gloss Black.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Tamiya America, Inc Acrylic XF52, Flat Earth, TAM81352 is a high-quality paint suitable for various modeling projects. Made by Tamiya, a United States based company that sources parts from global producers, this acrylic paint is known for its excellent scratch resistance and adherence to primer. It comes in a 0.77 Fl Oz pack and boasts a flat finish, making it ideal for clothing, landscape, and other similar applications. Despite receiving positive ratings and reviews, some customers noted that the color may vary slightly from what is shown. Additionally, while it is advertised as a perfect match for Magpul FDE, some users found it to be darker or more brown. Overall, the Tamiya Acrylic XF52 offers great coverage and versatility for a variety of modeling projects.
Key Features
- Made by Tamiya; Tamiya is a United States based company; parts are sourced from Global producers
- Tamiya part number 81352
Specifications
- Color: Xf52 Flat Earth
- Dimension: 1.90Lx1.40Wx1.40H
- Size: 0.77 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Excellent scratch resistance
- Adheres well to primer
- Versatile usage for various modeling projects
Cons
- Color may vary slightly from shown
- Not an exact match for Magpul FDE
The Tamiya America, Inc Acrylic XF52, Flat Earth, TAM81352 is a reliable and versatile paint choice for modelers. Its high scratch resistance and ability to adhere well to primer make it suitable for different projects. While it may not be an exact match for Magpul FDE as some customers expected, it still offers excellent coverage and durability. With its flat finish, it provides a great option for clothing, landscape, and other similar applications. The feedback from customers has been mostly positive, confirming its quality and performance. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional modeler, the Tamiya Acrylic XF52 is worth considering for your painting needs.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Looking for a high-quality acrylic solvent for your painting needs? Look no further than the Tamiya 81040 X-20Ael Acrylic Solvent! This product is designed specifically for use with Tamiya paints, providing excellent thinning capabilities and ensuring smooth, vivid colors. With its consistent and superior performance, you can trust this acrylic solvent to deliver professional results every time. While it is on the pricier side, customers rave about its effectiveness and highly recommend it. Whether you're an experienced model painter or a beginner, the Tamiya 81040 X-20Ael Acrylic Solvent is a must-have for your collection.
Key Features
- Designed for use with Tamiya paints
- Excellent thinning capabilities
- Ensures smooth and vivid colors
Specifications
- Size: 1 count (pack of 1)
Pros
- Professional-quality results
- Consistent and superior performance
- Ideal for model painters of all skill levels
Cons
- Slightly expensive
The Tamiya 81040 X-20Ael Acrylic Solvent is a top choice for any model painter looking to achieve professional results. Its excellent thinning capabilities and ability to deliver smooth, vivid colors make it a standout product. While it may come at a slightly higher price point, the consistent and superior performance more than justifies the investment. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this acrylic solvent will surely enhance your painting experience. Trust Tamiya for all your model painting needs!
Overall Score: 9/10
The Tamiya USA TAM87114 Paint Retarder is a 40ml acrylic paint retarder that helps in achieving a smoother finish when airbrushing or hand brushing Tamiya Acrylic paint. It slows down the drying time of the paint, reducing the chances of a grainy surface on your model. This product is highly recommended for model painters who work with acrylics, as it improves self-leveling, prolongs drying time, and eliminates brush marks. With its ability to retard drying time without changing the sheen, the Tamiya Paint Retarder is a trusted product that transforms the brush painting characteristics of Tamiya Acrylics.
Key Features
- Acrylic Paint Retarder 40ml Bottle Tamiya
- Slows down acrylic paint drying time
- Enables smoother finish for airbrushing or hand brushing
- Reduces chances of a grainy surface on models
Specifications
- Dimension: 2.50Lx1.50Wx1.50H
- Size: 1.35 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Improves self-leveling of paint
- Prolongs drying time
- Eliminates brush marks
- Does not change the sheen of paint
Cons
- Difficult to find in some regions
- Price can be high compared to other retailers
The Tamiya USA TAM87114 Paint Retarder is a highly recommended product for model painters utilizing acrylic paints. With its ability to significantly improve the brush painting characteristics of Tamiya Acrylics, it is a valuable tool that helps achieve a smoother finish, eliminates brush marks, and prolongs drying time. While it may be challenging to find in certain regions and the price can be higher than desired, its effectiveness and trustworthiness make it worth the investment. If you’re looking to enhance your model painting experience, this paint retarder is a must-have.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Tamiya Acrylic Mini XF-85 Rubber Black is a high-quality model paint designed for small projects. With its accurate color, good coverage, and easy cleanup, it is the perfect choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. This paint is particularly suitable for painting tires, as it simulates tire rubber well. Whether you prefer to use an airbrush or a brush, the Tamiya paint delivers consistent results. The 0.33-ounce bottle is small but provides enough paint for multiple projects. Overall, this Tamiya paint offers exceptional quality and is a favorite among plastic model enthusiasts.
Key Features
- High-quality acrylic paint
- Accurate color and good coverage
- Suitable for airbrush or brush
- Simulates tire rubber well
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Size: 0.33 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Accurate color
- Good coverage
- Easy cleanup
- Suitable for both airbrush and brush
Cons
- Paint quantity may be insufficient for larger projects
The Tamiya Acrylic Mini XF-85 Rubber Black paint is a reliable and versatile option for anyone interested in model painting. Its accurate color and good coverage ensure excellent results, and the ability to use it with either an airbrush or brush provides flexibility. While the small bottle size might be a limitation for larger projects, the quality of this paint makes up for it. If you’re looking for a durable paint that simulates tire rubber well, Tamiya delivers once again. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, Tamiya’s Acrylic Mini XF-85 Rubber Black is a must-have addition to your collection.
Overall Score: 8.7/10
Tamiya America, Inc Acrylic XF71 Cockpit Green is a high-quality paint suitable for finishing scale models. It is easy to work with and provides a smooth and even application. This cockpit green color is perfect for WWII Japanese navy projects. The paint is self-leveling, dries quickly, and looks great whether applied with a brush or airbrush. With a dimension of 1.90Lx1.58Wx1.58H, this pack contains 0.77 Fl Oz of paint, providing enough coverage for your modeling needs. Suitable for ages 8 and above, this Tamiya paint is popular among hobbyists and scale model enthusiasts.
Key Features
- Ages: 8+
- Tamiya P/N: 81371
Specifications
- Color: Cockpit Green
- Dimension: 1.90Lx1.58Wx1.58H
- Size: 0.77 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- High-quality and easy to work with
- Smooth and even application
- Perfect color for WWII Japanese navy projects
- Self-leveling and quick-drying
- Suitable for brush or airbrush application
- Enough coverage for modeling needs
- Popular among hobbyists and scale model enthusiasts
Cons
- Product image and description may not show the color
Tamiya America, Inc Acrylic XF71 Cockpit Green is an excellent paint choice for scale model enthusiasts and hobbyists. Its high quality, smooth application, and quick-drying properties make it a top pick among users. The cockpit green color is particularly suitable for projects related to WWII Japanese navy. Whether you prefer brush or airbrush application, this Tamiya paint delivers satisfying results. Its coverage and popularity among the modeling community further add to its appeal. The only downside is that the product image and description may not accurately depict the color. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile paint for your models, this product is a great choice.
Overall Score: 9/10
TAMIYA Acrylic XF58 Flat Olive Green TAM81358 Plastics Paint Acrylic is a high-quality paint specifically designed for model building. With its reputation for excellence, Tamiya is known as one of the best paint brands in the industry. This flat olive green color is perfect for military vehicles and armor models. The paint provides excellent coverage, dries quickly, and can be easily brushed on or used with an airbrush. It has a low odor and can be thinned or cleaned up with alcohol. The package contains 0.77 Fl Oz of paint. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced model builder, TAMIYA Acrylic XF58 Flat Olive Green is a top-quality paint that will enhance the appearance of your models.
Key Features
- Ages: 8+
- Tamiya P/N: 81358
Specifications
- Color: Green
- Dimension: 2.00Lx1.50Wx1.50H
- Size: 0.77 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Excellent coverage
- Dries quickly
- Low odor
- Easy to brush on or airbrush
- Thins and cleans up easily with alcohol
Cons
TAMIYA Acrylic XF58 Flat Olive Green is a top-quality and highly recommended paint for model builders. Its excellent coverage, quick drying time, and easy application make it a favorite among hobbyists. The low odor and easy cleanup with alcohol are added bonuses. Whether you’re working on military vehicles or any other models that require a flat olive green color, this Tamiya paint is a reliable choice. Enhance the look of your models with this high-quality paint. We highly recommend giving it a try!
Overall Score: 9/10
The Tamiya America, Inc Acrylic XF63, Flat German Grey is a high-quality model paint that is perfect for hobbyists. This 23ml bottle of acrylic paint is intended for ages 14 and up. It is made from water-soluble acrylic resins, making it easy to clean up. The paint can be used for both brush painting and airbrushing, and it can be thinned for airbrushing using Tamiya X-20A Acrylic thinner. With its excellent quality and consistency, it is a favorite among model enthusiasts. The color of this paint is XF63 Flat German Grey. The dimension of the product is 2.00Lx1.75Wx2.00H and it comes in a size of 0.75 Fl Oz (Pack of 1). Overall, it has received a high customer rating of 4.8/5 based on its performance and affordability.
Key Features
- XF63 German Grey Acrylic 23ml (3/4oz) Bottle Hobby Paint Tamiya
- Intended for ages 14 and up
- Made from water-soluble acrylic resins
- Excellent for brush painting or airbrushing
- Can be thinned for airbrushing using Tamiya X-20A Acrylic thinner
Specifications
- Color: XF63 Flat German Grey
- Dimension: 2.00Lx1.75Wx2.00H
- Size: 0.75 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- High-quality model paint
- Easy to clean up
- Great consistency
- Suitable for brush painting and airbrushing
- Affordable price
Cons
- Some customers received a different color than expected
The Tamiya America, Inc Acrylic XF63, Flat German Grey is an excellent model paint for hobbyists of all skill levels. Its water-soluble acrylic formula ensures easy cleanup, while its great consistency allows for smooth application. Whether you prefer brush painting or airbrushing, this paint delivers fantastic results. It is also reasonably priced, making it a popular choice among model enthusiasts. The only downside is that some customers received a different shade than they expected. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality and versatile model paint, the Tamiya XF63 Flat German Grey is definitely worth considering.
Overall Score: 8.2/10
The Tamiya Aircraft Spray AS-20 Insignia White Acrylic TAM86520 Lacquer Primers & Paints is an excellent choice for model enthusiasts. This US Navy-inspired paint comes in a 100ml can, perfect for preparing ABS and Styrene plastic or even metal parts for painting. The color is a beautiful Insignia White, although some customers have noted that it appears more like a light gray or off-white. Despite this, it provides a smooth and even matte finish. The paint is of high quality and sprays evenly, resulting in a spot-on color for various models. Its only drawbacks are its slightly higher price and the wish for a larger can size. Overall, it is a great choice for both historically accurate and concept models.
Key Features
- AS-20 Insignia White-US Navy
- 100ml of paint
- Ideal for preparing ABS and Styrene plastic for paint
- May also be used on Metal Parts
- Part Number 86520
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 2.05Lx2.05Wx4.21H
- Size: 3.51 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Nice! Very good paint
- It sprays evenly and looks great when dry!
- Correct color for model
- Perfect color match for Deagostini Millennium Falcon model
- Best choice for model paint
Cons
- Not really white, more like a light gray
- Matte finish instead of true white
- Price is a little high
- Wish it came in a larger can
The Tamiya Aircraft Spray AS-20 Insignia White Acrylic TAM86520 Lacquer Primers & Paints offers model enthusiasts a quality paint option for their projects. While the color may not be a true white, it still provides a realistic finish and matches well with various models. The high customer rating is a testament to its quality and performance. The only downsides are the slightly higher price point and the desire for a larger can size. However, these minor drawbacks do not significantly impact its overall effectiveness. If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate paint option for your model projects, the Tamiya Aircraft Spray AS-20 Insignia White Acrylic TAM86520 Lacquer Primers & Paints is a solid choice.
Tamiya Paint Buyer's Guide
Why is Tamiya paint so popular?
- Tamiya paint is known for its exceptional quality, consistency, and vibrant colors, which make it the top choice for hobbyists and model enthusiasts.
- The paint is made specifically for scale modeling, ensuring it adheres well to various surfaces, including plastic, metal, and resin.
- Tamiya paint comes in a wide range of colors, including authentic military and automotive tones, allowing for accurate and realistic results.
What types of Tamiya paint are available?
- Acrylic Paint: Tamiya's acrylic paint is water-based and dries quickly. It provides a smooth finish, is easy to clean, and can be thinned or mixed with other acrylic paints.
- Enamel Paint: Tamiya's enamel paint is solvent-based and provides a durable, glossy finish. It is highly resistant to scratches and fading, but requires careful handling due to its flammable nature.
- Lacquer Paint: Tamiya's lacquer paint offers the highest level of durability and a stunning, professional-looking finish. It dries quickly, is resistant to fuel and water, and provides excellent coverage.
How should I prepare before using Tamiya paint?
- Ensure the surface you are painting is clean, free of dust, and properly primed.
- Shake the paint bottle vigorously for a few minutes to ensure proper mixing of pigments.
- Use high-quality brushes or airbrushes for best results.
- Avoid applying thin layers of paint, as it may result in poor coverage and an uneven finish.
- Consider using a dedicated paint booth or working in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation of fumes.
What are some application techniques for Tamiya paint?
- Brush Painting: Apply Tamiya paint with a high-quality brush using smooth, even strokes to achieve a consistent finish. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.
- Airbrushing: Dilute Tamiya paint with thinner according to the manufacturer's instructions before using it in an airbrush. Practice on a test surface to achieve the desired air pressure and paint consistency.
- Masking: Tamiya masking tape or masking sheets can be used to create intricate designs or protect certain areas from paint. Ensure the paint is fully dry before applying and removing the mask.
How should I store Tamiya paint?
- Seal the paint lids tightly after each use to prevent evaporation and maintain the paint's quality.
- Store the paint in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- To prevent contamination, avoid touching the inside of the paint container with dirty brushes or tools.
- If your paint has thickened over time, you can use Tamiya paint thinner to restore its original consistency.
Read also: 14 Amazing Tamiya Paint Brushes For 2024
Frequently Asked Questions about 13 Best Tamiya Paint For 2024
Yes, you can mix different types of Tamiya paint as long as they are of the same base, such as acrylic with acrylic or enamel with enamel. Experimenting with small amounts is recommended to ensure compatibility.
While Tamiya paint is primarily designed for use on plastic, it can also adhere well to metal, resin, and certain types of wood. Proper surface preparation and priming are essential for optimal adhesion.
Tamiya paint is not specifically formulated for outdoor use and may not withstand prolonged exposure to natural elements. Consider using a protective top coat or varnish if you intend to display or use your models outdoors.
For acrylic paint, rinse brushes and airbrushes with water immediately after use. Enamel and lacquer paint require specific solvents like Tamiya enamel thinner or lacquer thinner for effective cleaning.
Yes, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area or use a respirator to avoid inhalation of paint fumes. Additionally, ensure proper skin protection by wearing gloves and consider using a protective apron or smock to prevent stains on clothing.
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