Paint Colour Chart
Keeping a record of paint colours used
Introduction
The above is a image of a partly completed paint colour chart. You can create your own format with the information you need, but if you prefer to use the one above you can download the file at the end of this article.
Here is an idea to help select the right colour paints to use.
Background
When it comes to paints, modellers have an immense choice available. There are numerous good quality manufacturers and different types (acrylic, enamels etc.) Even if you know the brand and type you prefer, there is a wide selection of different colours. For example, the Vallejo Model Color range has over 220 colours.
Most modellers will soon find one or two brands of paint that they like and will begin to build up a collection of paints from those ranges. Each new model will probably involve adding one or two new colours to the collection.
The problem facing modellers is knowing exactly what colours they already have and whether they are suitable for the next kit. Even if you are lucky enough to have a paint chart produced by the manufacturer, these can only give an approximate idea of the colour. Some manufacturers show the colour of the paint on the jar/tin lid or on the label, but once again this will only be an approximation. Even if the paint comes in a glass jar it can look very different when wet in the jar to dry on a flat surface - some colours lighten or darken when they dry.
The Solution
The solution is to keep a home made paint chart with a small sample of every colour you have in your collection. The chart will provide an easy and reliable way for matching colours in your collection with the model and you will be able to decide whether it is time to buy some new colours.
Exactly what information and how you organise your paint chart is up to you. The photograph in the top right gives an example of a paint chart. A separate chart is kept for each manufacturer. For each paint there is space to note the name, reference number and any useful comments about the paint. There is a small square to paint, so that you have an example of that colour paint. Note that in the sample squares there is a large black 'X'. By seeing how well the paint covers the 'X' you can tell how transparent the paint colour is.
| Hint: In addition to keeping a paint chart, it is a good idea to put a sample of paint on the lid of each paint tin/jar when you use it for the first time. This will make it much easier to find the right pot of paint. |
It took only a few minutes to create the paint chart in the photograph above but if you would like to use it yourself you can open or download the file by clicking on the link below. The file is in Microsoft Word format.
You will need to print it out on thin card or photographic paper. If you try putting samples of paint on to normal paper, the paper may wrinkle and warp.
~~ Last updated May 20, 2009 by Peter Hall. ~~