Global Scale Modeller

Hi Folks.

Looking for advice on Tamiya clear x-22.

I have read that it should be used to make XF flat paints dry as a gloss, as x-21 flat clear makes X gloss paints dry as a flat finish.

Can the x-22 be used as a clear coat over decals?
Does it need thinning for the airbrush, if so what ratio would be best?
What thinner would be best x-20a or lacquer thinner with retarder?
Would the airbrush have to be cleaned with cellulose cleaner?

Any advice would be very welcome.

Cheers, Neil.

I just looked through my stash and I don't have any X-22 to test. I found this on the Tamiya website. Evidently this can be thinned with whatever. Kinda cool.

The paint can be thinned for airbrushing using Tamiya X-20A Acrylic thinner.
The paint can be also thinned for airbrushing using Tamiya Lacquer Thinner. Using Tamiya Lacquer Thinner will yield faster drying results and a harder finish.
For better paint brushing results use Tamiya Paint Retarder (87114) for a smoother brushstroke free finish.

I did a little experiment with some X-21 I had. I mixed about 1:2 finish to thinner. Sprayed at 20psi out of an Apex. Went on pretty easily. I think some really light coats is the way to go with it.

If you're looking for something to seal decals, I recommend Alclad II Aquagloss.

Cellulose cleaner is what I use for 98% of the cleaning process then run a couple of mls of either Ulimate AB cleaner or more often now VMS cleaner for the last flush through.
x-21 is a matt finish
X-22 is a gloss finish and yes over decals is fine. Its what I sometimes do 50/50 mix with Mr hobby leveling thinner it is better than using the x-20a. The surface is much smoother.
I have never mixed with a paint color so can't answer that question, x-21 is made to be mixed with paint so I guess you could.

Thanks for your feedback guys, it’s very useful.

Hi,
This can be added to the XF paint range, how much you add depends on whether you want a satin or gloss finish, you will have to run a few tests to get the finish you want.
As has been already said, thinning with lacquer thinners is best, either type of tamiya lacquer thinner works very well (I prefer the type with retarder). the Mr hobby versions are also very good so it depends what you can get in your area.
Using cheap cellulose thinners is best for clean up.
It can also be used as a clear coat over decals, but applying in thin coats and allow 15 minutes to dry before the next coat is applied (if Lacquer thinners is used to thin it out).

Thanks Keith.

To save yourself all the faff, just airbrush on your Matt colour. Go to Halfords or any car accessory shop and pick up some clear gloss acrylic or lacquer in aerosol form. Spray on one coat of gloss over your matt colour. When dry, put on your trimmed decals, dab them with a bit of kitchen roll to ensure they are laid on ok, dry them off, then seal in with another coat of clear.
Maybe I'm just getting too lazy to be asked to keep cleaning out air brushes.
I now tend to use Halfords White or Grey acrylic automotive aerosol primers as it is a lot faster than setting up an air brush with all its attendant mixing and cleaning up afterwards. My air brushing is now limited to colours that have to be air brushed and for custom painting where you need fine control.