XF-56 Metallic Grey 10ml

Tamiya XF-56 Metallic Grey (Enamel), 10 ml

A modeling paint from Tamiya, not a kit. It is an enamel (synthetic) solvent-based paint in a 10 ml bottle from the flat XF range. The shade is metallic: the manufacturer describes it as a dark silvery gray with a flat, non-shiny look. The combination of metallic pigment and flat binder gives the appearance of untreated steel without any toylike shine.

Use

• A metallic: stir thoroughly before use and while working. The metallic pigment settles at the bottom of the bottle; without stirring you lay down binder alone and the shade will be uneven. Stir until the sediment at the bottom is gone.
• Enamel, not acrylic: XF-56 is also sold in an acrylic version under the same number. This bottle is thinned with Tamiya X-20 thinner, the acrylic version with X-20A.
• Typical uses: steel surfaces, weapon barrels, tank tracks and road wheels, worn metal parts.
• Metallics look better over a smooth base, so smooth the area first and lay a smooth undercoat if needed. A grainy surface breaks up the metal effect.
• Metallic paints are harder to overspray (further coats settle unevenly and the metallic pigment shows through), so apply them at the end of painting, after the base shades.
• It can be applied with a brush and with an airbrush; for spraying the manufacturer suggests roughly 2 parts thinner to 10 parts paint. Enamels are also commonly used for washes and panel lines over cured acrylic.
• Use a gloss varnish under decals, because a flat metallic surface is a poor base for them.

Who the paint is for

For modelers of military vehicles, aircraft and ships who need a realistic shade of untreated metal, and for figure collectors painting weapons and gear. Suitable for plastic, wood and metal.

Flammable liquid with organic solvents. It irritates the airways. Use only in a well ventilated space, wear a respirator when airbrushing and protect your eyes. Keep out of the reach of children and away from sources of ignition.