Paint Conversion Charts?

A better option would be a free app called imodelkit.

Here is what I found to be helpful.  I have no idea of its accuracy.  Click on the download button to save the pdf.  Big file.

http://paint4models.com/

John

I agree with pilotjohn. I use that very often. I would stick with going with RLM numbers for WW2 German aircraft colors.

Even if you enter T mouse grey in the search button, I highly doubt you'll get a hit. I would simply type in the paint number and go from that.

I usually bookmark the site and whenever I want to use the site, I always choose launch rather than install the PDF.

Keep in mind that colors vary by paint manufacturer.  I have RLM02 from both Model Master and Vallejo and they look different.  

John

Another warning about paint charts online. They are really just paint label lists, made from "matching" ink printed color pamphlets to the paint standards. Or sometimes, just putting the paints where the model manufacturer says they go.

I thought the one I recommend most was opening the paint jars and matching actual paints to the standards, but, he just recently emailed me to say that he just "acquires" color cards from the companies and picks his matches from those. Ha, match ink printed brochures to ink printed fan decks and you are lucky if any color matches anything.

That is why almost all of the color matches I give to people can be torn apart by online forum members,,,and from their viewpoint, they are correct,,,,non of mine match the sites,,,,because I open the paint and match that chip to an actual paint chip,,,,so, I use Paint to Paint, instead of Ink in a brochure to Ink in a fandeck.

Rex

I agree on all points with TarnShip. I do agree not all paints are alike regardless of brand; whether it's Vallejo, Model Master or Tamiya. I use Model Master almost exclusively because of the ease of availability, use and has wider color palette. I do use Tamiya, Gunze Aqueous/Mr. Color brands as well because I like the shades of color better than of Model Master's. IF... I can find it.

Do keep in mind, colors on WW2 aircrafts do fade throughout the war due to being exposed the elements. WW2 Russian aircrafts is a good prime example. Some colors were originally a light shade when first applied on and then it becomes darker in time and vice versa. There's really no right or wrong colors.

I will tell you this, for a month I created my own color conversion chart of all Testor's Model Master colors and try and match as close as possible to Humbrol, Tamiya, & Gunze Aqueous/Mr. Color. I try to avoid having multiple colors of Model Master paints matched with one brand. For example, Tamiya's XF 52 is matched with 2 different Model Master colors according to the paint4models downloadable chart. Two totally different shades. I had to make a decision to choose which one I think is the batter match.

Oh I have times I was in doubt I actually went out and do a color comparison check - visually and physically (open the bottles and taking a sample from your fingertip onto a piece of paper. Compare when it's completely dry) I've done this many times and I've seen some colors come out darker, lighter, and sometimes way off the charts than the other.

Is my own chart perfect? Nope. Far from it. It may not be completely right but I feel in my own mind, it's good enough and close enough for me. Unless I find out more by researching on the model subject I'm working on. Remember, it's all about preference. Don't go crazy trying to figure out which is the correct color shade. It's a hobby, have fun with it.

Hi Buckeye;

Revell finally posted a conversion chart from their color names to Model Master numbers. Go to the Revell website and look for paint conversion; I don't remember the exact path to it (it may be in the Revell Germany section) but once you get there you can download it and print for a quick reference. Hope this will help you!

Mike

Thanks Mike, I will do that!  Figure I'll just use color call outs from the directions of other kits I have built too.

Mike

I have a couple of books that show color photos of Allied WW2 planes. It is amazing how much the color of the planes varies from one to another within the same unit.  Even some variation on the same aircraft.  I guess WW2 era paints weathered quickly, and any repaint of a surface shows up readily.

You can often find the same color from a paint manufacturer that doesn't match from one batch number to another (it's gotten somewhat better with the introduction of computer mixing - but not much)