Tamiya Spray Paint Guide: Complete Color Chart & Usage Tips

Choose between PS paints for flexible polycarbonate bodies or TS paints for hard plastic surfaces. Our complete Tamiya paint collection includes 130+ authentic colors with manufacturer-matched paint codes. Both paint types dry in 15-20 minutes and provide professional-grade coverage for RC car bodies.

Why Choose Tamiya Spray Paints Over Hardware Store Options

Tamiya spray paints deliver superior coverage, precise color matching, and professional-grade finish quality that standard hardware store paints cannot match for plastic model applications.

Key advantages include:

• Premium Nozzle Design: Tamiya's specialized nozzle creates a fine, even spray pattern that covers 25% more surface area, prevents paint splatter, and ensures smooth coverage on delicate plastic model surfaces.
• High Pigment Density: Tamiya paints contain higher pigment content than most acrylic paint brands, delivering authentic color reproduction with fewer coats required.
• Fast Cure Time: The synthetic lacquer base allows paint to dry in 15-20 minutes and fully cure within 24 hours, significantly faster than enamel paints.
• Authentic Color Selection: Over 130 original automotive colors include exact matches to automotive manufacturers, aircraft finishes, and scale model requirements.

Tamiya Paint Chart: PS vs TS Color Codes

Tamiya offers 47 PS colors for polycarbonate and 85 TS colors for hard plastic, each with specific paint codes for easy identification.

EuroRC stocks 130+ Tamiya paint colors with fast European shipping and Monday-only dispatch for spray cans due to shipping regulations. Plan accordingly for project timelines.

PS Paint Series (Polycarbonate Spray)

PS paints are specially formulated acrylic paint designed for flexible polycarbonate (lexan) bodies. The paint formula maintains flexibility after drying, preventing cracks when the body flexes during use.

Popular PS Colors:

• PS-2 Red
• PS-4 Blue
• PS-5 Black
• PS-6 Yellow
• PS-12 Silver
• PS-14 Copper
• PS-23 Gun Metal

Application Tip: Always apply PS paint to the inside surface of polycarbonate bodies for protection and enhanced gloss finish.

TS Paint Series (Tamiya Spray)

TS paints are acrylic lacquer formulations designed for hard plastic model kits, ABS plastic bodies, and scale model applications. The lacquer paint provides excellent adhesion and durability on rigid surfaces.

Essential TS Colors:

• TS-6 Matte Black
• TS-13 Gloss Clear
• TS-26 Pure White
• TS-29 Semi Gloss Black
• TS-101 Base White (85101)

Pro Tip: Use TS-101 Base White as a primer for light colors to achieve authentic color reproduction and improve coverage.

How to Choose PS or TS Tamiya Paint

Use PS paints for flexible polycarbonate bodies and TS paints for rigid plastic surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and finish quality.

When to Use PS Paint:

• RC car bodies (monster truck, buggy, touring car)
• Flexible polycarbonate shells
• Crawler bodies requiring flex
• Any clear plastic model parts

When to Use TS Paint:

• Hard plastic model kits
• ABS plastic bodies
• Scale model aircraft
• Rigid accessory parts
• Primer applications

Memory Tip: "PS" relates to "Polycarbonate Spray," so use only for flexible polycarbonate materials.

Tamiya Spray Paint Application Techniques

Tamiya spray paints dry to touch in 15-20 minutes and fully cure in 24 hours when applied in thin, even coats.

Surface Preparation

1. Clean thoroughly with warm water and mild detergent
2. Sand lightly (400-600 grit) for better adhesion on hard plastic
3. Remove all dust with a tack cloth
4. Mask areas using high-grade masking tape

Spray Technique

1. Shake the can vigorously for 2 minutes before use
2. Test spray pattern on scrap material first
3. Hold 6-8 inches from the surface
4. Apply thin, overlapping coats rather than thick layers
5. Always start by spraying off the model and sweeping across

Drying Time Guidelines

• Touch dry: 15-20 minutes
• Recoat window: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Full cure: 24 hours
• Decal application: Wait 24 hours minimum

Temperature Tip: Apply paint at 18-25°C (65-77°F) for optimal flow and finish quality.

Coverage and Cost Efficiency

One 100ml can covers 2-3 standard RC car bodies when applied in multiple thin coats with proper technique.

Coverage depends on several factors:

• Surface area: Standard 1/10 touring car body requires 15-25ml
• Color opacity: Metallic and light colors may need additional coats
• Application method: Thin mist coats provide better coverage than thick application
• Primer use: Base white primer reduces color coat requirements

Cost Comparison: While Tamiya spray paints cost more per can than hardware store options, the superior coverage and reduced waste from precise spray control make them more economical for plastic model applications.

Safety and Ventilation Requirements

Tamiya spray paints contain synthetic lacquer solvents requiring proper ventilation during application and curing.

Additional safety guidelines:

• Always use outdoors or in well-ventilated spray booth
• Wear respiratory protection when spraying indoors
• Protect eyes and skin from overspray
• Store away from heat sources and direct sunlight
• Dispose of empty cans according to local regulations

Vapor Warning: Lacquer paint vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas. Ensure adequate air circulation throughout the workspace.

Advanced Painting Tips and Techniques

Master professional-level results with these expert techniques that go beyond basic application to achieve authentic finishes and complex paint schemes.

Using Liquid Mask for Complex Designs

For intricate paint schemes, liquid mask painting technique allows precise color separation without traditional masking tape limitations.

Primer Selection

• TS-101 Base White: Essential for light colors and authentic color reproduction
• PS-1 White: For polycarbonate applications requiring primer
• Gray primer: Ideal for darker color schemes

Clear Coat Protection

Apply TS-13 Gloss Clear over finished paint for additional protection and enhanced shine. Wait minimum 2 hours between color coat and clear coat application.

Metallic Finish Techniques

Metallic colors require special handling:

1. Apply over black or dark base for depth
2. Use light, even coats to prevent mottling
3. Avoid clear coat over metallics unless specified

Alternative Painting Methods

While spray cans offer convenience, consider these alternatives for specific applications:

Airbrush Application

For ultimate control and finish quality, airbrush painting guide and equipment provides professional-level results with reduced paint waste.

Advantages:

• Precise spray pattern control
• Reduced overspray
• Better coverage on complex surfaces
• Lower long-term costs for frequent painters

Check out EuroRC’s collection of airbrush paints and supplies to get started.

Brush Application

For small details and touch-ups, brush application works with proper technique:

• Thin paint with appropriate solvent
• Use high-quality synthetic brushes
• Apply multiple thin coats
• Work quickly before paint begins to cure

Body Preparation and Mounting

Proper body preparation and mounting ensures paint adhesion and prevents damage during handling.

Pre-Paint Checklist:

1. Remove protective film from outside surface only
2. Cut body accurately using body cutting and preparation tools
3. Test fit on chassis before painting
4. Mark body post locations for drilling after paint

Read our essential RC hobby tools and equipment guide for the complete list of painting tools you’ll need.

Post-Paint Steps:

1. Install body clips carefully to avoid scratching
2. Apply decals only after full cure (24+ hours)
3. Trim excess material with sharp hobby knife

Troubleshooting Common Paint Issues

Problem	Cause	Solution
Orange Peel Texture	Paint applied too thick or can held too close	Sand lightly and reapply in thinner coats
Color Mismatch	Inadequate primer or substrate showing through	Apply TS-101 Base White primer before color coats
Premature Wear	Insufficient cure time or poor surface preparation	Allow full 24-hour cure and ensure clean surface
Overspray Issues	Poor spray technique or inadequate masking	Practice spray pattern and use painting accessories and masking supplies

Professional Techniques Without Masks

Advanced painters can achieve complex schemes using professional painting techniques without masks, relying on precise spray control and timing.

Key Methods:

• Fade techniques: Gradually blend colors using distance control
• Shadow effects: Create depth with strategic overspray
• Color transitions: Overlap colors while still tacky for smooth blends

Scale Model Applications

Tamiya spray paints excel in scale model aircraft, military vehicles, and automotive scale replicas where authentic color reproduction is critical.

Scale-Specific Benefits:

• Authentic military colors including NATO standards
• Aircraft finish options from matte to high gloss
• Weathering base colors for realistic aging effects
• Clear coat compatibility for decal application

For scale modeling enthusiasts, scale RC car bodies provide the perfect canvas for demonstrating Tamiya paint quality and color accuracy.

Tamiya Spray Paint FAQs

What removes Tamiya spray paint?

Remove Tamiya spray paint using synthetic lacquer thinners or specialized paint removers designed for acrylic lacquer. Always test on a small area first to avoid surface damage. For polycarbonate, avoid harsh solvents that may crack the material.

What thinner for Tamiya spray paint?

Use Tamiya lacquer thinner or synthetic lacquer thinner for Tamiya spray paints. These thinners match the paint formulation and ensure proper dilution, cleanup, or stripping without damaging plastic surfaces.

How many coats of Tamiya spray paint?

Apply 2 to 3 thin coats of Tamiya spray paint for full coverage. Light colors or metallics may require an additional coat depending on opacity and primer use. Always apply in thin, overlapping passes for the best finish.

How long between coats does Tamiya PS have?

Wait 30 minutes to 1 hour between coats of Tamiya PS spray paint. This recoat window ensures proper adhesion and prevents wrinkling or lifting of the paint layers.

Summary

Tamiya spray paints provide professional-grade results for both RC car bodies and scale model applications. The PS vs TS selection system ensures optimal paint adhesion and finish quality for any plastic surface. With fast drying times, authentic color matching, and superior coverage, Tamiya spray paints remain the gold standard for plastic model finishing.

Whether you're painting your first RC car body or working on a detailed scale model, following proper application techniques and using the correct paint type ensures professional results that enhance both appearance and durability.