XF-19 Sky Grey 10ml

Tamiya XF-19 Sky Grey (Enamel), matte enamel paint, 10 ml

This is a modeling paint, not a kit. Specifically it is a Tamiya enamel (synthetic, solvent-based) paint in a bottle of 10 ml. The XF designation in the Tamiya system means a matte surface. The shade is a light gray, and the manufacturer recommends it above all for American aircraft. Note: a water-thinnable acrylic version is also sold under the same shade number. This bottle is an ENAMEL, so do not mix it up with the acrylic.

Use

• Airbrush as well as brush. Stir the paint thoroughly before use, as the pigment settles at the bottom.
• It is thinned with Tamiya X-20 enamel thinner, and not with the acrylic X-20A. For spraying, the manufacturer gives roughly 2 parts of thinner to 10 parts of paint.
• It is applied to plastic, metal and wood. Enamel holds well even on smooth plastic and the resulting layer resists abrasion.
• Enamel paint dries more slowly than acrylic, so work in thin coats and let them dry through properly.
• Apply a gloss clear coat under decals. On a matte surface a decal silvers (air stays under the film). Use a clear coat compatible with enamel; the manufacturer explicitly warns that a lacquer (cellulose) clear must not be applied over enamel.

How it differs from similar shades

Sky Grey really is a gray. By contrast, XF-21 Sky is the British shade Sky, a light greenish tone, not a gray. Despite the similar name they cannot be mixed up. Compared with XF-20 Medium Grey, XF-19 is considerably lighter.

Who the paint is for

For aircraft modelers (light undersides, American schemes), for naval and military vehicles and for anyone who needs a dependable light gray for lightening other shades, for modulation or for preshading.

Safety: a flammable liquid, it irritates the airways. Work in a well-ventilated area and use respiratory protection when spraying with an airbrush. Keep out of the reach of children and away from sources of ignition.