IONIC Essential Blacks

A set of essential black shades

A group of modeling paints from the IONIC line, which the name defines as the essential black shades. Black is one of the paints a modeler reaches for most often, and yet one bottle is not enough: one black suits rubber parts, another sooted surfaces and another shading.

What the black shades are good for

A deeply black coat on a small model looks flat, because it swallows the highlights and the shape with them. That is exactly why modeling works rather with dark shades carrying an admixture of gray or brown. They come into their own on tires and rubber parts, on exhausts and exhaust staining, in landing gear bays and as a dark undercoat beneath metallic shades. A dark base under silver and steel paints gives them the depth they do not have on their own.

Thinning and application

• shake the bottle thoroughly before use, as the pigment settles at the bottom
• choose the thinner and the ratio according to the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging and use the thinner intended for this line
• apply several thin coats with drying time between them, as a single heavy coat fills the engraving
• wash and degrease the surface of the model beforehand, as paint curdles on greasy plastic
• try the shade on a plastic offcut first, not straight on the model

Who the set is for

It suits a beginning modeler putting together a basic palette as well as an experienced builder filling out the dark tones. It works on vehicles, aircraft and figures alike, because black and dark gray shades are not tied to one field.

Terms of supply

The paint set is what is supplied. The thinner, brushes and an airbrush are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.