Hi there,

i ruined two of my favourite tanks a few minutes ago with an overspray of Gunze H20 mixed with Tamiya`s Flat Base and thinned with Tamiya`s Thinner. The surface became somewhat dusty and little white spots occured, which turned to show chalky lines if they were wiped off. The contrast of the paint is somewhat lost. The first vehicle, a german eightwheeled armored scout car which had a dark green camouflage scheme over the dark yellow base looks like beeing not cleaned for over a decade or so, but this isn't the effect i wanted. The second tank now shows clearly where the decals are positioned. I've put them on a former coat of gloss varnish, where the carrier film nearly vanished, but now it's back and much to good to see.
As i read in former postings, it may belong to the age of that Gunze-piece, but this was from a new delivery.
Which other flat coat may help with better results an is there a chance to save these kits?

Thanks in andvance

Try Humbrol if you've got it. It's the 'flattest' I've ever seen and I've never, ever had a problem with it.

Vinnie Branigan

I reckon the mistake was in using Tamiya's Flat Base. I believe it is only for flattening gloss paint or really, really dead flattening matt paint such as for dry mud or rust. It is by nature cloudy and would account for the white spots etc in your clear coat. It reminds me of when I was a kid and used talcum powder in glass paints to flatten them. As for fixing it I can't think of a way to do this except to remove the paint and start over. I use H20 and apart from sometimes getting a batch with a slight sheen which is probably because it's an older batch I've had no problems. I ditch these ones. Hope this helps...

I always use the Gunge Flat Clear/Tamiya Flat Base/Tamiya thinner with no problem. The only thing I can think of is that you used too much Tamiya Flat Base. I only use a drop or two. Flat colours also seem to be affected a lot by humidity so maybe that is the problem. Anyway, hope you find something that works for you.

Hello out there,

it took me a little while to return to that hobby (just jokin'), but i wanted to say "thank you" for your help.
After repainting both kits i will do a little "dull-cote-competition" with the coats from Humbrol, Model Master and at least Vallejo. Let's have a look...

Regards
Goetz

Using tamiya flat base is known to cause problems sometimes, especially if its not well stirredinto the mix. Any matt cote thats notstirred properly causes the same problem.
Over the last year I have used Humbrol´s matt cote and it has never let me down. Not the matt from the little tins but the newer "square glass bottle" type. I thin it with humbrols own enamel thinner for airbrushing.