I have been having issues using the bottled tamiya paints for brush painting. They always seem to turn to a gooey, sloppy mess as I am painting. the paint in the bottle or if I decant it to a tray forms a rubber-like film on the top if it is not constantly stirred and leaves bad brush marks. Does this mean the paint is old, or does it mean that it is intended to be thinned considerably before being used? thanks

If it's acrylic it sound like the paint is forming a skin , it's drying . Have you tried adding some acrylic paint retarder tamiya # 87114 . Give that a try . Heck any acrylic retarder will work or should .

Tamiya acrylic paint is not really suited to brush painting. It's really good for airbrushing.

You might try thinning it with laquer thinner, Tamiya's or a generic brand. I found it goes better that way for brush painting, and I always use laquer thinner to thin it for airbrushing.

In any case, I find Vallejo acrylics are excellent for brush painting.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Christophe

I've had the same problem for a while now. Never used to happen. I have noticed Tamiya is putting less paint into their bottles. At first, thought my LHS were buying black market, but they're all like that. I may be paranoid, but I find it odd that first they went to smaller bottles and now less paint? Is more air in the bottle causing the gooeyness???Good marketing plan.Smaller bottles,less paint,more sales,More $$$.

Tom

What Christophe said. ...

In addition, I recommend using a 'wet palette,' even with Vallejo Acrylics. Note: A shallow plastic container with a resealable lid works really well for this purpose.

I live in a dry climate and have noticed that even my workbench lights and a small circulating fan in the room will decrease useful paint life once out of the bottle. The use of a wet palette has transformed my attitude toward brush painting immeasurably.

HTH.

—mike