Flame Red (RAL 3000)

Flame red to RAL 3000

A modeling paint from the Orange Line of the Hataka brand, a deep red with a reference to the standard shade RAL 3000. RAL is the German industrial chart of color shades that is still in use today; the number in the name therefore points at a precisely defined industrial red, not at a period camouflage. By the same number you can trace the shade with other brands as well and compare how they differ.

Where you will use the shade

Flame red is the classic color of fire service vehicles and warning features. It finds use on fire engines and their equipment, on signal areas, on machines and support vehicles and on the small things meant to draw the eye in a diorama: on fire extinguishers, warning plates or on the frames and covers of machines. A deep red is at the same time the most demanding color to cover with, so expect it to need more coats than a dark shade.

How to apply the paint

• stir the bottle thoroughly before use, as settled pigment otherwise covers unevenly
• put a light base under red, as over a dark base the shade falls away toward brown
• the thinner intended for this line and the thinning ratio are stated by the manufacturer on the packaging
• spray in thin coats and let each one flash off before the next goes on
• clean brushes and the airbrush with the same thinner right after work

What to watch out for

Trying to cover a red with one heavy coat floods the engraving and wipes the raised detail out. Patience and a light base pay off instead. Judge the shade on a sprayed and dried sample, not on the paint in the bottle; once a clear coat goes over it the tone shifts again. Close the bottle carefully after use and store it dry, out of direct sunlight and out of the reach of children.

Paint is supplied. The model, thinner, clear coat and tools are not included, unless stated otherwise.