A modeler recently asked us to develop different shades of the same color to represent a freshly painted AFV versus a faded or aged vehicle. This is so subjective to so many modelers, it would be nearly impossible to satisfy everyone with the choices we would have.

Thus, I will give you a suggestion on how you can accomplish this using Tru-Color Paint. As you will learn upon using Tru-Color Paint it is a solvent based paint. Since the polymer (the resin that binds the pigments used to the model) is the SAME in every formulation of Tru-Color Paint and the solvent ratios used in the manufacture of each color are nearly identical (they vary less than 8% across the board) EVERY Tru-Color Paint color is completely miscible with each other.

With this knowledge it is possible to create your own variations in this manner: If you wish to lighten the shade add a few drops of TCP-005 White; If you wish to lighten and alter the hue (to an aged appearance)slightly use TCP-157 Off-White; If you wish to darken the shade add TCP-010 Black; If you wish to darken and change the hue slightly add TCP-009 Grimy Black.

To give the paint a faded look add about 8-15% of either TCP-017 Clear Flat or TCP-018 Clear Gloss along with a drop or 2 of TCP-005 White. This reduces the pigment load so that you get a faded, less rich color.

Besides our military line,we have about 40 "generic" colors and 3 finishes that can be used to alter the appearance or hue of the paint. These include, White, Off White, Rust, Yellow, Green, Blue, Black, Grimy Black, etc.

And we offer both 1 (.45 each)and 2 oz.(.85 each) empty plastic bottles with caps for you to mix and your store your favorite mix.

The variations that you can come up with are endless. This method will give your model an unique appearance. If you need help or suggestions for a particular affect you are trying to achieve, contact us via this post to email us for a private conversation.

Martin Cohen, PhD
Tru-Color Paint
P.O. Box 74524
Phoenix, AZ 85087-4524

714-488-9779
email: [email protected]