Tamiya 87198 Paint Retarder Lacquer 40ml – Smooth Gloss Finish
TAMIYA 87198 ⏱️
Paint Retarder Lacquer - Professional Drying Extender
🤔 What is Paint Retarder?
This is a professional drying time extender specifically formulated for lacquer paints. It slows down the drying process, giving you extended working time and eliminating brush marks for that perfect glass-smooth finish every professional modeler demands.
🎯 Solves Common Painting Problems
Problem: Fast Drying
Paint dries too quickly, leaving visible brush strokes and uneven texture that ruins your finish
Solution: Extended Work Time
Retarder gives paint time to flow and self-level for perfect smoothness
Problem: Hot Weather
High temperatures make paint dry before you can spread it properly, causing texture issues
Solution: Climate Control
Retarder compensates for heat, maintaining workability in any conditions
Problem: Brush Marks
Visible brush strokes ruin the professional appearance of your carefully painted model
Solution: Self-Leveling
Extended working time allows paint to flow smooth as glass
🎯 Perfect Applications
🖌️ Brush Painting
- Large flat surfaces (car bodies, aircraft wings)
- Detail painting without time pressure
- Complex multi-color schemes
- Show-quality competition models
🌡️ Hot Weather Conditions
- Summer workshop painting
- Heated indoor environments
- Direct sunlight painting areas
- High humidity conditions
✈️ Airbrush Enhancement
- Reducing orange peel texture
- Improved flow on large surfaces
- Better color blending transitions
- Smoother gradient effects
🏆 Professional Results
- Competition standard models
- Display piece perfection
- Photography-ready finishes
- Museum quality work
📊 Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Lacquer paint retarder/drying extender |
| Compatible Paints | Tamiya LP Series & other lacquers |
| Volume | 40ml precision glass bottle |
| Mixing Ratio | 1 part retarder : 10 parts paint |
| Application Methods | Brush painting, airbrush compatible |
| Primary Effect | Eliminates brush marks, improves gloss |
💡 Professional Mixing Guide
Beginner (5%)
1 drop retarder : 20 drops paint
Subtle improvement, safe starting pointStandard (7-8%)
1 part retarder : 12-15 parts paint
Noticeable improvement, good for most usesMaximum (10%)
1 part retarder : 10 parts paint
Maximum smoothing effect, hot weatherPro Tip: Start with less and add more if needed. You can always increase, but you can't take it out!
🛠️ How to Use Paint Retarder
Measure Carefully
Add 1 part retarder to 10 parts lacquer paint. For beginners, start with 5% ratio and increase if needed. Use a dropper or syringe for precision.
Mix Thoroughly
Stir well for at least 2 minutes to ensure even distribution throughout the paint. Proper mixing is crucial for consistent results.
Paint with Confidence
Apply smoothly without rushing. The extended work time allows for perfect brushing technique - no more panic about quick drying!
Watch the Magic
Observe as the paint self-levels for a professional smooth finish. The retarder allows surface tension to work perfectly.
🎨 What You'll Achieve
Glass-Smooth Surface
No brush marks or texture - just perfect mirror-like smoothness
Enhanced Gloss
Deeper, richer shine that looks truly professional
Stress-Free Painting
No rush, no panic - just relaxed, controlled painting sessions
Consistent Results
Every coat comes out perfect, every single time
⚠️ Essential Usage Guidelines
✅ Best Practices:
- Start with small amounts - 5% ratio is often enough
- Mix thoroughly before each application
- Test on scrap piece first to check results
- Work in good ventilation - lacquers need airflow
- Clean tools immediately - don't let mixed paint sit
🚫 Avoid These Mistakes:
- Don't add too much - over 10% can cause issues
- Don't use with acrylics - chemical incompatibility
- Don't mix different brands - stick to Tamiya system
- Don't store mixed paint - use fresh mix each time
- Don't skip ventilation - safety first always
❓ Expert Q&A
No, this retarder is specifically formulated for lacquer paints only. For acrylic paints, use Tamiya's Acrylic Retarder (87114) instead. Mixing different paint chemistries can cause serious compatibility issues.
With 10% retarder, expect 2-3 times normal drying time. This translates to about 30-45 minutes of workable time versus the usual 10-15 minutes - plenty of time for perfect application.
The retarder is completely colorless and doesn't affect paint color. In fact, it often enhances the depth and richness of the finish by improving flow and leveling.
Absolutely! It's excellent for airbrush work, helping to reduce orange peel texture and improve flow, especially on large surfaces. Use the same 5-10% mixing ratio.
A very long time! Since you only use 5-10% per paint mix, one bottle will enhance hundreds of painting sessions. It's incredibly economical.
Too much retarder (over 15%) can cause the paint to become too slow-drying and sticky, potentially attracting dust and debris. Always start with less and build up gradually.
🏆 Why Choose Hobby Heaven?
Same day dispatch available
Guaranteed undamaged delivery
Professional painting specialists
Happy customers guaranteed
🔬 Complete Technical Data Sheet
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tamiya |
| Product Code | 87198 |
| EAN | 4950344872107 |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Product Category | Lacquer Paint Additive/Retarder |
| Chemical Base | Lacquer-compatible solvent system |
| Volume | 40ml in precision glass bottle |
| Color | Clear/Transparent |
| Recommended Mixing Ratio | 5-10% (1:20 to 1:10 paint to retarder) |
| Compatible Paint Systems | Tamiya LP Series Lacquers, most lacquer paints |
| Application Methods | Brush painting, airbrush spraying |
| Primary Functions | Extends working time, eliminates brush marks, improves flow |
| Working Time Extension | 2-3x normal drying time (depending on ratio used) |
| Temperature Sensitivity | More effective in warm conditions (above 20°C/68°F) |
| Storage Requirements | 5°C - 35°C, tightly sealed, away from heat sources |
| Shelf Life | 3 years unopened, 2 years after opening (if properly stored) |
| Safety Features | Mold resistant formulation |
| Coverage | Enhances 400-500ml of lacquer paint (at 10% ratio) |
| Ventilation Requirements | Good ventilation recommended - lacquer solvent vapors |
| Clean-up Solvent | Lacquer thinner or appropriate paint solvent |
| Professional Applications | Competition modeling, display pieces, photography models |
🎨 Professional Modeler's Secret
Advanced Technique: Mix retarder with Tamiya LP lacquers for automotive-quality finishes. Professional modelers use 7-8% retarder for competition models, creating finishes so smooth they look injection-molded. Perfect for show cars, aircraft, and any model requiring museum-level presentation.
🧪 Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: Paint Still Shows Brush Marks
Solution: Increase retarder to 8-10%, ensure paint is properly mixed, check brush quality and technique.
Problem: Paint Takes Too Long to Dry
Solution: Reduce retarder ratio to 5-7%, improve ventilation, check temperature conditions.
Problem: Paint Becomes Cloudy
Solution: Don't exceed 10% ratio, ensure compatibility with your specific lacquer brand, check for moisture contamination.
Problem: Uneven Flow Pattern
Solution: Mix more thoroughly, apply in thinner coats, check ambient temperature and humidity levels.
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