DUAL EXO 14B – COBALT BLUE 60ML.

Dual Exo 14B, Cobalt Blue: an AK interactive acrylic paint

This is an acrylic modeling paint of the AK interactive brand. It has a satin, that is semi-gloss, finish and carries the name of the shade directly in its title: Cobalt Blue. According to the name it belongs to the blue group; judge the exact tone against the manufacturer's color chart or against a painted test sample.

The paint belongs to the numbered Dual Exo line under number 14, variant B. Each number has a pair of shades, so besides this bottle the 14A variant also exists on its own, and so does a double set that brings both paints together in one package. Here it is a single bottle, variant B.

What a satin, semi-gloss finish means

Satin lies between flat and gloss. The coat has a fine, muted sheen, so it does not look as dry as a purely flat paint, nor as toy-like as high gloss, and the shapes read well on the model. A semi-gloss surface is also more rewarding when applying decals than a coarse flat one, under which air is easily trapped. The resulting degree of sheen can be unified at the end with a clear coat.

Working with the paint in practice

• Always mix the bottle thoroughly, ideally with a mixing ball, so that the pigment is evenly dispersed.
• The paint can be applied with a brush as well as with an airbrush; for thinning and the recommended thinner, follow the manufacturer's data.
• Build the shade up in thin coats; one heavy coat will clog the detail of the surface.
• Prepare the surface with primer, especially on resin and metal parts, where acrylic needs adhesion.
• A test spray on a waste part will save you surprises on the model itself.

Who the paint is for

The paint suits modelers who work with acrylic and want the degree of sheen under control from the base coat onward. It comes into its own on figures, science fiction and fantasy subjects, scenic accessories and ordinary scale models, where pure flat or full gloss would not fit. If you are building a series and want to keep a uniform look, it is worth knowing that number 14 in the line has a second shade as well, variant 14A.

Keep out of the reach of children, in a well-closed bottle and at normal room temperature. When spraying, provide ventilation and protect your airways. Take the volume of the bottle, the recommended thinning, the drying time and the safety instructions from the manufacturer's data on the box.