• Tamiya paint is designed to provide modelers with realistic colors.model airplane image by Julija Sapic from Fotolia.com
  
  Tamiya paint is an acrylic-based model paint that is used in adding brilliant and realistic colors to miniatures and models. Tamiya paint can be applied with either a brush or a spray-on application such as an air brush. Tamiya paint provides model enthusiasts with professional, top-of-the-line model paints to ensure that realistic details can be achieved. Tamiya produces a full range of products, including all primers, pigments and lacquers needed to create a detailed and authentic model.
  
  

Preparation

• Surface preparation is important to getting a good final finish with Tamiya paints. By ensuring a smooth surface, you guarantee there will be no imperfections in the final painted surface. Light grit sand paper will allow you to eliminate any deep gouges or pits from your model's surface, allowing you to achieve a smooth and uniform surface. Any scratches or defects in the model surface, even if they seem minor in the raw material, will become far more noticeable once paint and lacquer are applied.
  
  

Primer

• Primer helps the top coats of paint adhere to the surface, and prevents paint from soaking into the bare surface of your models. Spray Tamiya primer on in short, light bursts rather than laying it on in thick layers. Thick coats tend to bead up and run, which causes paint drips that need additional sanding to remove. Heat the spray can in warm water prior to use for a finer spray; fine spray particles help create a smoother, more uniform consistency in the paint surface.
  
  

Top Coat

• Always apply lighter colors first. Let each coat dry completely before adding the next layer. Also, wet sanding imperfections after each coat will help ensure a uniform and flawless final finish. By taking the time to eliminate small imperfections at this stage, you will ultimately get a better finished product at the end.
  Once again, heating the paint in warm water will help create a finer spray.
  
  

Lacquer

• The final stage of Tamiya painting is the application of a clear lacquer. Apply any decals or final detailing before applying lacquer. Lacquer will help prevent fading due to UV rays or age. It also helps safeguard against scratches or chips in the top coat of paint. Lacquer can be matte or gloss, depending on personal preference. Gloss is easier to keep clean because it creates a smoother surface.