Tamiya 81513 X-13 - Metallic Blue 10 ml acrylic paint

Tamiya X-13 Metallic Blue Acrylic Paint – Metallic Blue, 10 ml

Tamiya X-13 Metallic Blue is a saturated, glossy metallic blue with a distinct sheen. It contains a fine metallic pigment that gives a metallic-paint effect.

X-13 works well for painting car and motorcycle bodywork and painted parts, giving them a characteristic metallic gloss. The most uniform effect is achieved over a smooth, dark undercoat, and the depth of colour can be boosted with a thin coat of clear. Because of the metallic pigment, the paint should be stirred thoroughly before painting.

• Saturated, glossy metallic blue
• Metallic finish
• For bodywork and painted parts
• A metallic-paint effect
• Best effect over a smooth, dark undercoat

Tamiya Acrylic Paints – Characteristics and Handling

Tamiya acrylics are water-soluble acrylic paints whose dedicated X-20A thinner is alcohol-based – which is exactly why, once thinned, they atomise so well through an airbrush. The paint lays down evenly, does not clog the nozzle and forms a smooth, uniform coat. We suggest thinning at a ratio of at least one part paint to two parts thinner (at least 1:2). The paint can be thinned a little more, but for airbrushing you should not go below this ratio – paint that is too thick will clog the airbrush.

We recommend applying a coat of primer before painting with Tamiya acrylics, as it improves adhesion and coverage. Tamiya acrylics perform excellently through an airbrush; brush painting can be more demanding (they dry quickly and may leave brush marks). If you do not use an airbrush, for brush work it is worth considering AK Interactive 3rd Generation, Vallejo Model Color or Hataka Series B (blue).

How to Use and Thinning:

For thinning Tamiya acrylics we recommend the original X-20A thinner, available in several sizes. Note: acrylics require the thinner marked X-20A – the X-20 thinner (without the "A") is intended for enamels and is not suitable for acrylic paints.

Other thinners can also be used, such as Mr. Leveling Thinner, AK Real Colors Thinner or the "orange" Hataka XP03 thinner. Before curing, fresh paint and brushes can be cleaned with water, although for cleaning tools and airbrushes we recommend dedicated cleaning fluids, which work better.

Tamiya acrylics come in two sizes – 10 ml and 23 ml; some colours are not produced in the larger bottle. Most colours marked XF have a matte finish, while those marked X are glossy. The range also includes clear varnishes.

• Packaging: glass bottle with a plastic cap
• Capacity: 10 ml

About the Manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya is one of the most recognisable names in the modelling world, valued for consistent quality, clear colour coding and a broad, coherent paint range. Tamiya acrylics are a workshop classic – suitable for beginners and experienced modellers alike – and, thanks to their compatibility with dedicated thinners and varnishes, they form a convenient, complete painting system.