A-18F LIGHT GREY-BLUE 17ML

AK interactive A-18F Light Grey-Blue — acrylic paint 17 ml

A light gray-blue shade from the aircraft range of acrylic paints from the Spanish brand AK interactive. The paint has a water base, a volume of 17 ml and a satin, that is semi-matte, finish. The designation A-18F refers to the period Soviet marking of aircraft finishes; the shade belongs to the palette of the Soviet Air Force of the late 1930s and the early 1940s. The range is mixed with scale reduction in mind, so on a model it looks more natural than an exact laboratory sample would.

Chemistry and thinning

This is a water-based acrylic, not an enamel and not a lacquer — that determines the choice of both thinner and cleaner. It is thinned with the acrylic thinner of the same brand, or with water; solvent thinners for enamels and lacquers do not belong in it and would curdle the finish. The consistency matches an airbrush, so further thinning is usually not needed in the airbrush. Light shades generally cover less well than dark ones, so plan for several thin coats rather than one heavy one. It becomes tacky quickly, and the finish reaches full curing in about a day.

Use

• The light surfaces of Soviet aircraft of the prewar and early wartime period
• A base for subsequent modulation and lightening of panels
• Gray-blue items on ground vehicles and in dioramas
• Mixing your own shades within the same acrylic range

Who the paint is for

For builders of Soviet aircraft who want the shade ready and do not want to mix it themselves. The water base suits a flat without extraction, because the paint has no aggressive smell. It can be used in an airbrush and with a brush, so a less experienced modeler will get on with it too.

Shake the bottle thoroughly before use. Work in a well-ventilated space, and use a respirator and extraction when spraying. Keep out of the reach of children and protect from frost.