Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab 10 ml

Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab 10 ml – matt acrylic paint for model kits

Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab 10 ml offers a subdued, earth-toned khaki with a realistic matt finish, ideal for tactical finishes and surfaces exposed to dust and mud.

It works as a versatile base for Allied armour, tarps, packs and gear; it takes modulation towards olive greens or browns for highlights and shadows, and blends very well with ground and dust pigments.

The Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab 10 ml reference belongs to the XF series (matt finish) designed for scale modelling on styrene plastic, resin and wood; its controlled viscosity promotes smooth self-levelling and even coverage while preserving rivets, panel lines and fine details, and allows you to work in thin layers with both brush and airbrush, with drying times suitable for masking and applying decals safely.

Use on models and common scales

In military vehicles at 1/35 scale it is excellent as a main tone or equipment colour on Allied tanks and transports (crates, drums, tarps, sandbags) and for field-made spares; in figures at 1/35–1/16 scale it works well on khaki uniforms, vests, webbing and backpacks, making it easy to highlight with earthy yellows and shade with cool browns; in ETO/MTO dioramas at 1/35 and 1/48 scales it suits fences, doors, furniture and weathered wood with varnish and chipping effects, as well as a utilitarian base colour in mecha/sci-fi at 1/100–1/144 scale.

Thinning, airbrushing and brushwork

For airbrushing, start with a 1:1 ratio with Tamiya X-20A and adjust according to nozzle size and pressure (approx. 12–18 PSI), applying short passes to avoid build-up in panel lines; for brushwork, apply without overworking the area and, if you wish, add a small amount of retarder to improve levelling; between coats, allow the solvents to evaporate to protect the surface detail of the model.

Surface preparation and priming

To get the best performance from Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab 10 ml you need a proper base: wash the parts to remove mould release agents, dry-fit, clean up joints and apply an even primer; white primer lifts the perceived brightness, while grey primer provides a neutral, controlled base; a light micro-sanding afterwards improves adhesion and smoothness.

Finishes, varnishes and compatibility

Once Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab 10 ml has fully cured, you can seal it with varnish depending on the final result you want: matt to preserve its tactical character, satin to help blend decals, or gloss before decal application; explore our range of paints and varnishes for model kits to choose the best option; after varnishing, apply washes, panel lining and weathering effects, allowing for proper curing times to avoid lifting the paint.

Practical modelling tips

• Thin, successive coats: prioritise several light passes to avoid losing surface detail.
• Safe masking: use quality masking tape, seal the edges with a cotton swab and peel it back diagonally once the paint is touch-dry.
• Test first: fine-tune viscosity, pressure and distance on a spare piece before moving to the actual model.
• Full curing: let the paint fully cure before handling, adding decals or applying effects.

Resources and documentation

Check the manufacturer’s recommendations on tamiya.com and complete your workbench with modelling accessories, brushes and tools, and the full Tamiya paint range.

Purchase and service

At Craftyminis, orders ship within 24/48h and shipping is free from €60; if you need help combining Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab 10 ml with primers, varnishes or other colours, send us a message and we’ll be happy to advise you.