Mixing Paints

[sheppsea]

Apologies if this has already been covered elsewhere, I did have a look and couldn't through the section but couldn't see anything specific to this. I also mentioned it in my intro but it probably fits better here

Basically I wondered if there was any guidance out there on how to start mixing colours? As a real life example I am going to paint a model that requires Revell 68 Dark Green, but I am keen to use Tamiya paints. According the the paint conversion tools there is no equivalent of this colour in Tamiya, which would mean I need to mix other colours to get close to it, I just have no idea where to start

I don't particularly want to know which colours to mix, just wondered if there was some guidance on how to start doing it and if there are any processes to follow to make it easier?

I am a complete novice when it comes to this; my experience of mixing paints is some vague memory of an art lesson at some point in school...

[HamilkarBarkas]

Thats tricky to answer in a specific way...
I just mix the paint until it looks right to me. Whether or not it is - who knows? I have to like the thing after all.
You have to keep in mind that especially on tank models you weather the surface a lot and that distorts the appearence a lot. None one can really tell a tiny color difference at a later stage.
Besides that, it is more than questionable to think that a certain plane or tank type were all painted with the exact same color tone. There are naturally some variations, so it is not really necessary to go too crazy on this.

But maybe some grand masters can amend my points, but i won´t really care. Afterall i helped you out. Sorry for letting you wait 11 days, i should keep a closer eye on this section of the forum in the future.

[sheppsea]

Thanks for the response

I guessed that may be the case and you raise good points its unlikely all plane would have been painted exactly the same colour, I suppose its just as I have never done it before in any setting its a little intimidating . I have found a couple of mixtures on the equivalent Tamiya model so will got for that in the first instance before I start getting creative

[HamilkarBarkas]

You are welcome!
Yeah, i think you are right on that. Just do it step by step and see where it leads you. Gain some experience in that field and after a while you will be able to tell what works for you the best.

[Paul]

But maybe some grand masters can amend my points, but i won´t really care. Afterall i helped you out. Sorry for letting you wait 11 days, i should keep a closer eye on this section of the forum in the future.

Thanks for holding the fort for us Michael, the forum is exceptionally busy at the moment and from time to time threads get unanswered, I'm here now so will take over

All i can add to Michaels excellent post is i use plastic shot glasses to mix paint, makes it much easier both in mixing and judging colours and as said don't get too hung up on exact matches as your weathering can hide a lot of the shades anyway

[sheppsea]

Thank you both for the help