Clear Red 17ml

Clear Red — AK Interactive 3rd Generation Transparent Acrylic Paint

Clear red belongs to the translucent shades. It does not cover what is beneath it, but tints it instead — so it works differently from an ordinary paint, and it is worth knowing that before you open the bottle. It is a water-based acrylic, thinned with water or acrylic thinner of the same type.

What it is and what it is not

It is a tinting, transparent paint with no covering power. Over a dark area it nearly disappears, while over white or silver it lights the shade up into rich glass. It is not a red for camouflage, figures' coats, or large body panels, where it would leave only a faint pink cast with the base showing through. Saturation is controlled by the number of coats: each additional coat deepens the shade, so you can go from a subtle pink cast to dark ruby glass.

Where it fits

• Tail and brake lights, reflectors and beacons over a silver or white base.
• Clear plastic parts meant to stay translucent.
• Tinting already-painted red areas for more gloss and depth.
• Backlit effects on a diorama, where light should show through the paint.

How to apply it

Transparent shades forgive little: a heavy coat stays uneven, and a dark blotch forms wherever the paint pools. Work in thin coats and let each one dry before the next. With a brush, work in one direction and do not go back over a wet area; with an airbrush, spray from a greater distance and prefer more passes. The base must be smooth, since everything underneath a translucent layer shows through.

Who it is for

For modelers of cars, equipment and aircraft finishing lighting details and clear parts, and for anyone working with layered glazes.

Apply in thin coats and let them dry. Stir before use, close the bottle, and store at room temperature, out of the reach of children.