Converting from enamels to acrylcis - how to get same/similar colors as in MM enamels?

Jeff,

       There are some colors that aren't available in acrylics . I couldn't find information on which acrylic  matched an FS number or particular color until I was shown a Modeler's Technical Guide from Model Master. It has a color chart of Model Master Colors plus cross reference charts for acrylics and enamels from different companies. My printing lists the original Model Master Acrylic numbers but there may be an updated one available. Squadron Mail Order's catalog lists FS numbers when known beside  the color name.Haven't heard of any mixing charts .

                                                                                       Harry

                                                          

MusicCity wrote:

Testors has most (maybe not all, but most) of the same colors in their Acryl range as they do in their enamel range.  The two match quite well as far as color goes to.

Ditto from me, and if MM Acryl is easily available to ya it's a good place to start with acrylics...  mainly for the color matching....

Darson here on the board has been putting together a cross reference of different colors based on existing charts, but mainly aimed at Vallejo Acrylics users (of which I am a very big fan of) and if you click on the Master Reference tab at the bottom of that page it will help you mix Tamiya paints.

I prefer the Vallejo paints as they are already the shade thay are supposed to be, as well as they spray a lot like an enamel.  I still get a bit of tip dry but not as bad as the other acrylics I have used....

Regardless, it should help with whatever brand you are using...

http://www.geocities.com/tho9900@verizon.net/Vallejo_Paint_Inventory.htm

Testors has most (maybe not all, but most) of the same colors in their Acryl range as they do in their enamel range.  The two match quite well as far as color goes to.

Well, to get to know what the colors are, is a bit of a work. You need a cross referance chart, humbrol (out of print I think) or Vallejo's color charts have one on them. Acurate color chips are not too hard to find, but can be pricy. Illiad design has several paint charts with color chips availible which are keyed to aircraft from WWII mostly. As far as a mix chart for Tamiya, I don't know of one. Tamiya does give the color mixing ratios for certain colors in each kit that is pertainent. ie: US WWII interior green - one part(tamiya paint number) yellow plus three parts(number) green (I'm too lazy to go and look) is in the mustang and wildcat etc kits plus others. Other than getting a bunch of them, I don't know what else to say.

Drew,

Thanks for the info.  There isn't any one particular paint that I'm dealing with - just a general question as I noticed a number of people were switching over from the enamels.

What options are available as far as if you're using Tamiya paints (which I've used the most of)?  Is it strictly by guess and by God until the color looks close?  Or are there charts of some sort available?

Jeff

First off Welcome

I use polly scale and gunze acrylics. For the polly scale military line the Fs match is listed on the bottles where used and most of the gunze. There is a fs chart availible but it gives colors and not matches to each brand. Click here for the site. The charts for mixing would be needed for Tamiya paints. The mix ratios are listed for the appropriate colors in their kits instructions. I'm not sure if they make a seperate list or not. Several color names stay the same from the north american paint brands and some overseas ones. ie: gunship gray is Fs 36118 gunship gray in Model master enamel, MM acryl, polly scale, and gunze too. Tell us what paint you are having trouble finding and someone here should be able to help.

Hope it helps a bit

Drew