It don't get why companies show you a sample of each color on the front of the box for the typical 6 bottle paint set and then the color inside is completely different...WTF...I am not going to single out any companies but I think you all know what I am talking about. I've bought bottles of paint sold as "steel" when the color in the bottle is not even slightly metallic and instead it is plain brown...again...WTF...They all claim to have the most accurate colors in the industry but when compared it is clear someone is lying about their "accuracy"...so if the colors are accurate then what should I consider the real color? Is the real color inside the bottle or on the swatch on the front of the box? Am I missing something here because I don't get it...is there a reason the colors are so different that I just don't realize...

The issue could be a limitation of printing.The real question (and answer) is in how does the colour in the bottle look once its dried on a model?

The "only" way to get it correct is to have patches of the actual paint on the boxes instead of trying to get as close as the printing process allows.
I presume that those boxes haven't been subjected to sunlight because that can turn most print dyes into something odd looking.
I also assume that you have mixed/shaken/stirred the bottle thoroughly.
/ Robin

Every paint manufacturer, not just model paints, will always carry a clause saying that you must check the actual paint for colour correctness and never rely on printed examples, swatches etc.

Unless the paint is an actual sample on the card etc. then you must always take this into account. There is no deception on the manufacturers part.

I remember (and i still have mine) Humbrol used to do a paint swatch catalogue with all paints painted on. However you had to pay extra for it, while the printed one was free. I think it came out to about two tins worth. Great resource to this day, not to mention a world of difference between the two catalogues.

More "weasel words", such as "Virtually", and "results may vary", etc.

Back in the days when I used enamels in glass bottles, whenever I opened a new bottle I would paint the top of the lid with whatever was in the bottle. Sometimes the dried color would look a lot different than the paint as seen thru the glass bottle.

i know there are some limitations on a printed swatch on the box compared to the real color but sometimes the colors are just so different from each other...again, my example of Meng "steel" paint being brown just makes no sense to me...the meng steel I purchased as a single bottle and there was no swatch to compare it to but I am baffled how a paint that is supposed to be "steel" and it is literally brown...no exaggeration...it is ridiculous...two completely different colors...I would love an explanation on that...I am no expert so maybe somehow someone could explain this to me if I am missing something...the color swatches on a box are one thing but steel paint being flat brown?...I just don't get it...

Rusted steel? Kidding kidding, Is it mixed thoroughly?

Sounds like a mislabeled bottle.

Cheers,