Tamiya Thinners Cleaners and Retarders

Complete Tamiya Paint Preparation System

Tamiya Thinners, Cleaners, and Retarders form the essential foundation of professional scale modeling paint systems, engineered to work seamlessly with Tamiya's complete range of hobby paints. These precision-formulated products ensure optimal paint viscosity, extended working time, smooth application, and proper equipment maintenance for both brush painting and airbrush techniques. The X-20A Acrylic Thinner serves as the cornerstone product for water-based Tamiya Acrylic Paints, while LP-10 Lacquer Thinner provides the perfect solvent balance for Tamiya Lacquer Paint applications. Understanding proper thinner ratios and application techniques transforms good paint jobs into exceptional, competition-quality finishes.

X-20A Acrylic Thinner - The Acrylic Paint Essential

X-20A Acrylic Thinner represents Tamiya's specially formulated solution for thinning acrylic paints to ideal consistency for various application methods. Available in convenient 10ml, 23ml, 46ml, and 250ml bottles, X-20A accommodates projects of all scales from small detail work to large surface coverage. For brush painting, mix X-20A with Tamiya acrylics at approximately 1:1 ratio to achieve smooth, brush-mark-free application. Airbrush applications typically require 1:1 to 1:2 paint-to-thinner ratios depending on desired coverage and detail level. The 10ml size perfectly complements mini paint bottles for precise mixing, while the 250ml bottle provides economical value for serious modelers and frequent airbrush users working with airbrushing accessories.

LP-10 Lacquer Thinner - Professional Lacquer Performance

LP-10 Lacquer Thinner delivers the precise solvent blend required for optimal performance with Tamiya's LP-series lacquer bottles and AS-series spray cans when custom mixing or airbrushing is needed. Available in compact 10ml bottles and larger 250ml containers, LP-10 maintains consistent viscosity reduction without compromising paint adhesion or finish quality. This fast-evaporating thinner enables quick drying times and hard, durable finishes characteristic of lacquer-based systems. When airbrushing LP-series paints, start with 1:1 paint-to-thinner ratio and adjust based on ambient temperature and humidity conditions. The 250ml bottle provides excellent value for modelers who regularly airbrush lacquer paints or need to thin spray can contents for custom color mixing and airbrush application.

Acrylic Paint Retarder - Extended Working Time

Tamiya Acrylic Paint Retarder (40ml) serves as an invaluable additive for extending paint drying time during brush application, blending operations, and large surface coverage. Add small amounts of retarder to acrylic paint mixtures to slow evaporation, allowing more time for smooth brush strokes, seamless color transitions, and correction of application errors. This proves particularly beneficial in low-humidity environments where acrylics dry rapidly, or when executing advanced techniques like wet-blending, gradient effects, and figure painting. Retarder works synergistically with X-20A Acrylic Thinner and Tamiya Acrylic Paints to provide complete control over paint working properties. Use sparingly, as excessive retarder can compromise paint adhesion and extend drying times beyond practical limits.

Airbrush Cleaner - Essential Equipment Maintenance

Tamiya Airbrush Cleaner (250ml) provides powerful, effective cleaning for airbrush equipment used with both acrylic and lacquer paint systems. This specialized formula dissolves dried paint residue, removes stubborn pigment deposits, and maintains optimal airbrush performance without damaging delicate internal components. Regular cleaning with Tamiya Airbrush Cleaner prevents paint buildup, ensures consistent spray patterns, and extends airbrush lifespan. For routine cleaning between colors, flush the airbrush with cleaner until spray runs clear. For deep cleaning, disassemble the airbrush and soak components in cleaner to remove accumulated paint from needle, nozzle, and internal passages. Proper airbrush maintenance with quality cleaning products ensures reliable performance and professional results across all modeling projects.

Professional Mixing and Application Guidelines

Achieving optimal results with Tamiya paints requires understanding proper thinner ratios, mixing techniques, and application methods. Always shake paint bottles thoroughly before use, then dispense paint and thinner into clean mixing containers or palettes. Stir mixtures gently but thoroughly to ensure complete integration without introducing air bubbles. Test spray patterns on scrap material before applying to models, adjusting thinner ratios as needed for desired coverage and finish. When working with Tamiya Primers, ensure complete curing before applying thinned topcoats. Store thinners and cleaners in cool, well-ventilated areas away from heat sources and open flames. The complete Tamiya USA paint preparation system provides everything needed for professional-grade scale modeling finishes that stand the test of time.