Tamiya XF-18 Medium Blue 10 ml

Tamiya XF-18 Medium Blue 10 ml – matt acrylic paint for model kits

Tamiya XF-18 Medium Blue 10 ml offers a balanced medium blue with a restrained character and matt finish that reads clearly on panel lines and large surfaces.

It works as an intermediate blue in World War II naval and carrier-based schemes (e.g. US Navy tri-colour) and as a cool base for modulation towards bluish greys and sun- or salt-fading effects.

The Tamiya XF-18 Medium Blue 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 naval aviation at 1/48–1/72 scale it works as the intermediate tone in US Navy/USMC tri-colour schemes (F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, SBD Dauntless), making panel lining and chipping easier; in ship modelling at 1/700–1/350 scale it performs well on embarked seaplanes, barges, cranes and deck elements where you need a matt blue that is not overly dark; in science fiction and mecha at 1/100–1/144 scale it provides a versatile base for armour plates, accepting grey filters and blue washes to enrich volumes without oversaturating them.

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-18 Medium Blue 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 of the colour, while grey primer provides a neutral, controlled base; a light micro-sanding afterwards improves adhesion and smoothness.

Finishes, varnishes and compatibility

Once Tamiya XF-18 Medium Blue 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-18 Medium Blue 10 ml with primers, varnishes or other colours, send us a message and we’ll be happy to advise you.