Quick answer
You need both: Panel Line Accent Color applies the wash, and X-20 Enamel Thinner cleans up mistakes and thins the paint. If you only buy one, get the accent color first, but you'll want the thinner soon after.
Why you need both products
Panel Line Accent Color is pre-diluted enamel paint designed to flow into panel lines and crevices. It dries slowly, which gives you time to work, but that also means any excess left on the surface will need to be cleaned up. That's where X-20 Enamel Thinner comes in: it removes the dried excess and can also be used to dilute the accent color if it thickens over time.
Skipping the thinner means you'll have to wipe away mistakes with something else, which can smear the paint or damage the plastic. Using the right thinner keeps your work clean and your tools in good shape.
Trade-off: convenience vs. control
Panel Line Accent Color is convenient because it's ready to use straight from the bottle. The brush in the cap lets you apply it precisely. But because it's enamel-based, it dries slowly, so you need to wait before cleaning up. X-20 speeds up the cleanup process and gives you more control over how much paint stays on the model.
If you're new to panel lining, you might be tempted to skip the thinner to save a few dollars. But without it, you'll struggle to fix mistakes or thin the paint when it gets too thick. The thinner is a small investment that makes the process much smoother.
Choosing between them: trade-offs
- If you buy only Panel Line Accent Color: You can apply the wash, but you'll have no reliable way to clean up mistakes or thin the paint. Excess liner may dry unevenly and be hard to remove without the proper solvent. Consider buying the thinner at the same time to avoid frustration.
- If you buy only X-20 Enamel Thinner: You'll have a solvent but nothing to apply to the panel lines. The thinner is a support product, not a substitute for the accent color itself. You still need the accent color for the actual detailing.
- If you buy both: You get the full workflow: apply the accent color, let it dry, then clean up with the thinner. This gives you the best results and the most control. For most builders, buying both is the smartest move.
Product facts
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Panel Line Accent Color - Brown 87132: Panel Line Accent Color is pre-diluted to ideal viscosity and can be applied directly into panel lines with the brush on the cap. You can start panel lining immediately without mixing, which is great for quick detailing.
Panel Line Accent Color - Brown 87132
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Tamiya X-20 Enamel Thinner 40ml 80030: X-20 Enamel Thinner is a solvent for enamel paint, used for dilution, wiping, and washing. It cleans up excess panel liner and keeps your brushes and tools in good condition.
Tamiya X-20 Enamel Thinner 40ml 80030
Who should buy what
Best for
- Modelers who want a complete panel lining setup with cleanup ability
- Beginners who need a forgiving way to correct mistakes
Not for
- Builders who prefer a one-step product and don't mind leaving excess liner as-is
- Those on a very tight budget who can only afford the accent color for now
