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Scale Color Rendering

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  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Iowa
Scale Color Rendering
Posted by AllScalesModeler on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 3:56 PM
Greetings All

Somewhere in an old FSM article I read that a model should not be painted in the full blown color of the prototype but should be lightened with the addition of white by a percentage that is more amenable to the scale of the model. If my memory servers me correctly, it was like 20 to 30 percent added white for 1/72 scale models.

Since my pile of aircraft kits are in 1/48 scale, what percentage of white to base color would be suggested for this scale? Granted that the ambient light used to display a model is a factor, I'm just looking for a ballpark suggestion before I go ahead and use up 10 gallons of Gunze to come up with a workable shade.

Thank you and regards
/h
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 5:30 PM
This is another one of those "in the eye of the beholder" things but anywhere in the neighborhood of 10 to 15% should be about right for 1/48th scale.
The hue of an aircraft or any object outdoors can change drastically just based on weather conditions, time of day etc.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 7:31 PM
If you choose to do the scale color, save some of your lightened paint in case you need touch-ups. You'll never mix the same shade twice. The value (lightness/darkness) of the color will change once its cured.
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Iowa
Posted by AllScalesModeler on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 10:45 PM
Thank you both for the information. I will have to do some experimenting with either method before I do the actual aircraft but know more now than I did about scale colors in 1/48 scale.

Regards
/h
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 13, 2003 6:26 AM
I read, many years ago, that 10% was about right for 1/48 scale. In saying that you have to consider the degree of weathering and probably more important you need to consider the type of varnish you are using and how it will render the finished model.

Good luck
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