X-5 Green (Enamel)

Tamiya X-5 Green (Enamel) — Gloss Enamel Paint, 10 ml

A Tamiya Color Enamel modeling paint, shade X-5 Green, in a 10 ml package. A rich, pure green with a gloss finish — for Tamiya, gloss is exactly what the X range denotes (matte versions carry the XF designation). The product is the paint itself; it is not a kit.

Important: this is enamel, not acrylic

The designation X-5 is used by Tamiya for both an acrylic and an enamel paint. These are not interchangeable products, however — they differ in chemistry and in thinner. This bottle contains an enamel, that is, a synthetic solvent-based paint, which cannot be thinned with water. It uses thinner X-20. Thinner X-20A is meant for acrylics and should not be used with this enamel. The one-letter difference in the name is easy to miss, so check when buying whether you want the enamel or the acrylic version of X-5.

Advantages of enamels

• They form a smooth, hard and durable coat that adheres well to plastic, metal and wood.
• They dry more slowly, which lets them self-level and spread out — a brush coat comes out even.
• They serve as the classic medium for washes and panel-line highlighting applied over a cured acrylic base coat, since neither the enamel nor its thinner will damage it.

Use

• Civilian vehicles — bodies and paint jobs where a bold green suits.
• Machinery and equipment — tractors, utility and construction machines, frames and accessories.
• Accessories and details — crates, tools, small parts, figures.
• Airbrush and brush — for spraying, thin with X-20 (roughly 2 parts thinner to 10 parts paint) and spray thin coats.
• A base under decals — the gloss surface prevents decals from silvering.

Who the paint is for

For modelers who want a durable gloss finish straight from the bottle, and for those working with enamel washes over an acrylic base. Mix the paint thoroughly before use, since the pigment settles.

A solvent-based enamel paint. Flammable. Irritates the airways — work in good ventilation and with respiratory protection. Keep out of the reach of children and away from ignition sources.