AK11025 Gen-3 German Grey: Brush vs Airbrush on Armor Models

Start with the right bottle for the job

AK11025 Gen-3 German Grey is a 17ml acrylic paint from AK Interactive's 3rd Gen range. The label clearly shows the color name and reference code, so you can quickly confirm you have the right shade before you start. This guide covers how to apply it to armor models, whether you prefer a brush or an airbrush.

German Grey is a common base color for WWII tank models, but the exact shade varied by period and vehicle. Use this paint as a starting point and check references for your specific subject if you want a historically accurate finish.

What the catalog confirms

• AK11025 Gen-3 German Grey 17ml: AK11025 Gen-3 German Grey comes in a 17ml bottle. 17ml is enough for several small-to-medium armor models, but not for large-scale projects without a backup bottle.

  

• AK11025 Gen-3 German Grey 17ml: The label includes the color name and reference code at the top. Easy identification helps you grab the right paint without squinting at the bottle.
• AK11025 Gen-3 German Grey 17ml: The orange dot marks a range designed for any kind of modeler. This indicates the paint is intended for both brush and airbrush use, though thinning may still be needed.

Brush vs airbrush: which method suits your build?

Both methods can work with AK11025, but they demand different preparation and produce different finishes.

• Brush painting: Best for small details, touch-ups, and hobbyists without an airbrush. You may need to thin the paint slightly to avoid brush marks, but the catalog does not specify a thinning ratio. Start with a small amount of water or acrylic thinner and test on a scrap piece.
• Airbrushing: Ideal for large areas and smooth, even coats. Gen-3 paints are generally airbrush-ready, but many users thin them further. Without official guidance, begin with a few drops of thinner and adjust until the paint flows like milk. Always test on a scrap surface first.

Applying German Grey: a practical sequence

These steps assume you have a clean, primed model. The catalog does not supply specific preparation or thinning instructions, so use your usual acrylic workflow and test as you go.

1. 1. Prepare the surface: Ensure the model is clean and primed. A primer helps acrylic paint adhere, especially on bare plastic.
2. 2. Shake the bottle well: Acrylic paints separate over time. Shake until the color is uniform.
3. 3. Thin if necessary: For brush painting, thin slightly with water or acrylic thinner. For airbrushing, thin to a consistency that sprays smoothly. No specific ratio is provided in the catalog, so test first.
4. 4. Apply in thin coats: Build up coverage gradually. Thick coats can obscure detail and extend drying time.
5. 5. Let it dry: Allow each coat to dry before adding another. Drying times vary with thinning and humidity.

Choosing the right German Grey for your tank

German Grey (often called Panzer Grey) was the standard base color for many German armored vehicles early in WWII. However, the exact shade could vary due to manufacturing differences and weathering. AK11025 is a solid choice for a generic Panzer Grey, but if you are modeling a specific vehicle, consult period photos or references.

For a more realistic finish, consider adding weathering effects after the base coat. But that's beyond the scope of this guide—focus on getting a smooth, even coat first.

What the catalog does not tell you

The supplied product record does not include thinning ratios, drying times, or compatibility with specific primers or thinners. It also does not list safety warnings or age recommendations. When in doubt, test on a scrap piece and follow general acrylic painting practices.