XF-17 Sea Blue 10ml

Tamiya XF-17 Sea Blue — Matte Enamel Paint, 10 ml

A Tamiya modeling paint from the Color Enamel line in a 10 ml bottle. The XF designation means a matte (flat) finish. This is a solvent-based (synthetic) enamel, thinned with Tamiya X-20 thinner — not X-20A, which belongs to acrylics. Tamiya also offers the same shade number as a water-thinnable acrylic; this item is the enamel version, so do not confuse it with the acrylic XF-17 — they are different media with different thinners. Note that this is a paint, not a kit.

Use

• Dark naval blue; the manufacturer recommends it for the camouflage of American naval equipment.
• Typically for US Navy carrier aircraft from the late Second World War period, when the service switched to a dark, essentially single-color blue scheme. If you are building a specific aircraft, check the documentation to see whether your version calls for a matte or a gloss finish — late American naval schemes tended to be glossier, which can be addressed with a final varnish.
• Also suitable for dark blue elements on ships, accessories and equipment where a rich matte blue is needed.
• Enamels are a classic medium for washes and panel-line highlighting — over a cured acrylic base you can apply them with no risk of disturbing the base and wipe off the excess.

Thinning and application

The paint is designed for airbrush and brush. For spraying, thin it with X-20 (the manufacturer recommends about 2 parts thinner to 10 parts paint). Dark blues generally cover better over a neutral base — a primer is worth using. Stir the bottle thoroughly before use. Apply a gloss varnish under decals to avoid silvering; then unify the finished model with a matte or satin varnish as desired. Use a varnish compatible with an enamel base.

Who the paint is for

For modelers of American Second World War naval aircraft and ships, and for anyone who needs a reliable dark matte blue in an enamel medium.

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