About ScaleColor
What is ScaleColor?
ScaleColor is a paint cross-reference tool for scale modelers. It helps you find equivalent colors across different paint brands, so you can substitute paints you already own or can easily find locally.
How it works
All data in ScaleColor is sourced exclusively from public official manufacturer catalogs and product documentation. Cross-references between paints are established in two ways:
- Standard references — when two paints from different brands cite the same historical color standard (e.g., RLM 65 or FS 36375), they are linked through that standard.
- Direct equivalents — some manufacturers explicitly list competitor paints as equivalents in their official catalogs. These direct matches are recorded as stated.
Transitive matches
Beyond direct cross-references, ScaleColor derives additional matches transitively. If paint A references standard X, and paint B also references standard X, then A and B are a transitive match — even if neither manufacturer mentions the other. These derived connections are labeled as "transitive" throughout the app so you can distinguish them from direct references.
Disclaimer
Paint matches shown in ScaleColor are informational only. Color reproduction varies between manufacturers, production batches, and application methods. A cross-reference does not guarantee an exact color match. Always test paints before committing to a final finish — the decision is yours.
Brands
The database currently covers paints from AK Interactive, AMMO, Gunze Sangyo, Hataka, Humbrol, Tamiya, and Vallejo.
Standards
Cross-references are anchored to these historical color standard systems:
- RLM — Reichsluftfahrtministerium (German aviation)
- FS 595 — Federal Standard 595 (US military)
- RAL — Reichsausschuss für Lieferbedingungen (German industrial)
- BS — British Standard
- ANA — Army-Navy Aeronautical (US WWII)
Your collection
Create a free account to track the paints you own, add personal notes, and filter the catalog to show only colors you already have.