Tamiya štětec č.5 - plochý

Tamiya flat brush size 5 — a large brush for areas

A large flat modeling brush from Tamiya. It is a modeling brush, not a kit — you get no plastic parts but a tool for painting. It is the widest of the flat modeling brushes Tamiya usually offers, and it therefore behaves quite differently from the small flats size 0 or size 02: it picks up a lot of paint and spreads it in one long stroke. The bristles are soft and natural (the maker gives horsehair for this brush) — that is the difference from the synthetic High Finish line. Softer natural hair holds a sharp edge less well but spreads paint better and leaves a smoother, less streaky coat over a large area. The handle is wooden.

Use

• Large continuous areas — aircraft fuselages, vehicle armor, ship sides, large panels and diorama baseboards.
• Base coats and quick coverage of a larger part in one color.
• Spreading a clear or matte overcoat by hand over a large area.
• Dusting a model off and sweeping sanding dust off an assembled part before painting.
• Suitable for acrylic and enamel modeling paints.

Why size 5 rather than the smaller flats

Choose size 5 when the main problem is the size of the area, not precision. Small flat brushes (size 0, size 02) on a large fuselage force you into dozens of strokes, the paint sets in the meantime and the coat goes streaky. A wide brush solves the problem by covering the area before the edge of a stroke dries. Conversely, you cannot reach edges, small hatches and details with it — those belong to a small flat or a pointed brush. Having both is ideal: the large one for the area, the small one for finishing.

Care of the brush

• Clean it immediately after use with the matching thinner: acrylic — water or acrylic thinner, enamel — mineral spirits or enamel thinner. Natural hair is more sensitive to dried paint than synthetic.
• Do not leave the brush standing tip down in a jar — a large bundle of bristles deforms especially readily.
• Do not press on the bristles; draw it lightly across the surface.
• Store it flat or bristles upward; after cleaning, gently straighten the bundle and let it dry freely.

Who it is for

For modelers who paint larger models by hand — aircraft, military vehicles, ships, figure bases and dioramas — and need to cover an area quickly and evenly. Useful as a workhorse brush for dusting and base coats too.

A modeling supply, not a kit. Paints and thinners are not included in the package. Ventilate while working with thinners.