LP-23 Flat Clear

Tamiya LP-23 Flat Clear, clear matte varnish, 10 ml

LP-23 Flat Clear belongs to the Tamiya Color Lacquer Paint (LP) range, that is among the lacquer products. It is a clear matte varnish, not a paint. The bottle holds 10 ml. It is thinned, and the airbrush is cleaned, with Tamiya LP-10 lacquer thinner, never with water.

What it IS and what it is NOT

It IS a transparent protective varnish with a matte finish, applied over finished coats of color as the final treatment. It is NOT a paint: it has no covering power at all, you cannot cover anything with it and you cannot change the shade underneath. And it is not a flattening additive (that is LP-22 Flat Base in this range); LP-23 is applied directly to a model.

Use and tips

• A final matte coat on military vehicles, aircraft and figures; it evens out the uneven sheen of paints, washes and decals into a uniform matte.
• It protects the paint and the decals against abrasion and fingerprints.
• The order is crucial: decals need a gloss surface, otherwise a silvery film (silvering) stays under them. Apply the matte varnish therefore only after the decals and the washes, never before them.
• Do not spray a heavy coat. Too heavy or too wet a coat of matte varnish turns white, giving a whitish veil and a chalky surface. Apply several thin, light coats.
• Stir the bottle thoroughly before use, because the flattening component settles at the bottom.
• A lacquer is more aggressive to plastic than an acrylic. Never spray it onto uncured enamel or acrylic, as it would dissolve them. The coats underneath must be fully cured, and a test on a hidden area is recommended.

Who it is for

For modelers who are finishing a model and want a realistic matte surface and protection of the coats of color. Because of the chemistry of a lacquer it suits more experienced modelers with extraction or a well ventilated workplace.

A lacquer product: a flammable liquid 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 flame and heat. The varnish is sold separately and is not part of kits.