1. Product Overview
The TAMIYA 81722 Acrylic Mini XF22 RLM Gray is a high-quality acrylic paint designed for model building and various craft applications. This paint offers a matte finish and is suitable for both interior and exterior use on a variety of surfaces. It is water-soluble before drying, making cleanup easy, and becomes water-resistant once cured.
Figure 1: TAMIYA 81722 Acrylic Mini XF22 RLM Gray paint bottle. This image shows the small bottle of TAMIYA XF22 RLM Gray acrylic paint, indicating its compact size and packaging.
2. Safety Information
Always read and follow all safety instructions provided with the product. While TAMIYA acrylic paints are generally safe, proper precautions should be taken:
- Use in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling paint fumes, especially when airbrushing.
- Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, flush immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not ingest. If swallowed, seek immediate medical attention.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, to prevent skin contact.
- Store paint in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
3. Setup and Preparation
3.1. Paint Preparation
Before use, ensure the paint is thoroughly mixed. Shake the bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds to ensure pigments are evenly dispersed. If the paint appears too thick, it can be thinned with TAMIYA X-20A Acrylic Thinner or water. For brush painting, a small amount of thinning may be beneficial. For airbrushing, thinning is essential.
3.2. Surface Preparation
The surface to be painted should be clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, or mold release agents. For best adhesion and finish, prime the surface with a suitable primer before applying the acrylic paint.
3.3. Tools Required
- Brushes: High-quality synthetic or natural hair brushes suitable for acrylic paints.
- Airbrush (Optional): For smooth, even coats and fine detail.
- Thinner: TAMIYA X-20A Acrylic Thinner or clean water.
- Mixing Palette: A clean surface for mixing paint.
- Cleaning Supplies: Water, paper towels, brush cleaner.
4. Operating (Application)
4.1. Brush Painting
- Dip the brush into the paint, ensuring not to overload it.
- Apply paint in thin, even coats. Multiple thin coats are preferable to one thick coat, as this reduces brush marks and improves drying.
- Allow each coat to dry to the touch before applying the next. Drying time can vary based on humidity and temperature, but typically takes 10-20 minutes.
- Clean brushes immediately after use with water or TAMIYA X-20A Thinner.
4.2. Airbrush Painting
- Thin the paint to a milky consistency. A common ratio is 1 part paint to 1-2 parts TAMIYA X-20A Acrylic Thinner. Experiment with ratios to find what works best for your airbrush and desired finish.
- Set your airbrush pressure between 15-25 PSI (1.0-1.7 bar).
- Apply paint in light, even passes, maintaining a consistent distance from the surface.
- Build up color with multiple thin layers rather than attempting full coverage in one pass.
- Allow flash drying between coats (a few minutes).
- Clean your airbrush thoroughly immediately after use to prevent clogging.
4.3. Drying and Curing
TAMIYA acrylic paints are typically dry to the touch within 10-20 minutes. For full hardness and water resistance, allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours, or up to 48 hours in humid conditions, before handling extensively or applying subsequent coats of different paint types or clear coats.
5. Maintenance and Storage
5.1. Cleaning Tools
- Brushes: Rinse immediately with water until all paint is removed. For stubborn paint, use TAMIYA X-20A Thinner or a dedicated brush cleaner. Reshape bristles and allow to dry.
- Airbrush: Flush with TAMIYA X-20A Thinner or airbrush cleaner until the spray runs clear. Disassemble and clean components as needed, especially the nozzle and needle, to prevent paint buildup.
5.2. Paint Storage
Ensure the cap is tightly sealed after each use to prevent the paint from drying out. Store the bottle upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Proper storage extends the shelf life of the paint.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Paint is too thick / Brush marks visible | Insufficient thinning; too much paint on brush; paint drying too fast. | Thin paint slightly with TAMIYA X-20A Thinner or water. Apply thinner coats. Work in a less dry environment or use a retarder (if compatible). |
| Airbrush clogging / Splattering | Paint too thick; dried paint in nozzle; insufficient cleaning. | Thin paint more. Thoroughly clean airbrush, especially the nozzle and needle. Flush with cleaner between colors. |
| Poor adhesion / Peeling paint | Surface not clean; no primer used; surface too smooth. | Ensure surface is clean and degreased. Use a suitable primer. Lightly sand very smooth surfaces to create a key. |
| Uneven finish / Patchy color | Inconsistent application; insufficient coats; paint not mixed well. | Ensure paint is thoroughly mixed. Apply multiple thin, even coats. Maintain consistent brush strokes or airbrush passes. |
7. Specifications
- Brand: TAMIYA
- Model Number: 81722
- Paint Type: Acrylic
- Color: XF22 RLM Gray
- Finish Type: Matte
- Item Volume: 10 Milliliters (approximately 1/3 oz)
- Special Feature: Washable (before curing)
- Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Indoor, Outdoor
- Item Form: Liquid (in bottle)
- Included Components: Paint
- Manufacturer: Tamiya
- Item Weight: 1.76 ounces
- Package Dimensions: 3.66 x 1.65 x 1.65 inches
- UPC: 044455115650, 000045035692
8. Warranty and Support
Warranty and specific support information for this product are not provided in the available data. For any product-related inquiries or support, please refer to the official TAMIYA website or contact your retailer.
