Olive-Green (RLM80)

The olive green shade RLM 80

A modeling paint from the Orange Line range of the brand Hataka, an olive green with a reference to the German regulation designation RLM 80. The abbreviation RLM belongs to the German system of the day, which prescribed numbered shades for aviation coatings; camouflage schemes are described by these numbers to this day, and a modeler can look a paint up across brands by them.

Where you will use the shade

An olive green of this range appears on the camouflage schemes of German aircraft from the later period of the Second World War, both on continuous areas and on patches and soft transitions on the sides of the fuselage and on the vertical tail surfaces. Outside aviation it suits everywhere a green is to be earthy rather than fresh: on crates, barrels, tarpaulins, equipment and small things for a diorama. Always judge the exact match of a shade on a sprayed and dried sample, not on the paint in the bottle, because after drying and after being covered with varnish the tone shifts noticeably.

How to apply the paint

• stir the bottle thoroughly before use, as settled pigment will otherwise cover unevenly
• the thinner meant for this range and the thinning ratio are given by the manufacturer on the packaging
• spray in thin layers and let each one set before the next comes
• wash and degrease the surface of the model beforehand, as the paint will not take on greasy plastic
• clean brushes and the airbrush with the same thinner, right after the work

What to watch out for

A single thick layer will flood the engraving and wipe out the three-dimensional detail you took trouble over. A slower procedure pays off with the transitions between the colors of a camouflage scheme as well, where an edge is built by gradual approach, not with one stroke. Close the bottle carefully after use and store it out of reach of children, in a dry place and out of direct sun.

The paint is supplied. A model, thinner, varnish and tools are not included in the supply, unless stated otherwise.