have had a few bottles around for awhile and have not used them, confused about terminology on this item, labeled flat base....huh? I have been useing model master 4636 flat clear acryl with good results. Is the tamiyaX-21 a clear coat or a base for what?

Best use is a paperweight. Unopened. There is almost a monthly thread somewhere of a model ruined because of the poor labeling on this product. The directions for this are identical to the directions for regular Tamiya paint. You are expected to intuitively know to mix it with gloss paint or gloss clear to get a clear flat. Used alone, it will turn your model milky white. Improper mixing with will result in too glossy or too flat a finish. Stick with what you're using and toss that stuff.

thanks for the tip I was seriously considering using the "base" tommorow on my raiden jack, guess the stuff is to use on the odd color one would need to convert to a flat finish, thanks for saving me the grief of this extensive project

I mix it with future floor polish to get a flat finish so far I haven't had a problem

Works wonderfully with acrylics when wanting a dusty looks for ones' groundwork. Haven't had any problems with it yet. Like any matte agent or varnish is will leave white splotches if not mixed properly or used too thickly...

Rudi

I use Tamiya flat base with Klear at a ratio of 1:4.5 Base to Klear, + a small drop of tamiya thinners. It gives me a really nice finish and never had any problems. You do need to make sure it is well mixed though.

Also, keep in mind that the more flat base you have in the mixture, the more easily it forms white haze if allowed to pool in or when heavier coats are used.
1 part flat base to (about) 5 parts future/klear/johnson floor polish makes a nice satin coat that can be hand-brushed without fear of white marks.
If you want a really flat finish, it's best airbrushed, applied in several thin coats.
FSM had an article about future and it's applications a few years ago and they told the ratio of 1 part flat base to 3 parts future makes a "dead flat" coat, but that's such a rich mixture it's tricky to lay down without getting a white haze in the finish.

Useful if somewhat confusing paint will let it sit and use model master clear acryl for now, will try this base sooner or later..thanks so much all of you.