Tamiya Spray Paint TS-38 Gun Metal 100ml Lacquer for RC Cars TAM85038

Overview

The Tamiya Spray Paint TS-38 Gun Metal is a professional-grade synthetic lacquer spray paint designed specifically for RC model enthusiasts and plastic model builders across the UK. This iconic shade is particularly renowned as a perfect match for Skyline GT-R models and many other popular RC cars, making it an essential addition to any model painter's toolkit. Whether you're working on a detailed 1/24 scale RC car or tackling larger scale projects, this spray paint delivers consistent, high-quality results that rival professional automotive finishes.

As an authorised Tamiya retailer, RC Model Shop stocks this premium paint because it represents the gold standard in hobby spray painting. The Gun Metal colour is a sophisticated metallic shade that adds genuine visual depth and authenticity to RC car bodies, creating that showroom-quality finish that separates outstanding models from standard builds. Available now at RC Model Shop, this is the genuine Tamiya product trusted by competitive RC racers, weekend bashers, and serious model builders throughout the UK.

Tamiya Spray Paint TS-38 is formulated to work seamlessly with other painting systems. This compatibility makes it ideal for building complex colour schemes and adding fine details after your base coat application. Whether you're customising your RC drift car, preparing competition vehicles, or creating display-quality models, Gun Metal provides the professional foundation you need.

Key Features

• 100ml capacity per can — Each can contains 100ml of paint, providing sufficient coverage to completely paint two or three 1/24 scale car bodies, making it economical and practical for most RC model projects without wastage.
• Synthetic lacquer formula — The paint is manufactured as a premium synthetic lacquer that cures rapidly, allowing you to apply additional coats or handle your model much sooner than traditional enamel paints, significantly speeding up your build timeline.
• Perfect for Skyline GT-R and similar models — This specific Gun Metal shade has been carefully colour-matched to iconic vehicles like the Nissan Skyline GT-R, ensuring authentic appearance on these popular RC platforms and many comparable models.
• Compatible with acrylic and enamel paints — Tamiya spray paints are engineered to work alongside acrylic and enamel paint systems, meaning you can apply your Gun Metal base coat and then add intricate details, weathering, and panel lines using compatible paints without any adhesion or chemical reaction issues.
• Ideal for large surface coverage — The spray application method makes this paint exceptionally useful for quickly and evenly coating large body panels and complex curved surfaces that would be time-consuming with brush application, delivering professional results every time.
• Multi-layered finishing system compatibility — By combining Tamiya spray lacquer with enamel and acrylic detail paints, model builders can create sophisticated, professional finishes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with single-paint-system approaches.

Technical Performance

Tamiya Spray Paint TS-38 Gun Metal represents decades of expertise in hobby paint formulation. The synthetic lacquer base ensures rapid curing times compared to traditional automotive enamels, allowing modellers to work efficiently without extended drying periods between coats. The paint has been engineered specifically for plastic model substrates, providing excellent adhesion to polycarbonate and other plastics commonly used in RC car bodies. At 100ml per can, this provides substantial coverage — enough to fully coat two to three 1/24 scale car bodies with multiple coats if needed, making it practical for both single projects and larger building campaigns. The Gun Metal shade itself is a sophisticated metallic finish that catches light realistically, creating depth and visual interest on finished models. The paint's lacquer composition means it creates a harder, more durable finish than acrylic alternatives, making it particularly suitable for RC cars that will be handled, displayed, or taken outdoors. When used as a base coat with compatible enamel or acrylic detail paints applied on top, the system creates a robust multi-layer finish that resists chipping and fading. This is precisely why serious RC enthusiasts and competitive builders throughout the UK prefer Tamiya spray paints for their showcase models.

What's in the Box

• Tamiya Spray Paint TS-38 Gun Metal — one 100ml aerosol can

What You Need to Complete

• RC car body or plastic model requiring paint finish
• Spray booth or well-ventilated painting area
• Masking tape and protective covering for detailed work
• Enamel or acrylic paints for detail work and panel lines (optional but recommended)
• Tamiya equivalent lacquer paint LP-19 Gun Metal (if additional volume needed)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Tamiya Spray Paint TS-38 Gun Metal suitable for my Skyline GT-R RC model? — Yes, this paint shade has been specifically colour-matched for Skyline GT-R models and similar vehicles. The Gun Metal hue authentically replicates the factory finish found on these iconic cars, making it the ideal choice for building accurate scale models of these popular vehicles.
• How much coverage does a 100ml can of Tamiya spray paint provide? — One 100ml can contains enough paint to fully cover two or three 1/24 scale car bodies. Coverage varies depending on the number of coats applied and your spray technique, but this volume is generally sufficient for most single RC car projects.
• Can I use Tamiya spray paint with acrylic or enamel paints for details? — Absolutely. This is one of the key advantages of Tamiya spray lacquers. The paint is specifically formulated to be unaffected by acrylic or enamel paints applied on top, allowing you to create sophisticated multi-layer finishes by applying your Gun Metal base coat and then adding details, panel lines, and weathering effects using compatible enamel and acrylic systems.
• How quickly does Tamiya spray paint TS-38 cure? — The synthetic lacquer formula cures in a short period compared to traditional enamel paints, though exact curing time depends on temperature and humidity conditions. Generally, you can apply additional coats or handle the model within hours rather than days.
• What makes Tamiya spray paint better than brush-applied alternatives? — Spray application delivers even, consistent coverage across large curved surfaces and complex body shapes that would show visible brush strokes with traditional methods. The aerosol format also eliminates brush marks entirely, creating a smooth, professional factory-finish appearance on your RC car bodies and models.
• Is there an equivalent Tamiya lacquer paint if I need additional volume? — Yes, Tamiya manufactures an equivalent Gun Metal shade in their lacquer paint range as LP-19 Gun Metal (Item No. 82119), allowing you to supplement your spray paint supply for larger projects or brush-applied detail work if needed.
• What's the difference between Tamiya spray paint and other hobby paint brands available in the UK? — Tamiya spray paints are specifically engineered for plastic model substrates and are formulated to work in conjunction with other paint systems. The rapid curing time, excellent plastic adhesion, and compatibility with enamel and acrylic detail paints make them superior to generic spray paints or lesser-known hobby brands for serious RC and model building applications.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Tamiya Spray Paint TS-38 Gun Metal TAM85038 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.