Tamiya Lacquer Paint Review – Tried and tested new paints
Tamiya lacquer paint review
Tamiya Lacquer Paint (LP Series): Quick Verdict & Specifications
Quick Verdict: Tamiya Lacquer Paints (LP Series) are dedicated 10ml bottled solvent-based lacquers engineered specifically for airbrush application. Delivering far harder scratch resistance and tighter pigment atomization than Tamiya’s traditional acrylic (X/XF) jars, they eliminate airbrush tip-dry and provide a rapid flash-off time that self-levels into an ultra-smooth, decal-ready surface.
| Specification | Tamiya LP Series (Bottled Lacquer) | Tamiya X/XF Series (Acrylic) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | True solvent-based acrylic lacquer | Alcohol-based hybrid acrylic |
| Bottle Size & Format | 10 ml round glass jar (LP-1 to LP-80+) | 10 ml / 23 ml glass jar (X / XF codes) |
| Optimal Airbrush Ratio | 1 : 1 to 1.5 : 1 (Thinner to Paint) | 1 : 1 (Thinner to Paint) |
| Recommended Thinners | Tamiya Lacquer Thinner (87077), Retarder Type (87194), or Mr. Leveling Thinner | Tamiya X-20A Acrylic Thinner or IPA |
| Airbrush Operating Pressure | 15 to 20 PSI (Down to 12 PSI for micro-mottle) | 15 to 22 PSI |
| Curing Hardness & Durability | Extremely hard; resists masking tape pull and enamel washes | Moderate; softer surface prone to scratches without clear coat |
Key Working Techniques for Tamiya Lacquer Paints
- Zero Tip-Dry Advantage: Unlike water-based acrylics that accumulate dry crust on the needle cap during extended sessions, Tamiya LP lacquers spray continuously without clogging.
- Use Thinner with Paint Retarder: Thinning with Tamiya Lacquer Thinner Retarder Type or Mr. Color Leveling Thinner slows solvent evaporation slightly, allowing the paint film to level out completely glossy without orange peel texture.
- Substrate Bite & Adhesion: The cellulose solvent chemically bites into polystyrene plastic, creating superior adhesion that won’t lift when removing high-tack masking tapes.
- Safety Measures: Due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), always spray in a dedicated spray booth equipped with an exterior exhaust fan and wear an A1/P2 vapor respirator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I thin Tamiya LP Lacquer paints with X-20A Acrylic Thinner?
No. Tamiya X-20A is an alcohol-based acrylic thinner and will cause LP lacquer paints to curdle and turn into a gummy sludge. Always use genuine lacquer thinners (Tamiya Lacquer Thinner, Mr. Leveling Thinner, or high-compatibility thinners).
Can you brush-paint Tamiya LP lacquer paints?
While engineered primarily for airbrushes, they can be hand-brushed for small details if mixed with 10–15% Tamiya Paint Retarder to prevent brush marks caused by ultra-fast drying times.
What is the difference between Tamiya LP bottles and TS spray cans?
Both contain high-quality synthetic lacquer formulas, but LP series comes in 10ml liquid jars for precision airbrush thinning control, while TS series is pre-pressurized in aerosol cans designed for broad spray coverage on car bodies.
Tried and tested new paint colors
I am a fan of Tamiya’s excellent lacquer spray paint range (TS series) for over 20 years. A few years after I stopped spraying enamels, I enjoyed the easy step of pulling my model car bodies directly from spray cans using TS paints.
The finishes were almost universally perfect and fast and easy to achieve. Eventually, I started unloading my TS paints for airbrush use, wanting more precise color matches and better control of application and paint thickness.
I wished for a day that Tamiya could present TS colors in jars for airbrush use. That day has finally come.
Tamiya’s LP paints appeal to modelers who love the company’s range of colors and prefer to use airbrushes to apply paint. Most of the colors I bought were those designed for model car manufacturers, including solid colors, metallics, pearls, and micas.
Also a bottle of thinner; bright clear; plain, semi-gloss, and glossy black; and three light colors: yellow, orange, and red.
To test the dyes, I went back to my tried and true method of spraying colors onto disposable white plastic spoons. They are useful as size swatches and for measuring how aggressively a paint will erode plastic before using it on a model.
A few colors were thrown over the bare plastic while the others were air-brushing the Tamiya thin gray liner to see how well it covered the gray compared to white. To create sample sugar polishes, I sprayed a shiny silver (LP-48) base coat and applied clear colors over it.
When testing new paints in this way, I mark the spoons with the corresponding color and note if the gray liner goes over them. And after a marathon session of spraying various colors, I had a good idea of how these paints work: Happily, they airbrush beautifully.
The paint flows smoothly, has enough pigment to quickly create color, and dries to proper gloss. However, depending on your airbrush and needs, they need to be thinned to thin 1: 1 or 2: 1 paint.
Following the spoon tests, I used the paints in several personal projects, including the ’57 Chevy snap kit. I mixed three of the LP paints to create a special mauve color that I put on Tamiya’s gray liner. I painted the metallic black on the roof panel of the kit directly onto the bare black plastic.
After mixing, the colors blend easily; the pigment is so dense that you won’t need more than a single bottle value for a typical 1 / 24th scale model (except for self-induced paint issues).
I am excited that Tamiya’s new LP paints are working well and they will become indispensable in my personal paint supply. They were beautifully sprayed, well-draped, and produced great results.
Tamiya Lacquer Paint LP-42 Mica Red 10 ML TAM82142 Lacquer Primers & Paints
A look at the range of red I got, including pure red (LP-7), Italian red (LP-21), mica red (LP-42), pure metallic red (LP-46), and light red (LP-52).
Tamiya Lacquer Paint LP-41 Mica Blue 10 ML TAM82141 Lacquer Primers & Paints
Blue colors include pure blue (LP-6), mica blue (LP-41), racing blue (LP-45), and pearl blue (LP-47).
Black colors include glossy black (LP-1), solid black (LP-3), semi-gloss black (LP-5), and metallic black (LP-40).
Comparison of airbrushed gloss black (LP-1), solid black (LP-3), semi-gloss black (LP-5), and metallic black (LP-40). I have found that flat and semi-gloss blacks are more accurate to the intended gloss than their TS equivalents.
Pure blue on the left (LP-6); It is coated on the right with pearl clarity (LP-49), providing a nice fine pearl for use in dark, solid colors.
Gloss Black on the left (LP-1); Gloss black with a pearl clear coat on the right. Like the pure blue above, pearl creates a nice subtle change.
Comparison of mica red (LP-42) on the left and pure metallic red (LP-46) on the right. Mica red is a bit more traditional pearl red, while pure metallic red has a warmer look. Compatible with Tamiya’s pure metallic red (TS-95) spray paint, designed for 2016 and later Mazda MX-5.
However, for a more realistic match with Mazda’s spirit red, spray a coat of clear red (LP-52) over pure metallic red.
Here you can see the spoon tests for pure red on the left and Italian red on the right, on a gray liner, and for bare white plastic.
Solid colors applied on unlined spoons are pure blue, pure yellow (LP-8), and racing white (LP-39).
Bright pearl white (LP-43), satin shiny silver (LP-48), and solid metallic gray (LP-61).
Mica Blue (LP-41), metallic orange (LP-44), racing blue (LP-45), and pearl blue (LP-47).
Want some goofy candy colors? Spray sparkling silver (LP-48) as a base, and then follow with light yellow (LP-69), light orange (LP-53), or light red (LP-52).
I gave some examples to the modelers for their feedback. Wayne Webers painted the body of a Porsche 911 GT1 from Tamiya in Italian red. Wayne had no problem obtaining a smooth solid surface including spot repair prior to applying the stickers.
Similarly, Joe Fotchky applied metallic orange coated in glossy clear (LP-9) to Tamiya’s new Toyota GR Supra, which provided a vibrant look before polishing.
I mixed a special lilac shade with 50% brilliant silver, 25% mica red, and 25% racing blue (LP-45). The rich pigment quickly covered the gray liner on the lower body. It was coated in metallic black and attached to the bare, black plastic roof without any difficulty.
For a glossy finish, without affecting the underlying LP colors, Mr. Mr thinned with color thinner (No. 101). I airbrushed it on the Color gloss transparent (No.46).
Tamiya Lacquer Paint Chart
Tamiya lacquer paint is a quick drying paint that can be used on many different surfaces. It is perfect for painting models and other small objects. To use Tamiya lacquer paint, first shake the can well. Then, holding the can about 6 inches from the surface, spray in a back and forth motion. Overlap each stroke by 50% to ensure even coverage. Allow the paint to dry for 30 minutes before handling.
No, Tamiya lacquer paint does not need primer. Tamiya lacquer paint is a type of paint that is used on model cars and airplanes. It is a fast-drying paint that can be applied to the surface without the need for a primer.
