Hey
I'm running low on my stocks of Tamiya X20 thinner, which i use to thin their acrylic paints. I was wondering what the heck it actually is. I also suspect that if I knew what the chemical was, then I might be able to get a whole lot more of it for a whole lot less money than tamiya charge for the stuff! Does anyone have the inside track on this, and, if possible, any suggestions about getting the stuff more cheaply?
Cheers!
AFV Painting & Weathering
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Tamiya X20 Thinner: What's It Made Of?
beepboop
Joined: May 23, 2004
KitMaker: 144 posts
Armorama: 127 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2006 - 02:05 AM UTC
Mojo
Joined: January 11, 2003
KitMaker: 1,339 posts
Armorama: 637 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2006 - 02:54 AM UTC
beepboop..
If im not mistaken it smells alot like a thinnned alcohol... That being said, you could mix up your own with a bit of denatured alcohol and water, or use windex, or just strat water to thinn your paint...
Dave
If im not mistaken it smells alot like a thinnned alcohol... That being said, you could mix up your own with a bit of denatured alcohol and water, or use windex, or just strat water to thinn your paint...
Dave
markm
Joined: September 11, 2005
KitMaker: 1,757 posts
Armorama: 1,148 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2006 - 03:13 AM UTC
I thin mine with straight alcohol. My LHS carries some Tamiya paint but no thinner for it. I dont usually have any problem with the tip dry, but I keep a swab soaked in alcohol handy just to wipe any built up paint off.
mother
Joined: January 29, 2004
KitMaker: 3,836 posts
Armorama: 1,370 posts
Posted: Monday, October 16, 2006 - 04:52 AM UTC
It's nothing but alcohol. It's pretty much what I use to thin all my acrylic paints with. Suggestion, by the Isopropyl (rubbing) Alcohol that has a high content, the highest out I've seen is 91%. At one time there was 100%, haven't seen any in sometime. The higher, the more cleaning power. Just use like the Tamiya thinner.
Joe
Edit: the best part, you can buy two 16oz bottols for $1 buck.
Joe
Edit: the best part, you can buy two 16oz bottols for $1 buck.
JohnGee
Joined: January 25, 2006
KitMaker: 11 posts
Armorama: 5 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 02:06 AM UTC
I got a bottle of Isopropyl (rubbing) Alcohol 99% at Meijer food store here in the Chicago area
armorjunior
Joined: August 03, 2006
KitMaker: 263 posts
Armorama: 237 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 06:21 AM UTC
do you think they will have 91% alchohal at Safeway?
slynch1701
Joined: March 08, 2005
KitMaker: 340 posts
Armorama: 290 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 - 09:11 AM UTC
you should be able to buy at any drug store in the US, and most grocery store with any kind of first aid section. What you are looking for is in the title of rubbing alcohol or Isopropyl alcohol (both are the same thing. It comes in different purities. Also, denatured alcohol is a bit different in that it is ethanol, but should work just the same.
I suspect that the tamiya thinner is mostly Isopropyl, but seems to have something else in it, maybe purified water or glycerine or somehting as its smell and texture seems just a bit different than pure IPA.
Sean
I suspect that the tamiya thinner is mostly Isopropyl, but seems to have something else in it, maybe purified water or glycerine or somehting as its smell and texture seems just a bit different than pure IPA.
Sean
Nagman
Joined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 22 posts
Armorama: 21 posts
Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2006 - 01:29 AM UTC
Hi
I have in the past used car screen wash to thin Tamiya acylic paint, even with its blue colour it has no effect on the colours being used even white.
Martin
I have in the past used car screen wash to thin Tamiya acylic paint, even with its blue colour it has no effect on the colours being used even white.
Martin
glock26ph
Joined: October 22, 2006
KitMaker: 6 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2006 - 08:26 AM UTC
Great tip guys!
Good thing Isopropyl "rubbing alcohol" is cheap and easy to find.
Good thing Isopropyl "rubbing alcohol" is cheap and easy to find.
Henk
Joined: August 07, 2004
KitMaker: 6,391 posts
Armorama: 4,258 posts
Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2006 - 10:12 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I suspect that the tamiya thinner is mostly Isopropyl, but seems to have something else in it, maybe purified water or glycerine or somehting as its smell and texture seems just a bit different than pure IPA.
I believe it has a retarder added, which slows down the drying time.
I have tried water to thin Tamiya paint, and whilst it works, I get the best results with X20. Having said that, I have not yet tried Isopropyl (rubbing) Alcohol as my local pharmacy told me it was on subscibtion. only .
:-) 
Ross
Joined: December 23, 2004
KitMaker: 213 posts
Armorama: 130 posts
Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2006 - 02:23 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Having said that, I have not yet tried Isopropyl (rubbing) Alcohol as my local pharmacy told me it was on subscibtion. only .
Henk, if you can get to a branch of Maplins (electronics stores), you can buy a litre of Isopropyl Alcohol for £10.67, which is about 50% of Tamiya thinner, plus if it is diluted I suppose that makes it even cheaper.
viper29_ca
Joined: October 18, 2002
KitMaker: 2,247 posts
Armorama: 1,138 posts
Posted: Sunday, October 22, 2006 - 06:30 PM UTC
I have used pretty much everything on the market to thin Tamiya paints, rubbing alcohol of varying strengths, windex, windshield washer fluid, water, and various mixtures of all of the above, and for my money, there is nothing better than Tamiya's own thinner. At least for thinning the paint to be airbrushed. If you just want to thin the paint in the bottle because its getting too thick, by all means use one of the above, but for thinning to airbrush, I would stick to the Tamiya thinner.
When I used anything else, the flat colors of tamiya when laid down by airbrush would end up having a fine texture to it, almost a dusty texture, that is when the airbrush would spray it and not clog up, or dry the tip up every 5 mins. Once I took the plunge and sprung for a bottle of tamiya thinner, my paint went down smoother, without the grainy texture to it, I could leave my airbrush sitting for 10 mins or more without the paint drying on the tip while I got something else ready to be painted.
Yes Tamiya thinner smells like rubbing alcohol, but there is something else in it, gives it a sort of sweeter smell than just regular alcohol, whether its a retarder or what (which I assume it is).
Mind you I only use the Tamiya thinner to thin the paints for airbrushing. For cleaning the airbrush, or paint brushes, etc, etc, I use one of the other above agents.
I mean I paid $10 for a 250ml of Tamiya thinner, and it has lasted me through 20+ kits, and I still have about 2/3rds of the bottle left. So in my book, money well spent.
When I used anything else, the flat colors of tamiya when laid down by airbrush would end up having a fine texture to it, almost a dusty texture, that is when the airbrush would spray it and not clog up, or dry the tip up every 5 mins. Once I took the plunge and sprung for a bottle of tamiya thinner, my paint went down smoother, without the grainy texture to it, I could leave my airbrush sitting for 10 mins or more without the paint drying on the tip while I got something else ready to be painted.
Yes Tamiya thinner smells like rubbing alcohol, but there is something else in it, gives it a sort of sweeter smell than just regular alcohol, whether its a retarder or what (which I assume it is).
Mind you I only use the Tamiya thinner to thin the paints for airbrushing. For cleaning the airbrush, or paint brushes, etc, etc, I use one of the other above agents.
I mean I paid $10 for a 250ml of Tamiya thinner, and it has lasted me through 20+ kits, and I still have about 2/3rds of the bottle left. So in my book, money well spent.
BernardS
Joined: August 01, 2006
KitMaker: 13 posts
Armorama: 11 posts
Posted: Monday, October 23, 2006 - 10:43 AM UTC
Hi Guys
sometimes I find the context of the mail quite amusing.
For instance after spending money on the kit and countless hours don't get hung up on the cost of Tamiya's X20 thinners, which after all represent a fraction of the cost of the completed model.
Tamiya have formulated X20 to be fully compatible with their acrylics and provide the best possible airbrushed finish possible. These thinners contain a full range of chemicals that ensure that the paint flows well, shrinks ont the surface at the right rate etc. does not dry in the brush or ............... dry in mid air before it hits the model's surface in case you have ever wondered about the rough finish.
Above all keep in mind that Tamiya is not going to ruin its reputation to promote something that is not of the highest order.
all other cheap thinner materials are great for clean-up, but do yourself a favour and use only a fully compatible for the final finishes on your model. after all it is the paint finish that leaves the lasting impression.
Just a tip from a professionalmodel builder.
sometimes I find the context of the mail quite amusing.
For instance after spending money on the kit and countless hours don't get hung up on the cost of Tamiya's X20 thinners, which after all represent a fraction of the cost of the completed model.
Tamiya have formulated X20 to be fully compatible with their acrylics and provide the best possible airbrushed finish possible. These thinners contain a full range of chemicals that ensure that the paint flows well, shrinks ont the surface at the right rate etc. does not dry in the brush or ............... dry in mid air before it hits the model's surface in case you have ever wondered about the rough finish.
Above all keep in mind that Tamiya is not going to ruin its reputation to promote something that is not of the highest order.
all other cheap thinner materials are great for clean-up, but do yourself a favour and use only a fully compatible for the final finishes on your model. after all it is the paint finish that leaves the lasting impression.
Just a tip from a professionalmodel builder.
JamesDean
Joined: August 17, 2005
KitMaker: 77 posts
Armorama: 67 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 - 04:12 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I mean I paid $10 for a 250ml of Tamiya thinner...
Thats an important point which many are not aware of: X-20 is availible in a (relatively) large 250ml bottle, usually for about $10 as you say.
$3 for 10ml is ridiculous but if your LHS is not stocking the 250ml, deamand it. All I had to do is mention it to mine and now he stock them (and frequently sells out!).
messer
Joined: July 13, 2004
KitMaker: 11 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 03:16 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Hey
I'm running low on my stocks of Tamiya X20 thinner, which i use to thin their acrylic paints. I was wondering what the heck it actually is. I also suspect that if I knew what the chemical was, then I might be able to get a whole lot more of it for a whole lot less money than tamiya charge for the stuff! Does anyone have the inside track on this, and, if possible, any suggestions about getting the stuff more cheaply?
Cheers!
%40 methy-iso-buthyl-ketone
%40 isopropanol
%10 isobutanol
%10 diacetone alcohol
this is according to the results of a chromatographer test. really! i'm just Bullsh*ting you.
plain alcohol dries too fast; it clogs the tip of your AB and can leave a rough finish on your model (a result of the paint drying in midair).
messer
Joined: July 13, 2004
KitMaker: 11 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 03:18 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Hey
I'm running low on my stocks of Tamiya X20 thinner, which i use to thin their acrylic paints. I was wondering what the heck it actually is. I also suspect that if I knew what the chemical was, then I might be able to get a whole lot more of it for a whole lot less money than tamiya charge for the stuff! Does anyone have the inside track on this, and, if possible, any suggestions about getting the stuff more cheaply?
Cheers!
what i meant to say is i'm NOT "just bullsh*ting you".
gcdavidson
Joined: August 05, 2003
KitMaker: 1,698 posts
Armorama: 1,563 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 03:53 AM UTC
Quoted Text
, and for my money, there is nothing better than Tamiya's own thinner....I mean I paid $10 for a 250ml of Tamiya thinner, and it has lasted me through 20+ kits, and I still have about 2/3rds of the bottle left.
So in my book, money well spent.
I agree.
Why spend $50 on a model, and then cheap-out to save a few pennies on paint thinner? I get 30+ models out of a $10 bottle, that is what...30 cents a kit. FWIW, Tammy thinner also works very well with gunze acryl paints.
gcdavidson
Joined: August 05, 2003
KitMaker: 1,698 posts
Armorama: 1,563 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 03:56 AM UTC
Quoted Text
%40 methy-iso-buthyl-ketone
%40 isopropanol
%10 isobutanol
%10 diacetone alcohol
Wow, it only took 14 responses for someone to actually answer the question!
Good info, thanks.
armorjunior
Joined: August 03, 2006
KitMaker: 263 posts
Armorama: 237 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 07:45 AM UTC
Quoted Text
plain alcohol dries too fast; it clogs the tip of your AB and can leave a rough finish on your model (a result of the paint drying in midair).
the clogged paint it broke my airbrush......
tried to clear the clog with a pin but eneded up bending then snapping the tip........
good thing it was the 32 dollar beginer brush
ended up buy a new 155 anthem
slynch1701
Joined: March 08, 2005
KitMaker: 340 posts
Armorama: 290 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 23, 2006 - 03:23 AM UTC
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
%40 methy-iso-buthyl-ketone
%40 isopropanol
%10 isobutanol
%10 diacetone alcohol
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow, it only took 14 responses for someone to actually answer the question!
Good info, thanks.
Someone has access to GC! Unfortunately, my compnay would fire me if ran anything other than a company approved analysis. Of course if they ever catch me taking pipettes, reagents and other things out of the lab.......
Sean
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
%40 methy-iso-buthyl-ketone
%40 isopropanol
%10 isobutanol
%10 diacetone alcohol
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow, it only took 14 responses for someone to actually answer the question!
Good info, thanks.
Someone has access to GC! Unfortunately, my compnay would fire me if ran anything other than a company approved analysis. Of course if they ever catch me taking pipettes, reagents and other things out of the lab.......
Sean
jlmurc
Joined: August 29, 2005
KitMaker: 1,267 posts
Armorama: 969 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 23, 2006 - 05:48 AM UTC
I guess that one has to suggest that you do some research about the proper manner with which to clean an airbrush as introducing something like a pin is the obvious way in which to damage a specialist tool, which whether it be $1 or $1000 is not something that one will do too often.
Whatever paint you are using then there will normally be some chemical [thinner] that will soften and clean your airbrush with minimum of effort.
John
Whatever paint you are using then there will normally be some chemical [thinner] that will soften and clean your airbrush with minimum of effort.
John
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