DERK GREY FS36076

The shade and where it comes from

The designation FS 36076 comes from the American standard FED-STD-595, which assigns a five-digit number to each shade. The first digit in it gives the sheen, and a three at the start means a matte surface, while the second digit places the shade in the group of grays. It is therefore a matte dark gray of the kind used on military vehicles, where the finish is to reduce visibility and not to reflect light. The numeric code is useful to a modeler in that it can be traced in the documentation for a particular machine, so you choose the paint by it and not by the memory of a photograph.

Use on a model

The paint is meant for painting models of plastic and of other modeling materials. The basic rule holds regardless of the brand: paint holds substantially better on a surface that has been washed, degreased and covered with a primer. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick one, otherwise the panel lines and the fine surface detail are flooded. A matte finish also has a better grip for pigments and other techniques of bringing the surface out.

Thinning and application

The thinner meant for this range and the thinning ratio are given by the maker on the packaging and it is a good idea to keep to them; mixing with the thinners of other ranges can curdle or dull the finish. Mix the paint thoroughly before use, so that the pigment settled at the bottom is spread evenly. Close the bottle carefully after work and wipe the rim, otherwise the lid dries shut for next time.

• a dark gray shade to the FED-STD-595 standard, code FS 36076
• a matte version, given by the first digit of the code
• suited to models of military vehicles
• the thinner meant for this range, according to the maker's instructions
• it is recommended to apply it in several thin coats

Terms of supply

The model, the thinner and other paints are not included in the delivery, unless stated otherwise.