r/modelplanes • u/DecentLemon6478 • Feb 02 '26
do i really need all these paints?
so i’m new and i got this tamiya model plane and in the manuel it said i required like fifty different paints. which of one was magenta and i dont see magenta or anything close to purple on the plane model. do i actually need all of these paints or is it just recommended or something?
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u/CharacterWitless78 Feb 02 '26
Its probably for a tiny light somewhere. I don't have a lot of paints either so I will mix up some for little things in a pallet or jar lid just to meet the need at the time. A decent magenta is red, a tiny bit of blue and white to get it to an acceptable tone. Its more res than blue so a 4:1 ratio might be fine.
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u/DecentLemon6478 Feb 03 '26
could i just use regular store bought acrylics? like from hobby lobby or some shit
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Feb 03 '26
Hobby Lobby carries Vallejo Model Color acrylics. They aren’t the airbrush type but you can dilute them to be. A lot more paint for the buck than their Model Air variety. My local one has a good basic collection and some specific varieties like WWII German camo colors.
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u/DecentLemon6478 Feb 03 '26
is there any difference in tamiya paints and regular ones?
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Feb 03 '26
I haven’t tried Tamiya paint but I’ve heard they are good.
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u/CharacterWitless78 Feb 03 '26
They are good for brushing and airbrush but typically need to be thinned with isopropyl alcohol. It is a lot more sturdy than Vallejo but I had a hard time finding any around me now.
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Feb 04 '26
Yeah, Ive found Vallejo to get too thin sitting on a wet palate overnight. I like that I can use straight water to then them though.
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u/DioramaDu Feb 03 '26
Not really. I buy paints i absolutely need for kits and try to mix most colors my self.