X-3 Royal Blue (Enamel)

Tamiya X-3 Royal Blue (Enamel) — gloss enamel paint, 10 ml

A modeling paint from Tamiya, from the Color Enamel range, in a 10 ml glass bottle. The shade X-3 Royal Blue is a saturated, deep royal blue with a gloss surface (the X line = gloss). It is not a kit and not parts of a model — you are buying the paint itself.

Caution: this is an ENAMEL, not an acrylic

Tamiya offers the same shade numbers (X-3, X-5 and so on) side by side in an acrylic and an enamel version. They are different products with different chemistry. This bottle is an enamel (synthetic), solvent-based paint — it is not water-thinnable. It is thinned, and tools are cleaned, with X-20 thinner. X-20A belongs to the acrylics and is not suitable for this enamel — the letter A at the end is the only difference in the name, but a fundamental difference in use. If you are looking for the water-thinnable version, reach for the acrylic X-3, not for this one.

Why enamels

• They form a very smooth, hard and durable coat with excellent adhesion to plastic, metal and wood.
• Slower drying means better leveling — brush strokes close up more readily.
• They are the classic medium for washes and for picking out panel lines over a cured acrylic base: enamel thinner does not attack cured acrylic, so the excess wash can be wiped off safely.

Use

• Racing finishes and civilian vehicles — cars, motorcycles and accessories where a strong blue is needed.
• Figures and details — thanks to its leveling it also works well when applied by hand with a brush.
• Mixing shades — a saturated blue suits use as a base for darker and lighter combinations within the enamel range.
• Airbrush — thin the paint with X-20; the manufacturer gives roughly 2 parts of thinner to 10 parts of paint as a guide, and it is sprayed in thin coats.
• A base under decals — a gloss surface is a good base for decals, which then do not silver.

Who the paint is for

For modelers who want a hard gloss finish and comfortable brush painting, and for everyone who does washes and panel lines over an acrylic base. Stir the paint thoroughly before work.

An enamel paint based on an organic solvent. Flammable. It irritates the airways — work in a well-ventilated space and use respiratory protection. Keep out of the reach of children and away from sources of ignition.