This paint gives a mirror-like reflective finish. It is a tone slightly darker than standard Tamiya metal-plated parts, and can also be masked. It can be airbrushed and brush-painted. ★Contents: 10ml.
*Always use with its dedicated, separately sold primer.
Image 1: unpainted wheel
Image 2: Primer for Mirror Paint is already diluted and ready to airbrush. It requires only a thin application. Allow it to dry fully after applying.
Image 3: Mirror Paint is pre-diluted and ready to use in airbrushes or with paintbrushes. Apply one thin layer only.
Image 4: the gray surface transforms slowly into a mirror finish.
Example of use: the final result is a relatively dark chrome, slightly darker than standard plated model parts. The paint is durable enough to mask on, and retains its shine long-term.
Both Mirror Paint and its Primer require painting in thin coats, and cannot be polished after painting, hence you need to be familiar enough with airbrushes to be able to paint a thin, consistent coat in one go.
If comparing to plastic model paints, its solvent is closest to – but not the same as – lacquer paints. Always ventilate your work area properly when painting.
It can be used on PS (styrene) and ABS plastic.
No. Always use the Primer. Even if you paint it over other black paints, or directly onto black plastic, you will not get a mirror surface.
No. The products are already diluted, and modeling paint thinners have a different composition, hence they cannot be used. Mirror Paint and Primer can be airbrushed without further dilution. Always close the bottle cap when finished using to avoid evaporation.
No, as it has the color of the metal used in the paint: a tone slightly darker than standard silver metal plating. Mixing it with other paints will not change the tone.
・Apply the Primer in a thin, even coat. Too thick, and the finished surface may have imperfections.
・Apply Mirror Paint in a single, extremely thin coat. Thick (or multiple) coats will not have a mirror finish.
*Paint on dry, clear days if possible – humidity can affect the reflective finish.
*Always test paint on unused materials before using it.
Not on acrylic and enamel paints. It can be used on top of Tamiya Color lacquer, spray and aircraft spray paints, but the surface may feature imperfections if it is painted too thick.
*Always paint in the order of basecoat, then Primer for Mirror paint, then Mirror Paint.
Yes, Tamiya Color acrylic, enamel, lacquer, spray and aircraft spray paints can be used, but lacquer paints should be airbrushed or their surface may have imperfections.
Yes. Masking tape can be used.
Clear paints – whether lacquer, acrylic or enamel – will damage the mirror surface. This is also true of tinted clear paints.
Use Tamiya Airbrush Cleaner, but be careful not to expose easily-damaged brushes, etc. to it for too long, as it may cause damage.
Use Tamiya Lacquer Thinner or Paint Remover.
It will not provide a perfect mirror surface.
No, it does not adhere well to soft materials like (synthetic) rubber tires.
It will give a dull finish with poor mirror surface.
*If you apply Primer for Mirror Paint first you will achieve a reflective surface, but the paint may peel off easily.
*If you apply metal primer before the Primer for Mirror Paint, it will not provide a mirror surface.
The Primer takes a little longer to dry than lacquer paint. Mirror Paint dries quickly after painting, but you should allow it a half day to dry fully.
Handling it should not cause any damage, but wiping with cloths, cotton buds, etc. may cause peeling. Even gentle materials like Compound Applicators may cause damage to edges. Gently use the Model Cleaning Brush (Anti-Static) to remove any surface dust.
No, Mirror Paint and its Primer cannot be polished.
Accent Color products do not have a major effect upon Mirror Paint surfaces, but wiping them away with a cotton bud will cause peeling. Instead, you can wipe away excess with a paintbrush and a little thinner, although this may still cause peeling.
Use is not recommended. While modeling wax and coating varnish will not damage the reflective surface, they may darken the surface or give it a cloudy finish.
Yes. However, Mark Fit will damage the mirror surface so its use is not recommended. If using cotton buds, roll them over excess moisture rather than wiping.
