LP-22 Flat Base

Tamiya LP-22 Flat Base - flattening additive, 10 ml

LP-22 Flat Base is listed in the Tamiya Color Lacquer Paint (LP) range, that is among the lacquer products, but it is not a paint. It is a flattening additive (flat base): it is added to a gloss Tamiya lacquer paint or to a Tamiya clear varnish and reduces its sheen to flat. The bottle holds 10 ml. It is thinned, and the tools cleaned, with Tamiya LP-10 lacquer thinner, never with water.

What it IS and what it is NOT

It IS an additive with which you turn a gloss paint into a flat one, and you choose the mixing ratio according to how flat you want the surface (the manufacturer gives roughly 1:1 for a full flat effect). It is NOT a paint: it has no shade of its own and no covering power. Nor is it a flat clear varnish, because it is not sprayed onto a model on its own. If you are looking for a ready flat varnish for a final coat, you need a clear flat varnish (LP-23 Flat Clear in this range), not Flat Base.

Use and tips

• Mix it into a gloss Tamiya lacquer paint and you get a flat version of the same shade.
• Mix it into a clear varnish and you get a flat or semi-gloss clear varnish, with the ratio setting the degree of sheen (less additive means satin, more means flat).
• Do not spray it on its own, because no usable surface would form on the model.
• Do not overdo the dose. Too much additive makes a whitish veil and a chalky, dusty coat. Always test the ratio on scrap plastic first.
• Stir the bottle thoroughly before use, because the flattening component settles at the bottom.
• Lacquer is more aggressive to plastic than acrylic, so apply the mixture in thin coats, ideally over a primer, and never onto uncured enamel or acrylic (it would dissolve them).

Who it is for

For modelers who work with the Tamiya lacquer range and want to control the degree of sheen themselves, from satin to full flat, without buying a flat variant of every shade. Because of the chemistry of lacquer it suits more experienced modelers.

A lacquer product: flammable with strong fumes. Work in a well ventilated space or in a spray booth, use a respirator and eye protection. Keep out of the reach of children and away from sources of fire and heat. The additive is sold separately and is not part of any kit.