Hello:

Several months ago I learned, the hard way, Tamiya's Flat Base isn't really a flat base, rather it is to be mixed with their Clear, in order to "flatten" it since I believe the Clear is a gloss/semi-gloss. Therefore, I'd like to use this combination to seal my models when complete. Can someone provide an mixing ratio for a flat coat using these two Tamiya items? Thank you for any assistance.

Randy

To my knowledge, tamiya's clear is gloss. I don't know of any "official" mixing ratios with tamiya paints, but there was an article about future floor polish in FSM a couple of years ago. There they gave the following ratios (I believe they work pretty much the same way with tamiya's gloss clear as well) for mixing with flat base.
1 part flat base to 3 parts future - dead flat
1 part flat base to 10 parts future - flat
1 part flat base to 15 parts future - satin

I experimented a little with hand brushing those mixtures and found out that the dead flat mixture easily forms white haze because of the large amount of flat base and the thicker coats when brushed on. 2 parts flat base to 10 parts future seemed to make a flat (not completely flat but still not satin) mixture.
I presume the dead flat mixture gives best results when airbrushed in several thin coats.

I hope this helps.

Randy,

I have found that there is no such thing as a set ratio to mix Tamiya Clear and the flat base as it is easy to add a tiny ammount too much and get the white opaque bloom. I have had success after testing various amounts and keeping a note of the results [lost to the wifes spring cleaning -as I have a habit of using odd bits of paper. One day I must get a noteboof!]
I would recommend that you buy a purposed designed flat varnish, such as that by Pollyscale.

John

It's a common misconception....... i know adding the flat base to "kleer" will work for a sealer coat

Thank you for your assistance!!