Tamiya X-20A Thinner (10 ml)

Tamiya X-20A Thinner 10 ml – acrylic thinner for Tamiya paints and varnishes

Tamiya X-20A 10 ml is the acrylic thinner recommended by the manufacturer for the X (gloss) and XF (matt) ranges and for acrylic clear coats such as X-22 Clear, X-35 Gloss Clear and XF-86 Flat Clear. It improves flow, levelling and durability of the finish, helping to prevent chalky fogging and speckling when airbrushing.

What it’s for

• Controlled thinning: adjust viscosity for thin coats without losing coverage or fine detail.
• Better levelling: reduces brush marks and orange peel.
• Balanced drying: minimises graininess and “tip dry” in the airbrush.
• Guaranteed compatibility: formulated for Tamiya water/alcohol-based acrylics (X/XF series).

Ratios and airbrush use

As a starting point, mix 1:1 (paint : X-20A) for 0.3 mm nozzles at around 12–18 PSI. For fine lines or glazes, go up to 1:1.5–1:2. Spray in short passes and allow the paint to flash off between coats. When using clear coats (X-22, X-35, XF-86), start at 1:1 and adjust until you get a fine, even mist.

Brush painting and levelling

For brush painting, add a few drops of X-20A until the paint flows smoothly without dragging. Work in thin coats, letting it dry for a few minutes between applications to avoid lifting the previous layer.

Compatibility and cleaning

• Compatible paints: Tamiya X/XF acrylic paints and Tamiya acrylic clear coats.
• Do not use with: enamels or lacquers. For Tamiya enamels use X-20 Enamel Thinner; for lacquers, use their dedicated thinner.
• Basic airbrush cleaning: flush through with X-20A between colours and at the end of each session; for a deep clean, follow up with an airbrush cleaner suitable for your airbrush setup.

Practical tips

• Test first: practice on a spare piece until you nail the mix and pressure.
• Thin coats: several light passes are better than a single wet coat that floods panel lines.
• Safe masking: let the paint dry thoroughly before applying masking tape to avoid lifting.
• Environment: spray in a well-ventilated area and use appropriate protective equipment.

Resources and documentation

Check the manufacturer information on tamiya.com and complete your workbench with Tamiya paints, primers, varnishes and brushes.

Purchase and service

At Craftyminis, orders ship within 24/48h and shipping is free from €60. Not sure about the right X-20A ratio in your airbrush? Send us a message and we’ll help you fine-tune mix, pressure and nozzle size.