does anyone have any reference to an offocial paint code for the f-18 lt/dk grey
imron ppg etc...
i was thinking about using lt grey primer & then a flat clear
your ideas are appreciated

I used Omni PPG primer. You can tint it for a perfect match and you can't beat the flatness.

I used the Fed Std colors FS #36320 (gray for the top) and FS #36375 (lighter gray for the bottom).
I matched these from PPG paints using the Testors FS model master II enamels (testors.com).
I have a few pics of the colors under Tam F18 thread. If you like them I can dig up the can and ratios. This was all done base coat/clear coat PPG with clear 2060.

Good luck,
Dave

I found a couple of PPG colors that are a very close match for the FED STD 595b colors on the FA-18E/F. The light gray for the top that is a good match for FS 36375 is "Cloud Gray", PPG# 35521, and for the top, PPG #35522 "Mack Gray" is very close to FS 36320.
They are so close I fugured that nobody would ever see the difference, if any.

I shot the bottom yesterday, using PPG DCC with DRX 685 flattening agent and DX 61 hardener.The whole bottom of the aircraft, including the centerline tank and pylon only used 9 fluid ounces of material, including overspray. Covering the gray in-mold paint job is simple, and doesn't use much paint.
The clearcoat will be PPG 2060 Flexed "N" Flat.

Harley Condra
BVM REP
JetCat REP

FYI,

For a model like this I would use Testor's Model Master's acrylic and airbrush the whole model, the coverage is excellent and very light weight, not to mention it won't kill you. The F-18 FS colors are already available in Testo'r catalogue.

Then for the Clear, any high-end would do, just make it dead flat.

Really, no need to use PPG or Imron or Centari to get excellent results on a scale model. I would only use that type of paint for sporty looking-high gloss Bandits and such.

My 2 pesos.

I agree there .. I have had great success with model masters paints. Also, if you don't want ot deal with PPG, the flat clear from Nelson Hobbies is absolutely super !

also, if you are going to be using PPG, get base coat paints if you will be clearing it. A lot of guys are using Omni single stage paints, and then using clear on top of that which just builds up more material on the plane. ( the Omni stuff is meant to be used if not using a clear coat .. if you wil be clearing , use the same color codes, but use a base paint which is intended to be painted .. )

also, for any metal parts, check out the Model Masters metalizer paints. The come out as good if not even better than the BVM Metal Kote .. Great for small metal areas ...



Voy