What Are Tamiya Paints?


Tamiya is one of the most recognized names in the hobby industry, and their paints have been trusted by modelers for decades. Designed for use on plastic models, miniatures, RC bodies, and dioramas, Tamiya paints deliver reliable coverage, a smooth finish, and strong durability. They are known for being beginner-friendly yet precise enough for professional use, which makes them a favorite choice across the modeling community.

Why Modelers Choose Tamiya


Tamiya paints are versatile and forgiving, making them ideal for both brush and airbrush applications. The pigments are rich and consistent, giving vibrant color that adheres well to plastic and resin surfaces. Their paint system is designed with hobbyists in mind, offering a wide selection of authentic military, automotive, and fantasy colors. Tamiya is also known for its reliable drying times, smooth leveling, and excellent compatibility with primers, clears, and weathering products.

The Tamiya Paint Range

Tamiya offers several distinct lines of paint, each tailored to different applications:

  • Acrylic Paints (X & XF Series): Water-soluble acrylics that are safe, easy to clean up, and perfect for both hand painting and airbrushing. The X series covers gloss colors, while the XF series offers flat, matte finishes.
  • Lacquer Paints (LP Series): Pre-thinned lacquer paints designed for airbrush use, with strong adhesion, fast drying, and crisp color accuracy. These are excellent for durable base coats and realistic finishes.
  • Spray Paints (TS & AS Series): Convenient spray cans formulated for even coverage on plastic models. The TS range includes a broad spectrum of automotive and general finishes, while the AS range is focused on scale aircraft colors.

This broad system makes it easy for modelers to choose the right finish depending on the project, from brush-friendly acrylics to high-performance lacquers and sprays.

  • How to Use Tamiya Paints


    Getting the best results from Tamiya paints starts with preparation. Clean your parts to remove any mold release, and apply primer to ensure good adhesion. For acrylics, thin with Tamiya’s X-20A thinner for airbrushing, or use directly from the jar for detail brushing. Lacquer paints are ready for airbrush use with Tamiya Lacquer Thinner, offering smooth application at around 15–20 PSI. Spray paints can be applied in light, misted coats from 6–8 inches away, building up coverage gradually. Enamels work best for fine details, washes, and weathering, especially when thinned with Tamiya enamel thinner.

  • Cleaning and Finishing


    Cleanup depends on the paint type. Acrylics can be cleaned with water for brushes or X-20A thinner for airbrushes. Lacquer paints and sprays require lacquer thinner, while enamels are cleaned with enamel thinner. Once painting is complete, Tamiya clear coats—available in gloss, semi-gloss, and flat—help protect the finish and prepare surfaces for decals or weathering. Tamiya’s weathering pastels and panel line washes also integrate seamlessly with their paint system for realistic finishing effects.

  • Bottle Sizes and Formats


    amiya acrylics and enamels are sold in compact 10ml and 23ml jars, while lacquer paints are typically 10ml. Spray paints come in 100ml cans, perfectly sized for scale models. Each size is designed to balance hobbyist use with long shelf life, ensuring you have just the right amount for your project without waste.

Why Tamiya is Worth It


From entry-level hobbyists to competition-grade modelers, Tamiya paints are valued for their reliability, color accuracy, and ease of use. With multiple paint systems to choose from, they cover every stage of the modeling process—from priming and base coating to detailing and finishing. If you want a proven, dependable paint line that continues to set the standard for the hobby world, Tamiya is an essential choice.

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