Tamiya "Clear" Colors:
X-19 Smoke
X-22 Clear
X-23 Clear Blue
X-24 Clear Yellow
X-25 Clear Green
X-26 Clear Orange
X-29 Clear Red
Colors For Lights:
Amber
Tamiya: Mix 1 part clear yellow with 1 part clear orange.
Testors/Model Master: Turn signal amber metallic.
Red
Tamiya: Clear red.
Testors/Model Master: Stoplight metallic.
Other Painting Tips:
Tint windows by airbrushing "smoke" (not advisable to hand paint).
Use "clear red" and "clear blue" to "anodize" chrome parts. Paint chrome silver behind
lights to give them a vibrant look. Even better, use bare metal foil behind lights.
When painting red and amber lights, paint edges as well as back of light. This gives a
cleaner, more consistent look.
Use window masks included in most Tamiya (car) kits to get a clean look for flat black
borders. Cover the non-painted side of the window with regular masking tape to prevent overspray.
Use "clear blue" for a nice look on window washer reservoirs that are molded in clear.
Use amber or red over bare metal foil to "make" raised lights.
Glues for Clear Parts: (All will dry perfectly clear):
You can use white glue to "make" recessed lights.
Testors clear parts cement - built-in thin applicator, thin consistency, must scrape paint
or plating before use, will not fill in gaps, may craze.
Microscale Micro crystal clear - no applicator included, medium consistency, may fill in
small gaps, will not craze parts.
Craft Store White Glue (Ex. "Twice as Tacky") - Thick applicator in cap, thick consistency,
fills gaps well, can be thinned down with water.
Watch Crystal cement - Built-in thin applicator, medium consistency, dries fast, strong hold
but can be removed; No need to scrape paint before use, won't harm paint, but can craze clear plastic.
Damage Repair:
Surface scratches and marring can be easily removed from clear parts with a polishing kit. Use exactly the same as for polishing paint. Polish in alternating perpendicular directions with each successive pad.
Created: September 4, 2000 Last Updated: July 29. 2004