Hello all.
I'm currently up to blending my german 3 color Elefant tank camo. The color i was going to use was burnt umber. I've been told its a good color for blending dark yellow, dark green and red brown together. My question is; is it ok if i use humbrol matt varnish over the tamiya acrylic paint to protect it? And apply a burnt umber wash? The paint i had in mind is one of those artist water paints for the wash. Or should i do something else? Like tamiya acrylic varnish and a enamel wash? I'm not sure what to do on this part.
Thanks,
Callum.

Hi

The simple answer is you don't need to varnish the tamiya paint if doing an all over filter, as the Oils will no affect the acrylic paint

If you want to give a protective coat then as you are adding oils you must use an Acrylic clear, otherwise the oils will affect gloss coat

That was the simple answer, the more complicated answer is

As Tamiya Acrylics are quite fragile and easily removed I would use a clear coat to protect it, just remember if you are using a filter you should use a flat coat, Acrylic if you filter is oil based and enamel if you filter is acrylic based.

Hope this has been of help

Paul

Hello paul,
Thanks for the help.
I bought some tamiya clear today for the elefant tank. My other question is. Can i use methylated spirits to thin the clear varnish?
And once i've applied the filter, to make the paint dull again, would it be alright if i used humbrols Matt varnish or must i use tamiyas? I can't find a flat clear in my local hobby shop. So what should i do to get that matt finish once its done?
Thanks,
Callum.

Hi Callum,

I tend to use tamiya clear on most of my models before washes etc. Once I come to applying the flat varnish I use 2 different methods. I either spray on vajello matt varnish. This works quite well but can leave a slight shine so you have to coat it a few times. The second method is slightly more risky. I spray on humbrol matt varnish from their spray can range. The risk here is that this varnish eats into the paint. Its not a problem unless you touch the model before dry (if you do it will rip the paint up straight away). You also need to consider tempreture and humidity as it can mist up when drying. Once dry it gives a dead flat finish.

I have found that using humbrol varnish from the little tins is not as effective. I suggest trying vajello matt varnish as a safe option.

Matt

Thanks matt.

I spray Tamiya acrylics all the time and wash over them directly with Humbrol enamels and never use a clear coat. The secret is Humbrols own enamel thinner ... as its quite mild, it wont lift the tamiya .... but do let the acrylic coat cure for at least 24 hours!!