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French Blue (AK11166) is an acrylic paint from the Standard range by AK Interactive, formulated with high pigmentation to deliver solid, even coverage in one or two coats. Its water-based formula makes cleaning easy and makes it compatible with both brush and airbrush, making it a versatile option for a wide variety of scale modelling and miniature painting projects. Available at Feroca, official distributor of AK Interactive in Spain.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference | AK11166 |
| Colour name | French Blue |
| Range | Standard |
| Type | Acrylic paint |
| Base | Water-based acrylic |
| Volume | 17 ml |
| Finish | Satin / Matt (depending on application) |
| Application | Brush and airbrush |
| Cleaning | Water |
What it is used for
French Blue is a mid-tone blue of great versatility, found on historical military uniforms, naval equipment, vehicles and figures from different eras. Its characteristic hue makes it a reference colour for multiple applications in scale modelling and artistic painting:
- French infantry uniforms from the 18th and 19th centuries (Napoleonic, for example)
- Equipment and vehicles of air and naval forces
- Wargame miniatures: base coats, shading and highlighting on figures with blue equipment
- Dioramas featuring civilian or military elements in blue tones
- Cosplay and accessories: painting helmets, armour, props and resin or plastic accessories
- SFX effects and artistic model-making in general
How to use it
- Surface preparation: apply a suitable primer to the piece (plastic, resin, white metal) to ensure adhesion. Make sure the surface is clean, dry and free of grease.
- Shaking: shake the bottle well for at least 30 seconds before use. The Standard range includes a mixing ball to help homogenise the pigment.
- Thinning: for brush application, you can use it straight from the bottle or thin it slightly with distilled water or acrylic thinner. For airbrush, adjust the viscosity according to your compressor and needle size (generally between 10 and 30% thinning).
- Application: apply in thin coats and allow to dry between each coat. The high pigmentation provides good coverage with only a few passes.
- Drying: touch-dry time is approximately 15–30 minutes under normal conditions. For a full cure, wait several hours before handling or applying finish coats.
- Cleaning: clean brushes and airbrush with water while the paint is still fresh. If it has dried, use a specific acrylic thinner.
Tips and tricks
Use French Blue as a solid base coat
The mid-tone of French Blue makes it an excellent starting point for building volume. Apply it as a base coat, shade with a mixed darker tone or a wash, and highlight by progressively adding white or a lighter blue. You will achieve very natural transitions with minimal effort.
Mix and customise the tone
AK Interactive Standard acrylic paints are fully intermixable. You can mix French Blue with other colours from the range to adjust the saturation or value of the tone depending on the scale or historical period you are representing. In smaller scales it is advisable to lighten the colour slightly to compensate for the scale effect.
Protect the final finish
To protect your work and unify the finish, apply a spray or brush-on varnish once the piece is completely dry. If you want to keep a matt appearance, use a matt varnish; if you are looking for more depth in the colour, a satin varnish will noticeably intensify the French Blue.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to thin the paint before using it with an airbrush?
Yes, for airbrush use it is recommended to thin French Blue (AK11166) by 10 to 30% with distilled water or a specific acrylic thinner, depending on your compressor pressure and needle size. For brush application you can use it straight or with minimal thinning.
Is it compatible with primers from other AK Interactive ranges?
Yes, French Blue (AK11166) is compatible with AK Interactive spray and brush-on primers. For plastic or resin surfaces, a primer coat is always recommended to ensure maximum adhesion and durability.
How long does it take to dry between coats?
Under normal temperature and humidity conditions, French Blue is touch-dry in around 15–30 minutes. To apply a second coat without lifting the previous one, wait at least that amount of time. Full curing may take several hours.
Can I use it to paint wargame miniatures?
Absolutely. The AK Interactive Standard range is designed for both scale modelling and wargame miniatures. French Blue (AK11166) is especially useful as a base coat for equipment, cloaks and armour in blue tones, prior to shading and highlighting.
How do I clean brushes or the airbrush after use?
As it is a water-based acrylic paint, cleaning is straightforward: use warm water while the paint is still fresh. If the paint has dried in the airbrush or on the brush, use a specific acrylic thinner to loosen it.
Where can I buy this paint in Spain?
French Blue (AK11166) is available at Feroca, official distributor of AK Interactive in Spain. You can purchase it directly from the Feroca online store with shipping throughout mainland Spain and a guarantee of genuine product.
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