Black Grey RAL7021

Vallejo Model Color Black Grey RAL7021, a black-gray acrylic paint

Black Grey RAL7021 is a model paint, not a kit. It is a water-thinnable acrylic from Vallejo out of the Model Color line: a thick, heavily pigmented paint intended mainly for the brush, which has to be thinned for the airbrush. A dropper bottle with a capacity of 17 ml (for the newer formula the manufacturer states 18 ml). The surface once dry is flat.

The shade is a very dark gray on the edge of black, that is a black-gray. That is exactly what is wanted on a model: pure black is practically never used in modeling. It swallows both light and shadow, the surface blends optically and engraving, rivets and edges disappear. A black-gray handles the same surfaces just as darkly, but the detail on them stays legible.

Use

• A realistic replacement for black on large surfaces, where pure black would look hard and dead.
• Chassis and running gear, frames and the undersides of vehicles; masked areas that are meant to sink into shadow.
• Tires and rubber parts, since rubber is not black but rather a very dark gray.
• Shading and recesses: suitable for dark washes and as a base under dark shades, the technique known as black basing.
• Sooty and scorched surfaces such as exhausts, gun muzzles and burnt detail.

Thinning and application

It is thinned with water or with thinner for acrylic paints, and the brush is cleaned with water. Shake the bottle properly before use. It covers excellently, but apply two thin coats rather than one heavy one, which would flood the engraving.

Who it is for

For modelers of military subjects, aircraft and cars who want dark surfaces without losing detail, and for anyone who wants to break the habit of reaching for pure black. Whoever needs a gloss black instead, as a base under metallics or for glossy car bodies, will reach for the shade Glossy Black.

A modeling acrylic paint. Ensure sufficient ventilation and protect your airways when spraying. Keep out of the reach of children.