LP-19 Gun Metal

The color

Gun Metal is a dark metallic shade with a cool, blue-gray cast. It imitates the metal of weapons, gun barrels, and mechanisms — a surface that is neither shiny like chrome nor brown like rust, but stays dark and reflects only mildly. The item belongs to the Tamiya LP line and carries the code LP-19.

Where it is useful

It works well on gun and machine-gun barrels, on breeches and ammunition belts, on exhausts, and on running surfaces that wear down to bare metal. It also serves well on small parts such as hinges, springs, chains, and tools. The metallic shade also works as a base for chipping: a top coat applied over it can be carefully worn through once dry, and the metal shows exactly where it would wear through on the real machine.

How to work with the paint

Metallic pigment settles to the bottom faster than in ordinary shades, so stir the contents thoroughly before working and again during use, or the coat will come out gray in some spots and strongly metallic in others. Apply it thinly and over a smooth surface, since metallic particles highlight every scratch and every mark left by sanding. Choose the thinner, thinning ratio, and tool cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions for this line; a different thinner can curdle the paint or attack the layers beneath it. Let the finished metallic surface cure fully and treat it gently — a coat of varnish over it usually takes away from the metallic look.

• the dark metallic Gun Metal shade with a cool cast
• Tamiya LP line, code LP-19
• typical uses: gun barrels, breeches, exhausts, small metal parts
• the pigment must be stirred before and during use
• thinner and thinning ratio per the manufacturer's instructions for this line

Terms of supply

The package contains the paint alone. The thinner, cleaner, brushes, and spraying equipment are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.