Ethan Clarke
Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color is a popular product used for panel lining kits. However, it has been known to cause issues with bare plastic, including cracking and breaking the plastic. Some users recommend topcoating with gloss before lining and using another finish afterward to prevent these issues. While some users have not experienced any problems when using Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color without a topcoat, others have reported that it dissolved the plastic, making it brittle and prone to breaking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dissolves bare plastic | Yes |
| Damages plastic | Yes |
| Cracks plastic | Yes |
| Makes plastic brittle | Yes |
| Corrosive to plastic | Yes |
| Alternative product | Mr. Weathering - multi black |
| Topcoat required | Yes |
| Topcoat type | Gloss |
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What You'll Learn
Tamiya panel line accent can dissolve bare plastic
It is recommended to topcoat with gloss before applying the panel line accent to create a barrier between the plastic and the thinner. This will also make it easier to clean up any excess accent wash. However, some users have reported that they did not experience any issues when using the panel line accent directly on bare plastic.
It is important to note that using too much thinner or a thinner that is too strong can also contribute to the dissolving of plastic. It is recommended to use a lighter fluid or Tamiya X20 thinner to clean up any excess accent wash, as these are less likely to damage the plastic.
Additionally, it is advised to separate each piece of the model before applying the wash, as the runny enamel can sip between parts and cause cracking. Overall, while Tamiya panel line accent can dissolve bare plastic, proper preparation and technique can help mitigate this issue.
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It's recommended to gloss topcoat first
Tamiya Panel Accent is corrosive to plastic on its own and can cause cracking and brittleness. This is due to the enamel and lacquer thinner in the paint, which can soak into the plastic and cause micro-fractures that lead to full-on breakages later.
To avoid this, it is recommended to apply a gloss topcoat before using Tamiya Panel Accent. The gloss coat acts as a protective layer between the plastic and the accent liner, preventing the thinner from getting into cracks and causing damage. It also provides a smoother surface for the accent liner to work with, making the liner flow more easily along the panel lines.
Additionally, a gloss topcoat can aid in the proper application of water slide decals, as they perform better on smooth surfaces. It can also make it easier to clean up any excess Tamiya Accent or unwanted marks.
After applying the gloss topcoat, a final matte coat can be applied to take away the shine and create a desired matte finish. This workflow is recommended by many users to protect the plastic and ensure a smoother process and better results.
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$19.79
Tamiya accent colours can cause plastic to become brittle
The risk of damage is heightened when the product is applied to bare plastic, without a topcoat. The thinner can get into small cracks in the plastic and, as it evaporates, can expand these micro-fractures into full breaks. This is more likely to occur over time, rather than immediately.
To avoid this, it is recommended to apply a gloss topcoat before using Tamiya accent colours. This protective layer will prevent the thinner from coming into direct contact with the plastic and causing damage. It also provides a smoother surface for the accent colour to work with, making it easier to clean and achieve a neat finish.
Some users have reported successfully using Tamiya accent colours directly on bare plastic without any issues. However, others have experienced cracking and brittleness, even when a topcoat is applied. Therefore, it is generally advised to take precautions and apply a gloss topcoat first to minimise the risk of damaging the plastic.
It is also important to follow the instructions and warnings on the Tamiya accent colour packaging to ensure proper usage and avoid potential damage to the plastic surface.
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Tamiya panel line accent is corrosive to plastic
Tamiya Panel Accent is corrosive to plastic on its own, which is why it can cause cracking. It is enamel-based, and when left on bare plastics, it will soak into the material and make it brittle. This can lead to micro-fractures in the plastic that may expand into full breakages later.
To avoid this issue, it is recommended to apply a gloss topcoat to the plastic before using the Tamiya Panel Accent. This protective layer will prevent the thinner in the accent liner from damaging the plastic. It also provides a smoother surface for the accent liner to work with, making it easier to clean up any excess.
Some people have reported using Tamiya Panel Accent directly on bare plastic without any issues. However, it is generally advised to err on the side of caution and apply a clear gloss coat first to prevent any potential damage to your project.
Additionally, it is important to note that the thinner in the accent liner is not the only factor that can cause cracking. The assembly of the parts also plays a role. When the panel lining fluid cannot evaporate properly after assembly, it can leech into the plastic and cause brittleness. Therefore, it is recommended to apply the Tamiya Panel Accent before assembling the parts whenever possible.
In summary, Tamiya Panel Accent can be corrosive to plastic, especially when used on bare, untreated surfaces. To prevent damage and ensure the best results, it is recommended to apply a gloss topcoat and use the product on disassembled pieces whenever possible.
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Tamiya panel line accent can be used on bare plastic, but it's not recommended
Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color is a popular choice for modellers, but it is essential to understand the potential risks when using it on bare plastic. While some people have reported successful experiences without any issues, others have shared horror stories of their kits cracking and breaking.
The Tamiya Panel Line Accent contains enamel and lacquer thinner, which can dissolve and damage bare plastic. The thinner can seep into the plastic, making it brittle and prone to cracking or breaking, even under little to no stress. This is a known issue, and it is recommended to apply a clear gloss coat before using the Tamiya Panel Line Accent to protect the plastic and prevent any damage. However, some modellers find that this extra step makes the clean-up process more challenging, as the gloss coat can make it harder to remove any excess Tamiya accent.
While it is possible to use the Tamiya Panel Line Accent on bare plastic, it is not recommended due to the risk of damage. To avoid potential issues, it is generally advised to topcoat the kit with gloss first and then apply another finish, such as semi-gloss or matte, after panel lining. This two-step process ensures that the plastic is protected and that the liner flows smoothly along the panel lines. Additionally, a final matte coat can be applied to eliminate any unwanted shine.
Some alternative methods for panel lining include using ink-based pens, such as Gundam markers, or a pencil. These options provide a more subtle look and are easier to correct if mistakes are made. However, it is important to note that even Gundam markers can be damaging to certain types of plastic, so it is always recommended to check the packaging for any warnings. Another alternative is Mr. Weathering - multi black, an oil-based paint that is less corrosive to plastic but takes longer to dry.
In conclusion, while Tamiya Panel Line Accent can technically be used on bare plastic, it is not advisable due to the potential risk of damage. To ensure the best results and protect your kits, it is recommended to follow the proper steps of topcoating with gloss before panel lining and then applying a final finish. By taking these extra precautions, you can avoid the heartache of cracked or broken kits and achieve the desired aesthetic for your models.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tamiya Panel Accent can dissolve bare plastic and make it brittle, causing it to crack.
Tamiya Panel Accent is enamel-based and contains lacquer thinner, which can cause plastic to become brittle and crack.
You can apply a gloss topcoat to the plastic before using Tamiya Panel Accent. This will protect the plastic and provide a smoother surface for the accent liner to work with.
Yes, Mr. Weathering - multi black is an oil-based paint that is less corrosive to plastic and can be used for panel lining on bare plastic. However, it takes longer to dry and requires a dedicated thinner for clean-up.
