Tamiya Paints & Primers for Scale Modeling
Tamiya produces one of the most comprehensive and respected paint systems in scale modeling, covering every stage of the finishing process — from surface preparation through final weathering effects. Each product line is engineered specifically for plastic, resin, and metal model surfaces.
Acrylic Paints
The Tamiya acrylic paint line is water-based and low-odor, making it well-suited for both brush and airbrush application. Gloss and flat formulas are available across a wide range of military, automotive, and fantasy color palettes. These paints are a popular choice for 1/35 armor, 1/48 aircraft, and 1/24 automotive subjects.
Enamel Panel Line Washes
Tamiya enamel panel line washes are pre-thinned formulas designed to flow into recessed panel lines by capillary action, delivering crisp, professional detail enhancement with minimal effort. Available in a range of neutral tones, they are compatible with acrylic base coats when used with appropriate enamel thinner. This technique is a staple of competition-level scale finishing.
Lacquer Paints
Tamiya lacquer paints are fast-drying with excellent durability, available in bottled and aerosol formats. Military aircraft color schemes — including authentic Luftwaffe, RAF, USAF, and IJN references — make this line a go-to for accurate military vehicle and aircraft finishing. Lacquers are well-suited for both airbrushing and rattle-can application.
Polycarbonate Paints
The Tamiya polycarbonate paint range is formulated specifically for lexan RC car bodies, bonding directly to polycarbonate without primer. Standard, metallic, fluorescent, translucent, and iridescent finishes are available in aerosol format. These paints resist chipping under RC use conditions and are applied to the inside of the body for a factory-quality finish. Visit Tamiya USA for the full color chart.
Primers
Tamiya primers include fine surface primer sprays and liquid surface primers in grey, white, and pink formulas. Fine surface primers reveal imperfections before painting and provide a consistent tooth for acrylic and lacquer topcoats. The pink formula is particularly effective under red and yellow finish coats for improved color vibrancy.
Thinners, Cleaners & Retarders
Tamiya thinners, cleaners, and retarders are formulated to work within the Tamiya paint system, ensuring proper viscosity, adhesion, and finish quality. Acrylic and lacquer thinners, airbrush cleaners, and paint retarders for extended open time are all part of this category. Using manufacturer-matched solvents is the best practice for consistent results across the full paint range.
Weathering & Texture Products
Tamiya weathering and texture products include dry-pigment applicator sets for adding rust streaks, exhaust stains, mud deposits, and snow effects to finished models. Diorama texture paints replicate realistic ground surfaces for base-building. These products are essential for completing diorama scenes and adding battlefield realism to armor models.
Complete Your Hobby Workspace
Pair your paint system with the right tools and supplies. Explore our hobby tools and supplies collection for airbrushes, mixing equipment, and finishing accessories that complement every stage of the scale modeling process. For the complete Tamiya product catalog, visit Tamiya USA.
