Tamiya spray paints are not acrylic, but most can be used with acrylic paints. Tamiya spray paints are split into three main categories all with the modeller in mind. These are TS Spray Paints, AS Spray Paints, and PS Spray Paints. All Tamiya spray paints are perfect for painting larger areas with a single colour.
Tamiya spray paints have a strong odour and contain potentially harmful chemicals so are best used outside to prevent over-spray and to allow the vapours to disperse. If you don't have this option and you have to use the paints indoors it is highly recommended to invest in a spray booth that will catch over-spray and extract fumes.
For a more controlled application the paint can be decanted into a container and then used through an airbrush. This is done by taping a plastic drinking straw over the nozzle of the can and spraying the contents into the container. The paint should then be left for 30 minutes to allow all the propellant gas to evaporate.
What are Tamiya TS Spray Paints?
TS stands for 'Tamiya Sprays'. This is Tamiya's core range of spray paints for models. The paint is a synthetic lacquer that cures in a short period of time. Each contains 100ml of paint, which is enough to fully cover 2 or 3, 1/24 scale sized car bodies. Tamiya spray paints are not affected by acrylic or enamel paints. Therefore, following an overall base coat, details can be added or picked out using enamel and/or acrylic paints. By combining the use of these three types of paints, the finishing of plastic models becomes simpler and more effective.
What are Tamiya AS Spray Paints?
AS stands for 'Aircraft Sprays'. This range of spray paints are just like the TS range and feature authentic colours for aircraft models. The subtle shades can be easily obtained on your models by simply spraying. Each can contains 100ml of synthetic lacquer paint.
What Are Tamiya PS Spray Paints?
PS stands for 'Polycarbonate Sprays'. These spray paints are developed especially for use on transparent polycarbonate body shells for radio controlled models. Polycarbonate paint etches into the plastic to form a strong bond. Each contain 100ml of paint, which is the appropriate amount for finishing one of these models. Spray the paint on the inside of the body shell, keeping the can about 30cm from the surface. After curing, apply another coat. Small details should be brush painted beforehand using Tamiya polycarbonate bottle paints. Do not use other paints as the polycarbonate paint will damage them. Applying paint to the inside of a clear shell in this way means that the paint will not be chipped off if the outside of the shell takes damage. These paints are impervious to oil and fuels, so they can be safely used on gas-powered radio controlled models.
Polycarbonate spray paint will damage polystyrene so should never be used on a plastic model kit.