How to Paint using Tamiya Acrylic and Mr. Leveling Thinner

Paint-brushing Tamiya acrylics are almost impossible, even with retarders. Enamel paints are probably the best to paint brushing, while lacquer paints dry too quickly. Because I currently don't have any enamels in stock, I decided to detail the parts of this 1/700 HMS York model using Tamiya Acrylic thinned with Mr. Leveling Thinner. The Tamiya acrylic behaved like enamel paint. It paints smoothly on the surface and makes an opaque finish. The only note is you should wait between strokes to avoid disrupting the underlying layers.

[@davidlanham5914]

What thinning ratio did you use here (Tamiya paint-to-thinner) for your brush painting? Have you ever tried adding the Tamiya dry retarder, or do you feel like it's unnecessary? Do you use the same thinning ratio for airbrushing? Do you believe prime before painting? Thanks.

[@mdanumurthi]

I didn't measure the ratio but the mix ia thicker than that of regular milk. Yes, I have with retarder + tamiya thinner but I was a bit dissapointed as I can't get the opacity. But I got the flow and opacity by mixing with Mr. Leveling thinner.

[@mdanumurthi]

For airbrush, the paint to Mr Leveling thinner ratio is like of milk. I usually make 2-3 passes to build the paint opacity. More thinner than paint. While for the brush, less thinner and more paint.

[@mdanumurthi]

Yes, I always prime my kits. I use Tamiya Surface primer White for white colors and figures. And Mr Surfacer Grey and Surfacer Black for other colors.