That is an interesting approach. Sounds a bit complicated, but I am sure that the results are worth the time and effort.
I mix flat black with my chromate green to darken it. I used to have a supervisor who had served on B-29s and he told me that maintenance people would mix it to make it a darker green. I tried it and liked it so well that I won’t build with out mixing it.
Don, I will freely admit that laziness would be a reason why I hardly ever mix paint. But it isn’t the only reason nor is it the main reason. I have mixed paint before but it’s a task I’ve always dreaded. Perhaps the greatest reason why I never got into the habit of mixing paint is lack of confidence, believe it or not. I began modeling when I was 5 or 6 and although my big brother built models when he was young he never encouraged me or built them together with me. So everything I learned about the hobby I learned on my own. I got comfortable with only ever building models “box stock” and it wasn’t until only about 15 years ago that I began venturing out of my box stock comfort zone. Also the wide range of colors available from companies like Testors made it easier to remain in that comfort zone at least as far as painting goes. Like Greg said, it is something that never clicked with me. Also, as Gregbale stated about “arcane alchemy,” I think in the back of my mind in some way I got this idea that mixing paint is more complicated and “scientific” than it really is. I know often times I’ve read in FSM issues and other sources about modelers mixing paint…4 parts of this color to 2 parts of that color…and I’ve often wondered what they are using to measure the “parts” with. Painting…all aspects of it…is the one modeling skill I need to work on the most.
Good points, all.
I think the last bit highlights some of the false mystery of paint mixing. In those kinds of formulas the ratio is all that matters; the “parts” can be anything, from single drops off the handle end of a paintbrush (one of my favorite measures, particularly for playing with mixes) to graduated measures from a dropper, or, heck, spoonsful, if you’re going for volume. One of the easiest tools I’ve found for mixing to formulas is a clear soda straw, with 1/4" or 1/2" lengths marked off with a marker. You can snip the used lengths as you go, and always have a clean new end without having to wash anything out.