XF-14 J.A. Grey 10ml

Tamiya XF-14 J.A. Grey - a Matte Enamel Paint, 10 ml

A Tamiya modeling paint from the Color Enamel range in a bottle holding 10 ml. The designation XF means a flat (matte) surface, so the paint dries without a sheen. It is a solvent-based (synthetic) enamel thinned with Tamiya X-20 thinner; note that this is not the X-20A intended for acrylics. Tamiya also sells the same shade number in an acrylic, water-thinnable version; this item is the enamel and should not be confused with the acrylic XF-14, as they have a different medium and a different thinner. Please note that this is a paint, not a kit: the package contains only the bottle of paint.

Use

• A gray shade matching the color of the undersides of Japanese Army Air Force aircraft of the Second World War.
• Watch out for confusion: XF-14 is J.A. Grey, that is Japanese Army. The shade XF-12 J.N. Grey, by contrast, is Japanese Navy, that is the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. They are two different shades for two different services; check which of them your scheme calls for before building.
• A generally usable light gray for vehicles, accessories, interiors and base coats.
• Enamels are the classic medium for washes and picking out panel lines: they are applied over a cured acrylic layer, which they do not attack, and the excess is wiped away.

Thinning and application

The paint can be applied with a brush and with an airbrush. For spraying, thin it with X-20 thinner; the manufacturer recommends roughly 2 parts thinner to 10 parts paint, depending on the pressure and the nozzle. Stir the bottle thoroughly before use, as the pigment settles at the bottom. Enamels dry more slowly than acrylics, which is an advantage for an even brush coat but calls for patience between layers. Apply a gloss varnish under decals, because decals do not silver on a smooth gloss surface; finally even the surface out with a matte varnish. Choose a varnish compatible with enamel (do not use aggressive cellulose or lacquer products directly on uncured enamel).

Who the paint is for

For modelers building Japanese aircraft of the Second World War and for anyone who works with enamel paints and wants a reliable matte gray for a coat, for washes or for toning.

The paint is flammable and contains organic solvents. It irritates the airways, so work in a well-ventilated area and use respiratory protection when spraying. Keep out of the reach of children, away from open flame and away from heat sources.