Navigating the Model Paint Palette: Understanding the Basics
The world of scale modeling is a journey of precision, patience, and a deep appreciation for detail. At the heart of this hobby lies paint—a crucial element that brings miniature creations to life. Choosing the right paint, and understanding how different brands interpret colors, can make or break a project. This guide dives into the art of paint conversion, focusing on translating hues from the popular Revell range to its equally renowned counterpart, Testors. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or just starting out, this article will provide you with the knowledge and tools to bridge the gap between these two essential paint systems.
Before we delve into specific color conversions, it’s vital to establish a solid foundation in the fundamentals of model paints. Paints used in model building are not created equal; understanding their different types is key to achieving the best results.
Paints generally fall into several categories: enamels, acrylics, and lacquers. Each has unique characteristics that affect its application, durability, drying time, and finish.
Enamel paints are known for their excellent durability and glossy finish. They are generally oil-based and require thinners for both thinning and cleaning. However, they often have longer drying times and produce strong odors, which can be a drawback.
Acrylic paints are water-based, making them easier to clean up and less odorous than enamels. They dry faster and are generally considered safer to use. However, they may not be as durable as enamels and sometimes require the addition of a retarder to prevent premature drying, especially in arid conditions.
Lacquer paints are fast-drying and create a very smooth and durable finish. They typically require specialized thinners and are more prone to react with the surface of plastic models. Lacquers are also often more difficult to handle safely due to the fumes.
Revell and Testors, each, offer a range of paints, but the key is to recognize how these paint types overlap and where they differ. Revell’s Email Color (enamel-based) is well-known, as are their Aqua Color acrylics. Testors, on the other hand, leans heavily into its Enamel and Acrylic lines, providing modelers a broad selection. The choice between these depends on your preference, your experience, and the requirements of your project.
The selection process starts with understanding the paint type. If your initial project calls for enamel, you’ll need to find a Testors Enamel equivalent to the Revell Email Color. If you have been working primarily with Revell Aqua Color, then your best match will be a Testors Acrylic. Proper understanding will impact finish, durability, and overall longevity.
The Revell Paint System: A Closer Look at Colors
Revell has been a stalwart of the modeling world for decades, offering a comprehensive range of paints designed specifically for plastic models. Their numbering system, a key to decoding their offerings, is generally straightforward.
Revell colors are typically identified by a unique number. The numbering system doesn’t always follow a logical color sequence, meaning you’ll have to consult a conversion chart or color guide to find the matching hues.
The Email Color line from Revell represents their enamel paints, known for durability and gloss. Aqua Color paints are acrylics and have earned a reputation for easy handling and are a good choice if you prefer low odors and easy cleanup. The availability of these paints is widespread, found in hobby shops and online retailers globally. Regional availability can vary, but Revell is a globally known entity, making their colors readily accessible.
Demystifying Testors: A Journey Through the Color Spectrum
Testors, another giant in the modeling arena, offers a diverse spectrum of paints beloved for their quality and consistency. Their numbering system is equally important to understand. The Testors numbering system typically begins with a four or five-digit number, often grouped into lines like Model Master.
Testors paints are available in enamel and acrylic, and even in a lacquer format, giving the modeler a good choice depending on the project’s need. Testors paints are widely available in hobby stores, craft stores, and online. Just like with Revell, regional availability should not present significant hurdles.
The Ultimate Paint Conversion Guide: Revell to Testors
This is the heart of the article—the conversion chart itself. This is where you can find helpful guidance. Please note that color matching is a complex process. Perfect matches are often impossible due to variations between paint formulations and manufacturing processes.
A Note on the Chart:
- The following is an example. You’ll need to consult a *comprehensive* and *updated* conversion chart to get the most accurate color matches. Such charts are available online and in modeling communities. Always double-check with test pieces before applying to your model.
- The chart assumes the modeler is aware of the types of paint used.
- Always test the paint before fully applying it to the final model.
- Consider the use of specific thinners to help avoid potential issues when applying each paint.
| Revell Color Number | Revell Color Name | Testors Equivalent (Enamel) | Testors Equivalent (Acrylic) | Notes/Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05 | White | 1168 (Flat White) | 4637 (Flat White) | Widely available; may require multiple coats for full opacity. |
| 09 | Anthracite Grey | 1749 (Dark Ghost Gray) | 4678 (Dark Ghost Gray) | Slight shade difference possible; may benefit from mixing for a closer match. |
| 36 | Carmine Red | 1714 (Gloss Insignia Red) | 4707 (Gloss Insignia Red) | Check for possible color shift under different lighting. |
| 42 | Olive Green | 1709 (Olive Drab) | 4605 (Olive Drab) | Variations in olive drab shades exist; testing is essential. |
| 46 | Dust Grey | 1736 (Light Gull Gray) | 4725 (Light Gull Gray) | Excellent matches, often used for Luftwaffe aircraft. |
| 83 | Rust | 1788 (Rust) | 4680 (Rust) | Commonly used for detailing and weathering; thin and apply in multiple coats. |
| 90 | Silver | 1146 (Silver) | 4671 (Silver) | Often used on metal parts; consider priming the plastic first for better adhesion. |
| 99 | Aluminum | 1781 (Aluminum) | 4672 (Aluminum) | Similar to Silver, may require priming; often provides a more muted metal look. |
| 302 | Silk Matt | N/A | 4603 (Silk) | Revell silk colors are not widely available. Mixing will likely be required, so compare colors. |
This chart is a starting point. Keep in mind that color matching is not a science, but an art. The exactness of each color may vary. It is vital to consult multiple conversion charts and sources and, *most importantly*, test paints before applying them to a project.
Tips for Achieving a Perfect Paint Transfer
Successfully transitioning from Revell to Testors, and vice versa, relies on more than just matching color numbers. A few crucial techniques can substantially improve your results.
Test, Test, Test: The mantra of any modeler. Always test your converted colors on a piece of scrap plastic or a part of the model that will not be visible. This allows you to assess the shade, coverage, and reaction with your chosen thinner.
Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is paramount. Clean your model parts thoroughly to remove any dust, oil, or mold release agents. This step ensures that your paint adheres properly. Sand the model with fine-grit sandpaper before priming to increase paint adhesion.
Thin Coats: Avoid the temptation to apply thick coats of paint. Apply several thin coats to achieve full coverage. This prevents runs, drips, and a loss of detail.
Thinning: Thinning your paints is crucial, especially when using enamels. Thinning allows the paint to flow smoothly through your airbrush or brush, resulting in a more even finish. The ideal ratio depends on the paint and thinner used; consult the paint manufacturer’s guidelines.
Mixing and Matching: Don’t be afraid to mix colors to achieve the perfect shade. Conversion charts are an excellent starting point, but sometimes subtle variations are necessary.
Cleanliness: Clean your airbrush or paintbrushes thoroughly after each painting session. Dried paint in your equipment can lead to clogging and damage. Use the appropriate cleaner for the type of paint you’re using.
Additional Considerations for the Model Builder
Several factors beyond the paints themselves influence the final result.
Lighting: Lighting plays a vital role in how colors appear. Always view your model under consistent lighting conditions; different lighting types (fluorescent, LED, natural light) can change how you perceive colors.
Other Paint Brands: While this guide focuses on Revell to Testors, many other excellent paint brands exist, such as Tamiya, Vallejo, and Gunze Sangyo. Many conversion charts are available for these brands as well.
Updates and Revisions: Paint manufacturers occasionally update their formulas and colors. Stay informed of any changes and refer to the latest conversion charts.
Final Thoughts on Paint and the Hobby
Converting colors from Revell to Testors and vice-versa is not just about matching numbers on a chart; it’s about understanding the subtle nuances of color, the interplay of light, and the techniques that bring miniature creations to life. Whether you are building a warship or an aircraft, understanding your paints and the materials is the key to a beautiful model. Enjoy the process of building and painting and learn from your mistakes. Ultimately, model building is a journey of creativity and self-expression.
Appendix
For further exploration, consider visiting online model building forums or researching detailed color guides. Always consult the manufacturer’s documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect match!