TS-59 Pearl Light Red Spray

Tamiya TS-59 Pearl Light Red — a pearl lacquer spray

A spray from the basic Tamiya TS range intended for plastic models. The contents of the can are 100 ml, which according to the manufacturer is enough for two or three bodies of a car model in 1:24 scale. The binder is a synthetic lacquer that dries fast and creates a hard, smooth surface. The shade Pearl Light Red is a light red with a pearl effect, that is with a pigment that changes the gloss and the depth of the color according to the angle of view and the lighting.

The chemistry and what it is thinned with

The TS range is a lacquer, that is a solvent-based, system. It is not mixed with acrylic or enamel paints and it is not thinned with water. The essential practical consequence is the order of the coats: apply the lacquer onto bare, degreased plastic or onto a lacquer base. If you spray it onto enamel or onto acrylic that has not dried, the solvent will attack the coat underneath and the surface will wrinkle. The other way round is no problem — once the lacquer has dried you can touch the details in with acrylic or enamel without worry, because those will no longer attack the dried lacquer. The spray is not intended for the clear polycarbonate bodies of radio-controlled models; a different, flexible range belongs on those, because the lacquer would flake off Lexan.

Use

• Shake the can thoroughly before spraying; with pearl shades that goes double, as the pigment settles at the bottom
• Apply in several thin coats from a distance of roughly 20 to 30 cm, not in one heavy one
• The pearl effect looks best on a smooth, uniform surface, so sand the surface first and even it out with a base coat
• Do not spray in cold and damp conditions, as water condenses on the surface and the lacquer goes dull
• Let the coats become tacky in between; full curing takes longer than drying to the touch

Who it is for

For modelers of cars, motorcycles and anywhere a fast, hard and glossy surface over a larger area is needed without an airbrush. The pearl shade will be appreciated by builders of road and competition cars with a prominent body.

A flammable liquid under pressure. Use in a well-ventilated area or in an extracted booth, away from open flame, and protect your eyes and airways. Keep out of the reach of children.