Red

Vallejo Model Color Red (70.926) — the basic clean red, 17 ml

The basic red from the Model Color range by the manufacturer Vallejo. It is a modeling paint, not a kit — the package holds one dropper bottle of 17 ml. Model Color is a water-thinnable acrylic with a high proportion of pigment and a matte finish, intended first of all for work with a brush; for the airbrush it has to be thinned. Watch out for confusing it with the Model Air range — that one is thinner and is sprayed straight, without thinning. The ranges look the same on the shelf but behave differently.

This shade is exactly what you expect of a red: a bright, clean, easily read red with no shift toward purple. That is precisely how it differs from Carmine Red (70.908) in the same range, which is darker and pitched toward purple. Put simply: if you need a red that is meant to be seen — a signal, racing or fire-service red — take this one; if you need a deep historic red for cloth and uniforms, take the carmine.

Use

• Racing finishes of cars and motorcycles, sports stripes and trim
• Fire and rescue vehicles, signal and warning elements
• Red national and identification areas, insignia and lettering
• Interior details, fire extinguishers, levers and controls
• A base for mixing orange and pink tones

Coverage and base

A clean red is translucent and will struggle to beat a dark base — on gray or black plastic it looks muddy and brownish. Apply it therefore over a white or light base: a white undercoat gives the shade back its brightness and purity. Work in thin coats, let each one dry through and rather add a third than lay the paint on thickly all at once.

Who the paint is for

For modelers of cars, motorcycles and modern vehicles, for creating bold details and for figure painters — and for anyone who needs a reliable basic red as a starting shade for mixing.

A water-thinnable acrylic. When spraying, provide ventilation and protect your airways. Keep out of the reach of children. Close the bottle after use.