100ml Spray Paint. Tamiya TS-74 Translucent Red

The translucent red that brings your headlights and delicate details to life

The TS series from Tamiya has been the benchmark for model-making enthusiasts for decades, offering a quality spray that is easy to apply and delivers predictable results. The TS-74 Translucent Red is one of the most sought-after colours in this range: a red tone with high transparency that allows light (or the silver/metallic background) to pass through the paint layer, replicating the visual effect of real light lenses.

Main features

• Format: 100 ml aerosol spray, ready to use without dilution or airbrush.
• Colour: Translucent Red (TS-74), with the high transparency characteristic of Tamiya's translucent colours.
• Finish: glossy, enhancing the glassy and luminous effect over metallic or silver backgrounds.
• Base: fast-drying synthetic lacquer formulation, typical of the TS range.
• Can: precision valve that allows control over the distance and amount of product applied.

Applications in modelling, slot and dioramas

This translucent colour has a specific and concrete field of use within the hobby:

• Rear light lenses on static car models and slot cars: when applied over a silver or chrome base, it perfectly replicates the appearance of rear optical assemblies.
• Coloured glass effects in dioramas: windows, light signals, decorative elements with a glass-like appearance.
• Accessories and figures where depth and transparency are desired without losing colour saturation.
• Touch-up and customisation of slot cars: many enthusiasts use Tamiya's translucent sprays to give a distinctive touch to their bodies, playing with layers and backgrounds.

Compatibility and finishes

The TS range from Tamiya is formulated to be applied directly onto prepared or primed plastic, or over surfaces already painted with compatible products. As it is a lacquer, it is advisable to respect drying times between layers and avoid mixing it directly over water-based acrylic paint layers without an intermediate varnish, to prevent reactions between formulations.

To achieve the maximum translucent effect, we recommend applying it over a silver or chrome base layer (also from the Tamiya range or other compatible brands like Vallejo or Kaleido in their metallic versions). The result is a luminous red that faithfully mimics the optical behaviour of tinted plastic materials found in real vehicles.

Application tips

• Shake the can for at least 60 seconds before use, ensuring that the internal ball mixes the pigment well.
• Apply in thin, successive layers from a distance of 25-30 cm, preferably in an environment with a temperature between 15 and 25 °C and without excessive humidity.
• Between layers, allow to dry for at least 10-15 minutes before reapplying.
• To achieve more or less opacity, adjust the number of layers: with a single layer, the translucency is very pronounced; with two or three, the colour intensifies while maintaining some transparency.
• Once finished, clean the nozzle by turning the can upside down and pressing until only gas comes out, to prevent clogging.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply this spray directly onto plastic without priming?

Tamiya indicates that its TS range adheres well to plastic without the need for prior priming, although applying a base improves adhesion and colour uniformity. To take advantage of the translucent effect, we recommend a silver or chrome base as a preliminary step.

Is it compatible with Tamiya or Vallejo acrylic paints?

Being a synthetic lacquer, it may react with water-based acrylic layers if applied directly. The safest approach is to interpose a layer of compatible varnish between the acrylic and the TS spray to isolate the layers and avoid issues of lifting or cracking.

How many layers do I need to reproduce the appearance of a rear light lens?

With one or two thin layers over a silver base, a very convincing effect is achieved. You can intensify the colour with additional layers without completely losing the characteristic transparency of TS-74.

Can I varnish over it once dry?

Yes. Once completely dry (minimum 24 hours for full curing), a compatible matte, satin or glossy finishing varnish can be applied to protect and unify the surface.

Is this spray suitable for customising slot car bodies?

Absolutely. Many slot enthusiasts use Tamiya's translucent sprays to add depth and colour effects to their Lexan or ABS plastic bodies, either alone or in combination with other colours from the TS range.

Tamiya TS-74 Translucent Red is a 100 ml lacquer spray from Tamiya's iconic TS series, ideal for scale modelers, slot car enthusiasts and diorama builders. Its high-transparency red finish is the go-to choice for painting taillights, red optical clusters and glassy colour effects on plastic models. Compatible with Tamiya's full TS and AS range, this ready-to-use spray delivers a brilliant, glass-like finish when applied over silver or chrome basecoats. A must-have for 1:32 and 1:24 slot car detailing and static scale model painting.