LP-48 Sparkling Silver

Tamiya LP-48 Sparkling Silver — a lacquer metallic, 10 ml

LP-48 Sparkling Silver is a modeling paint from the manufacturer Tamiya of the LP range, that is, of lacquer (cellulose) chemistry — it is not an acrylic and not an enamel. Tamiya runs three ranges that must not be confused: acrylics (thinner X-20A), enamels (thinner X-20) and precisely these LP lacquers, which are thinned with lacquer thinner LP-10. It is therefore misleading to take an LP paint for an acrylic. The shade is a silver metallic with a pronounced metal effect: the word sparkling means coarser, more pronounced metal particles, so the surface has a noticeably more sparkling, glittering sheen than a smooth silver. The bottle holds 10 ml.

Use

• Metallic finishes on the bodies of car models, where the metal is meant to be seen even from a distance.
• Wheels and rims, exhausts, frames and other bright metal surfaces.
• Details where you need sparkle — a smooth silver looks more matte and flatter.
• Airbrush and brush alike; as a lacquer it forms a hard, durable film suitable as a base under enamel paints as well.

Working with metallic paint

The metal pigment settles to the bottom of the bottle — mix the paint thoroughly before every use and during spraying as well, otherwise it will come out unevenly. Metallics show up every scratch mercilessly, so the surface underneath has to be sanded smooth, ideally over a primer. A finished metallic surface is hard to overspray and masking tape likes to damage it, so apply it at the end of the painting. It is precisely lacquer metallics that give a particularly smooth, genuinely metal look — that is their main advantage over acrylic ones.

Who the paint is for

For modelers of cars, motorcycles and all subjects where a convincing bright metallic surface is needed, and for those who work with lacquer chemistry and an airbrush.

A lacquer is more aggressive to plastic than an acrylic — apply thin coats, ideally over a primer, and never spray over uncured enamel or acrylic, as you could dissolve them. Strong fumes: work in a well-ventilated area and use a respirator. Flammable — protect it from fire and keep out of the reach of children.