LP-40 Metallic Black/Černá met.

Tamiya LP-40 Metallic Black (10 ml)

Tamiya LP-40 Metallic Black is a lacquer (nitro) paint from the Tamiya Color Lacquer Paint (LP) line — that is, a modeling paint, not a kit. The bottle holds 10 ml, and the manufacturer describes it as a dark, glossy metallic shade. Tamiya runs three separate chemistries: acrylic (X-20A thinner), enamel (X-20 thinner), and LP lacquer (LP-10 thinner). This paint therefore cannot be thinned with water or with acrylic thinner. This shade is sometimes listed among the acrylic paints — that is inaccurate; LP is the lacquer line.

What kind of shade this is

Unlike flat black, Metallic Black is deeper and more sparkling — it contains a fine metallic pigment that comes alive under strong light and gives the surface a distinctive sheen. Lacquer metallics also create an especially smooth metallic look, because they flash off quickly and let the pigment settle evenly. It works well on car and motorcycle bodies, on engine and drivetrain parts, on metal surfaces with a sheen, exhausts, and also on sci-fi vehicles and robots, where a black is needed that is not dead flat.

Use and tips

• The metallic pigment settles to the bottom — stir the bottle thoroughly and repeatedly before and during work, or you will get an uneven shade.
• Metallics look better over a smooth surface — sand the surface beforehand and lay down a primer; every scratch will show twice as much once sprayed.
• Metallics are harder to overspray and mask (masking tape can pull off pigment or leave a mark) — apply them only at the end of the painting process.
• Thinning and cleanup: Tamiya LP-10, not water, not X-20A. Spray thin coats; the lacquer is more aggressive toward plastic — ideally over a primer.
• Never apply it over uncured enamel or acrylic — the lacquer layer will attack it.

Who the paint is for

For modelers of cars and motorcycles, for builders of vehicles with metal surfaces, and for sci-fi models. It gives the best results with an airbrush; a brush can be used to touch up small details.

The paint contains organic solvents: it is highly flammable and has strong fumes. Work in a well-ventilated space, use a respirator with an organic-vapor filter, and protect your eyes and skin. Keep out of reach of children and away from sources of fire and heat. LP-10 thinner is not included in the package.