What is the difference between X and XF in the Tamiya paint range?

Tamiya produces a wide variety of paints for different purposes and each is identified by a unique prefix. For the majority of projects, modellers will generally use 10ml bottled Tamiya paints which fall into one of three categories: LP, X or XF.

Paints with the prefix LP are Lacquer-based and can either be airbrushed or brush painted depending on the needs of the modeller. When thinning or cleaning these paints it is important to note that LP paints will require a specific lacquer-based thinner. Tamiya has produced a specific Lacquer thinner for this purpose.

Paints with the X and XF prefixes are acrylic based. The X Range is specifically designed to give a gloss finish, whereas the XF range will give a flat or matt finish. Similar to the LP range, both X and XF paints can be either brush or airbrush painted. As both the X and XF ranges are acrylic based they will require an acrylic-based thinner. Tamiya has produced the X-20A acrylic thinner specifically for that purpose.

In addition to those ranges mentioned above Tamiya has also produced the AS lacquer-based range, specifically designed for large-size aircraft models. Similarly, the PC range of paints has been specifically designed for use on polycarbonate bodies of R/C car models. Both the AS and PC ranges are available in 100 ml spray cans.