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Paint Guide for Modern Naval Vessel Models

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  • Member since
    July 2012
  • From: Idaho, USA
Paint Guide for Modern Naval Vessel Models
Posted by Jeff Head on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 12:14 PM

I thought I would post the paint scheme I use for Modern Naval vessels from various nations like the US Navy, Chinese Navy (PLAN), Royal Navy, Russian Navy, French Navy, JMSDF (Japan), etc.

Note, this is for modern (as in 1980s and on) naval vessels and does not apply to early Cold War and particularly World War II veseels. Also, some may disgaree with my colors...I admit up front that these are not exacting. They are however what I have used to make sure all of my ships match one another as I build these various nations' complete Carrier strike groups (CSGs) and Amphibious Ready groups (ARGs).

Anyhow...enjoy!

Note: Here's the link to the page on my site with this table:

https://www.jeffhead.com/naval-model-color-scheme.pdf

 


Jeff Head's 1/350 Scale World Naval Vessel Color Scheme

 

Jeff Head's 1/350 Scale Model Shop

  Testors Tamiya Floquil Fed. Std.
Naval Ship General Color Scheme Color Description Model Master Color Color Color
US Navy          
Hull/ Superstructure Nuetral Gray 1725     36270
Walerline Mark Flat Black  1749     37038
Hull Below Water Line Flat Brown (25%) Flat Red (75%) 1166/1150     30045/31136
Flight Decks (Full) Flight Deck Gray 4234     36099
Regular Decks Flight Deck Stain 4242     35164
Vessel Radomes Flat White 1768     37875
Life Rafts Flat White 1768     37875
Life Bouys Flat Orange 1527     32246
Vessel Propellers Brass 1782     27043
Flight Deck Cranes/Tugs Flat Yellow 1144     33531
Flight Deck Fire Trucks Flat White w/Flat Blue Stripe 1768/2032     37875/15183
Naval Aircraft Top Standard Navy Gray 4233     36473
Naval Aircraft Nose Cone Standard Navy Gray/Radome Tan 4233/1709     36473/33613
Naval Aircraft Bottom Light Gray 1732     36495
Helo & Aircraft propellers Flat Black  1749     37038
Windows/Tires Weathered Black     110017 37030
Tail Pipes/Landing Gear Steel 1780     17178
Chinese Navy (PLAN)          
Hull Superstructure Light Gray 1732     36495
Hull Below Water Line Hull Red (Acrylic)   XF-9   30075
Flight Deck (Non Carrier Landing) Flight Deck Stain 4242     35164
Flight Deck (Landing Carriers) Engine Gray 2034     37030
Regular Decks Flat Gray/Flat Brown (Carrier Ops) 1163/1166     /30045
Vessel Radomes Flat White 1768     37875
Life Rafts Flat White 1768     37875
Life Bouys Flat Red 1150     31136
Vessel Propellers Brass 1782     27043
Flight Deck Cranes/Tugs Flat Yellow 1144     33531
Flight Deck Fire Trucks Flat White w/Flat Blue Stripe 1768/2032     37875/35056
Naval Aircraft Top Dark Ghost Gray 1741     36320
Naval Aircraft Nose Cone Medium Gray 4746     35237
Naval Aircraft Bottom Dark Ghost Gray 1741     36320
Helo & aircraft propellers Flat Black 1749     37038
Windows/Tires Weathered Black     110017 37030
Tail Pipes Dark Gray 2036     37030
Landing Gear Steel 1780     17178
Royal Navy (UK)          
Hull/ Superstructure Light Ghost Gray 1728     36375
Walerline Mark Flat Black 1749     37038
Hull Below Water Line Hull Red (Acrylic)   XF-9   30075
Flight (Non Carrier Landing) Medium Gray 4746     35237
Flight Deck (Landing/Stripe Carriers) Flint Gray 2037     36314
Regular Decks Medium Gray 4746     35237
Vessel Radomes Flat White 1768     37875
Life Rafts Flat White 1768     37875
Life Bouys Flat Orange 1527     32246
Vessel Propellers Brass 1782     27043
Flight Deck Cranes/Tugs Light Ghost Gray/Flat Olive Drab 1728/1711     36375/34087
Flight Deck Fire Trucks Light Ghost Gray 1728     36375
Naval Aircraft Top/Bottom Standard Navy Gray/ Dk. Ghost Gray 4233/1741     36473/36320
Naval Aircraft Nose Cone Standard Navy Gray/ Dk. Ghost Gray 4233/1741     36473/36320
Naval Helicopters Top/Bottom Dark Ghost Gray 1741     36320
Helo & Aircraft propellers Flat Black 1749     37038
Windows/Tires Weathered Black     110017 37030
Landing Gear Steel 1780     17178
Russian Navy           
Hull/ Superstructure Dark Gray 2036     36173
Walerline Mark Flat Black 1749     37038
Hull Below Water Line Hull Red (Acrylic)   XF-9   30075
Flight Deck non-fixed wing landing Dark Gray 2036     36173
Flight Deck Fixed wing Landing RAF Dark Sea grey 2059     36118
Regular Decks Flat Brown 1166     30045
Vessel Radomes Flat White 1150     37875
Life Rafts Flat White 1768     37875
Life Bouys Flat Red w/white Stripe 1768     31136/37875
Vessel Propellers Brass 1782     27043
Flight Deck Cranes/Tugs Flat Orange 1527     32246
Flight Deck truck Flat Olive Drab 1711     34087
Flight Deck Fire Trucks Flat Red w/Flat White Stripe 1150/1768     31136/37875
Naval Aircraft Top R.N. Light Gray/R.N. Medium Gray 2170/2171     36492/35237
Naval Aircraft Nose Cone Flat White 1768     37875
Naval Aircraft Bottom Light Ghost Gray 1728     36375
Helo & Aircraft propellers Flat Black 1749     37038
Windows/Tires Weathered Black     110017 37030
Tail Pipes/Landing Gear Weathered Black     110017 37030
French Navy          
Hull/ Superstructure          
Hull Below Water Line Hull Red (Acrylic)   XF-9   30075
Flight Decks          
Regular Decks          
Vessel Radomes Flat White 1768     37925
Life Rafts Flat White 1768     37925
Life Bouys Flat Orange 1527     32246
Vessel Propellers Brass 1782     27043
Flight Deck Cranes/Tugs Flat Yellow 1144     33531
Flight Deck Fire Trucks Flat White w/Flat Blue Stripe 1768/2032     37875/35056
Naval Aircraft Top          
Naval Aircraft Nose Cone          
Naval Aircraft Bottom          
Helo & Aircraft propellers Flat Black  1749     37038
Windows/Tires Weathered Black     110017 37030
Tail Pipes/Landing Gear Steel 1780     17178
Japanese Navy (JMSDF)          
Hull/ Superstructure Nuetral Gray 1725     36270
Walerline Mark Flat Black  1749     37038
Hull Below Water Line Flat Brown (25%) Flat Red (75%) 1166/1150     30045/31136
Flight Decks (Full) Fight Deck Gray 4234     36099
Regular Decks Flight Deck Stain 4242     35164
Vessel Radomes Flat White 1768     37875
Life Rafts Flat White 1768     37875
Life Bouys Flat Orange 1527     32246
Vessel Propellers Brass 1782     27043
Flight Deck Cranes/Tugs Flat Yellow 1144     33531
Flight Deck Fire Trucks Flat White w/Flat Blue Stripe 1768/2032     37875/15183
Naval Aircraft Top Standard Navy Gray 4233     36473
Naval Aircraft Nose Cone Standard Navy Gray/Radome Tan 4233/1709     36473/33613
Naval Aircraft Bottom Light Gray 1732     36495
Helo & Aircraft propellers Flat Black  1749     37038
Windows/Tires Weathered Black     110017 37030
Tail Pipes/Landing Gear Steel 1780     17178
           

CLICK HERE TO GO TO JEFF HEAD'S SCALE MODEL SHOP

  • Member since
    January 2015
Posted by PFJN on Friday, February 26, 2016 10:14 PM
Hi, Thanks for the info. Pat

1st Group BuildSP

  • Member since
    July 2012
  • From: Idaho, USA
Posted by Jeff Head on Sunday, February 28, 2016 11:43 AM

PFJN
Hi, Thanks for the info. Pat
 

You're welcome.

 

It's someting that has helped me ensure that all of my various vessels of the different ntationalities at least hold to the same scheme.

  • Member since
    September 2019
Posted by GDL117 on Friday, September 6, 2019 4:40 PM

Thanks Jeff!  I know you posted this quite a few years ago, but I am glad that I stumbled upon it.  Have been looking for something like this for a few weeks now.  I am a longtime Army guy, but looking to getting into building a few boats!

Gregg

  • Member since
    June 2014
  • From: New Braunfels , Texas
Posted by Tanker - Builder on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 7:40 AM

Hi Jeff !

    The only question I have is this. Until I got out of the Corps I still remember the ship decks being kind of a dark Greyed version of Cadet Blue. I spent many years on cans and carriers and that is the most common color I remember.

    Before I transfered to the Corps I was on a Fram Destroyer and her decks were that Bluish Dark grey. My last " Can" was the U.S.S. Turner Joy. When I went through the Panama Canal as a Civilian Master I noticed the Russian Naval Unit going the other way was kind of a Greenish Grey.

        Now on that. Did you take into account that the Soviets, like the Japanese have some slight color differences based on what yard they were built or serviced in ? I learned that early on. Just a thought though. I like the listing and it IS a lot of help ! Thanks T.B.  A Tip; I use a thin wash of Anthracite over the flat Black on the windows . That gives that kind of Glassy effect.

    Speaking of matching. You do a great job in that regard so That settles that !

  • Member since
    July 2012
  • From: Idaho, USA
Posted by Jeff Head on Thursday, January 9, 2020 3:00 PM

Tanker - Builder

Hi Jeff !

    The only question I have is this. Until I got out of the Corps I still remember the ship decks being kind of a dark Greyed version of Cadet Blue. I spent many years on cans and carriers and that is the most common color I remember.

    Before I transfered to the Corps I was on a Fram Destroyer and her decks were that Bluish Dark grey. My last " Can" was the U.S.S. Turner Joy. When I went through the Panama Canal as a Civilian Master I noticed the Russian Naval Unit going the other way was kind of a Greenish Grey.

        Now on that. Did you take into account that the Soviets, like the Japanese have some slight color differences based on what yard they were built or serviced in ? I learned that early on. Just a thought though. I like the listing and it IS a lot of help ! Thanks T.B.  A Tip; I use a thin wash of Anthracite over the flat Black on the windows . That gives that kind of Glassy effect.

    Speaking of matching. You do a great job in that regard so That settles that !

 

Thans.

 

Yes I am aware of the differences.  i Just wnated something to be able to match the various ships to in the various nations.  I have US, UK, Japan, Korea, China, Russia, etc.  A totla of something like 70 ships at this point in 1.350, 15 in 1/700, one in 1/192 (Old Ironsides, an all wood , cloth, and string build), and 51 1/72 aircraft.  I just wanted something lose that I could make sure the various countries all matched to "their colors".  They are not the exact Federal Standard colos used.

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Seattle, WA
Posted by Surface_Line on Thursday, January 9, 2020 11:02 PM

Jeff,

Under the US section, if by "life rafts" you mean the standard containers that pop out a 25 man raft, the container should be grey, not white.  The grey is the same color as the hull, but since it is grey plastic, it has a different reflectance than the grey paint on the hull.  In some light, they seem lighter, but it is just an optical illusion.
I served as First Lieutenant on a US cruiser, directly responsible for these life rafts.

Rick

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Sunday, January 12, 2020 1:18 PM

Wait a Minute.

      Ain't A First Leftenant a Marine? Watchya doin the Bos'ns work for? Just razzin ya. We all had something different to do. As the senior N.C.O. on a Carrier I was responsible for the Armory and the ( What I call The Bombery/Misslery storage.) Yeah, things that go Boom !

 Plus I had the responsibility of takingcare of the watchlist of the Marines on Quarterdeck and Bridge watch. Gosh, I hated office work!

 

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Wyoming Michigan
Posted by ejhammer on Sunday, January 12, 2020 1:41 PM
"First Lieutenant" is a post appointment, rather than a rank. In the U.S. Navy or U.S. Coast Guard, the billet of first lieutenant describes the officer in charge of the deck department or division, depending on the size of the ship. In smaller ships that have only a single deck division, the billet is typically filled by an ensign; while in larger ships, with a deck department consisting of multiple subordinate divisions, the billet may be filled by a lieutenant commander. On submarines and smaller Coast Guard cutters, the billet of first lieutenant may be filled by a petty officer. EJ

Completed - 1/525 Round Two Lindberg repop of T2A tanker done as USS MATTAPONI, USS ESSEX 1/700 Hasegawa Dec 1942, USS Yorktown 1/700 Trumpeter 1943. In The Yards - USS ESSEX 1/700 Hasegawa 1945, USS ESSEX 1/700 Dragon 1944, USS ESSEX 1/700 Trumpeter 1945, USS ESSEX 1/540 Revell (vintage) 1962, USS ESSEX 1/350 Trumpeter 1942, USS ESSEX LHD-2 as commissioned, converted from USS Wasp kit Gallery Models. Plus 35 other plastic and wood ship kits.

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Seattle, WA
Posted by Surface_Line on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 4:28 AM

Yeah, what he said.  Thanks, ejh.

TB, Things may have changed between your USN time and mine between 73 and 98.  On my Belknap class CG, the First LT (an O-2 or O-3) was responsible for First Division, home of all the BMs and non-rated seamen.  We owned all the Seamanship stuff, boats, fo'c'sle, unrep, and like that (including the liferaft canisters).
When I went to a CV, I had a couple of jobs in the Engineering Dept, so I tended to lose interest in the Deck guys.  They had a First Div, Second Div, and up to 5th Div, all under the O-4 First Lt.  I never figured out how they split their responsibilities.  Then, as Chief Engineer on a frigate, I completely lost track of who's who up on the weather decks.  My guys provided the engineer for the gig, and a BT to test the fuel to start an unrep, and otherwise we stayed out of the fresh air.

  • Member since
    July 2012
  • From: Idaho, USA
Posted by Jeff Head on Friday, January 15, 2021 12:50 AM

Surface_Line

Yeah, what he said.  Thanks, ejh.

TB, Things may have changed between your USN time and mine between 73 and 98.  On my Belknap class CG, the First LT (an O-2 or O-3) was responsible for First Division, home of all the BMs and non-rated seamen.  We owned all the Seamanship stuff, boats, fo'c'sle, unrep, and like that (including the liferaft canisters).
When I went to a CV, I had a couple of jobs in the Engineering Dept, so I tended to lose interest in the Deck guys.  They had a First Div, Second Div, and up to 5th Div, all under the O-4 First Lt.  I never figured out how they split their responsibilities.  Then, as Chief Engineer on a frigate, I completely lost track of who's who up on the weather decks.  My guys provided the engineer for the gig, and a BT to test the fuel to start an unrep, and otherwise we stayed out of the fresh air.

 

Plenty of GREAT experience there. Appreciate your years of service. If you get a chance check out Jeff Head's channel on you tube. My colors are out of date, but they keep all of my ships from the various nation the same and at least close.

  • Member since
    August 2019
  • From: Central Oregon
Posted by HooYah Deep Sea on Saturday, January 16, 2021 9:07 PM

That listing looks pretty good, except for the underwater hull on US Navy ships. Some of the newer copperous oxide or organic tin ablative paints are of a different color than the standard hull red mix. As a diver, one of my postings was part of the Navy's Waterborne Hull Cleaning Program. Back then I had a list of all Pac Fleet units and what they were painted with and when. Most of that doesn't matter now, but be aware that some of the paints aren't even red; they vary from the standard anti-foul hull red to a purplish tone, to even a blue.

The gray-blue bottom of MISSOURI is organic tin ablative paint. 

P.S. As an observation, the boot topping on this vessel is only about four feet tall / wide.

What this all comes down to is do your homework before you decide on the color.

"Why do I do this? Because the money's good, the scenery changes and they let me use explosives, okay?"

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Sunday, January 17, 2021 5:23 PM

HooYah Deep Sea
P.S. As an observation, the boot topping on this vessel is only about four feet tall / wide.

Which the bow numbers confirm (they are all 6" tall at 12" intervals).

Near as I can tell, all four of the Iowas have a different width of boot top.  Missouri may be skinniest, and Whiskey may be widest.

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