AK Interactive Paint Colors: Complete Reference

Introduction

AK Interactive came into the hobby primarily through weathering products — washes, filters, pigments — and quickly earned a reputation for quality. Their paint line is newer than Tamiya’s or Vallejo’s, but the 3rd Generation acrylics released in 2019 represent a genuine leap forward in acrylic paint technology. These are water-based acrylics that spray like lacquers: self-leveling, fast-drying, minimal tip dry, and ready to airbrush with zero thinning.

The Air Series is their line specifically formulated for military aircraft modelers. Rather than offering a sprawling general-purpose catalog, AK focused the Air Series on curated sets organized by nation and theater — a WWII USAAF set, a USN set, a Luftwaffe RLM set, an RAF set, a Pacific Theater Japanese set, and several modern military sets. Each color targets a specific military standard (Federal Standard, ANA, RLM, or BS number), and the product names tell you exactly what you’re getting: “Olive Drab ANA613” rather than a generic “Olive Drab.”

For WWII American aircraft work, the Air Series covers all the essential colors: Olive Drab, Neutral Gray, the full USN tri-color scheme, Glossy Sea Blue, Interior Green, and all three insignia colors. It’s a focused range — 76 colors total across all nations — but that focus is a strength. Every color exists because a military modeler needs it, not because it fills a marketing gap.

AK 3rd Gen acrylics are priced at ~$4-5 per 17ml bottle, available from most online hobby retailers and an increasing number of brick-and-mortar shops. They’re less ubiquitous than Tamiya but growing fast.

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Product Lines Explained

Air Series — 3rd Generation Acrylics

The Air Series is AK Interactive’s dedicated aircraft paint line within their broader 3rd Generation acrylic system. All 76 colors in the Air Series are water-based acrylics formulated for airbrush use. Key characteristics:

• Ready to spray: The paint is pre-thinned to airbrush consistency. No thinning required at 15-20 PSI, though you can add AK Thinner for finer work.
• Self-leveling: The 3rd Gen formula flows into panel lines and surface detail rather than building up on raised edges. This gives a smoother finish than most competing acrylics.
• Fast drying, minimal tip dry: Dries to the touch in under 10 minutes. Unlike Vallejo, tip dry is minimal — you won’t be constantly wiping your needle.
• Water cleanup: Clean with water while wet, or AK’s own cleaner once cured.
• Correct finishes: Satin finish for most colors (appropriate for military aircraft), with flat for true matte camouflage and gloss only for Glossy Sea Blue.

AK also sells a broader 3rd Generation range beyond the Air Series — hundreds of general-purpose colors numbered AK11001 through AK11799 — but the Air Series (AK11800+) is specifically formulated with military color accuracy in mind. If you’re building WWII aircraft, the Air Series is where you want to be.

Sets vs. individual bottles: AK sells the Air Series both individually and in themed sets (AK11732 USAAF, AK11734 USN WWII, etc.). The sets are excellent value and give you a coherent palette for a specific theater. Individual bottles are available for filling gaps.

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Color Reference Tables

All 76 Air Series colors organized by nation and theater of use. Every color includes its Federal Standard, RLM, or British Standard reference where applicable.

WWII United States — USAAF

Colors for camouflaged and natural-metal-finish USAAF aircraft, including interior colors and insignia.

Product #	Color Name	Swatch	Finish	Military Reference	Cross-Reference
AK11857	Bronze Green		Satin	US Bronze Green	—
AK11858	Olive Drab ANA613		Flat	FS 34088 / ANA 613	≈ Tamiya XF-62
AK11859	Interior Yellow Green		Satin	FS 33481 / Zinc Chromate Yellow	≈ Vallejo 71.033
AK11860	Dark Olive Drab 41		Flat	FS 34087 / ANA 613 (Dark OD 41)	≈ Tamiya AS-6
AK11861	Medium Green 42		Flat	FS 34092 (Medium Green 42)	≈ Tamiya XF-5 (mix)
AK11862	Neutral Grey 43		Satin	FS 36251 (Neutral Gray 43)	≈ Tamiya XF-53
AK11863	Insignia Blue FS35044		Satin	FS 35044 / ANA 605	≈ Vallejo 71.295 (darker)
AK11864	Insignia White FS17875		Satin	FS 17875 / ANA 601	≈ Tamiya XF-2
AK11865	Insignia Red FS31136		Satin	FS 31136 / ANA 619	≈ Tamiya XF-7
AK11870	US Interior Green FS34151		Satin	FS 34151 / ANA 611 (Zinc Chromate)	≈ Vallejo 71.137
AK11876	USAAF Light Grey FS36622		Satin	FS 36622 (Camouflage Gray)	≈ Tamiya AS-16

WWII United States — USN / USMC

Navy and Marine Corps aircraft colors, covering the full tri-color scheme, Glossy Sea Blue, and support grays.

Product #	Color Name	Swatch	Finish	Military Reference	Cross-Reference
AK11866	Light Gull Grey FS16440		Satin	FS 16440 / ANA 620	≈ Vallejo 71.121
AK11867	Intermediate Blue FS35164		Satin	FS 35164 / ANA 608	≈ Tamiya XF-18
AK11868	Non-Specular Sea Blue FS35042		Satin	FS 35042 / ANA 607	≈ Tamiya XF-17
AK11869	Glossy Sea Blue FS15042		Gloss	FS 15042 / ANA 623	≈ Vallejo 71.300
AK11871	Dark Gull Grey FS36231		Satin	FS 36231 / ANA 621	≈ Vallejo 71.277
AK11872	M-485 Light Grey		Satin	FS 36357 / USN M-485 Light Gray	—
AK11873	M-485 Blue-Grey		Satin	FS 35189 (Blue-Gray)	—
AK11874	Sea Blue FS35042		Satin	FS 35042 (Non-Specular Sea Blue)	≈ Tamiya XF-17
AK11875	Dark Sea Blue		Satin	USN Dark Sea Blue	—

Germany — Luftwaffe RLM Colors

The complete Luftwaffe range covering early-war through late-war schemes.

Product #	Color Name	Swatch	Finish	Military Reference	Use
AK11811	RLM 02		Satin	RLM 02 Grau	Interior/primer, early upper surfaces
AK11813	RLM 04		Satin	RLM 04 Gelb	Cowling bands, fuselage bands, ID markings
AK11814	RLM 61 Dark Brown		Satin	RLM 61 Dunkelbraun	Pre-war splinter scheme upper
AK11815	RLM 62 Green		Satin	RLM 62 Grün	Pre-war splinter scheme upper
AK11816	RLM 63 Light Grey		Satin	RLM 63 Hellgrau	Pre-war under surfaces
AK11817	RLM 65 Light Blue		Satin	RLM 65 Hellblau	Under surfaces (all periods)
AK11818	RLM 66 Black Grey		Satin	RLM 66 Schwarzgrau	Cockpit interior, instrument panels
AK11819	RLM 70 Black Green		Satin	RLM 70 Schwarzgrün	Upper surfaces (early/mid war)
AK11820	RLM 71 Dark Green		Satin	RLM 71 Dunkelgrün	Upper surfaces (early/mid war)
AK11821	RLM 72 Green		Satin	RLM 72 Grün	Maritime/coastal aircraft
AK11822	RLM 73 Dark Green		Satin	RLM 73 Dunkelgrün	Maritime/coastal aircraft
AK11823	RLM 74 Grey Green		Satin	RLM 74 Graugrün	Upper surfaces (mid/late war)
AK11824	RLM 75 Grey Violet		Satin	RLM 75 Grauviolett	Upper surfaces (mid/late war)
AK11825	RLM 76 Light Blue		Satin	RLM 76 Lichtblau	Under surfaces (mid/late war)
AK11826	RLM 78 Light Blue		Satin	RLM 78 Hellblau	Tropical/Mediterranean under surfaces
AK11827	RLM 79 Sand Yellow		Satin	RLM 79 Sandgelb	Tropical/Mediterranean upper surfaces
AK11828	RLM 80 Olive Green		Satin	RLM 80 Olivgrün	Tropical/late-war upper surfaces
AK11829	RLM 81 Brown Violet		Satin	RLM 81 Braunviolett	Late-war upper surfaces
AK11830	RLM 82 Light Green		Satin	RLM 82 Hellgrün	Late-war upper surfaces (splinter)
AK11831	RLM 83 Dark Green		Satin	RLM 83 Dunkelgrün	Late-war upper surfaces (splinter)

United Kingdom — RAF

Core RAF colors for European and Mediterranean theater schemes.

Product #	Color Name	Swatch	Finish	Military Reference	Use
AK11840	RAF Dark Green		Satin	BS381C/641 Dark Green	Upper surfaces (temperate scheme)
AK11841	RAF Dark Earth		Satin	BS381C/450 Dark Earth	Upper surfaces (temperate scheme)
AK11842	RAF Ocean Grey		Satin	RAF Ocean Grey	Upper surfaces (Day Fighter scheme)
AK11843	RAF Medium Sea Grey		Satin	BS381C/637 Medium Sea Grey	Under surfaces (Day Fighter scheme)
AK11844	RAF Dark Sea Grey		Satin	BS381C/638 Dark Sea Grey	Upper surfaces (Coastal/maritime)
AK11845	RAF Sky		Satin	BS381C/210 Sky	Under surfaces (early/mid war)
AK11846	RAF Middle Stone		Satin	BS381C/361 Middle Stone	Upper surfaces (Mediterranean/desert)
AK11847	RAF Azure Blue		Satin	RAF Azure Blue	Under surfaces (Mediterranean)

Japan — IJN / IJA

Imperial Japanese Navy and Army air force colors, covering both manufacturer-specific and standard designation shades.

Product #	Color Name	Swatch	Finish	Military Reference	Use
AK11891	IJN J3 Hai-iro (Grey)		Satin	IJN J3 Hai-iro Gray	IJN under surfaces (early war)
AK11892	IJN J3 SP (Amber Grey)		Satin	IJN J3 SP Amber Grey	IJN under surfaces (variation)
AK11893	IJN D1 Deep Green Black		Satin	IJN D1 Deep Green Black	IJN upper surfaces (dark scheme)
AK11894	IJN D2 Green Black		Satin	IJN D2 Green Black	IJN upper surfaces (standard)
AK11895	IJN Q1 Anti-Glare Blue-Black		Satin	IJN Q1 Anti-Glare Blue-Black	Anti-glare panels, cowlings
AK11896	IJN M3(M) Mitsubishi Interior Green		Satin	IJN Mitsubishi Interior Green	Zero, Betty cockpit interiors
AK11897	IJN M3(N) Nakajima Interior Green		Satin	IJN Nakajima Interior Green	Kate, Jill cockpit interiors
AK11898	IJN/IJA Aotake		Satin	Japanese Aotake Blue-Green	Anti-corrosion coating (interior structural)
AK11899	IJA #1 Hairyokushoku (Grey-Green)		Satin	IJA Hairyokushoku	IJA under surfaces
AK11900	IJA #3 Hairanshoku (Grey Indigo)		Satin	IJA Hairanshoku	IJA upper surfaces (variation)
AK11901	IJA #7 Ohryuko Nana Go Shoku (Olive Brown)		Satin	IJA Olive Brown	IJA upper surfaces (standard)
AK11902	IJA #21 Midori Iro (Green)		Satin	IJA Green	IJA upper surfaces (mid/late war)
AK11903	IJA #27 Ao Midori Iro (Blue-Green)		Satin	IJA Blue-Green	IJA upper surfaces (variation)
AK11904	IJA #29 Ki Midori Iro (Yellow-Green)		Satin	IJA Yellow-Green	IJA upper surfaces (late war)

Modern United States — USAF / USN

Post-WWII through current US military aircraft colors.

Product #	Color Name	Swatch	Finish	Military Reference	Use
AK11877	Radome Tan FS33613		Satin	FS 33613	Nose radomes, antenna covers
AK11878	Medium Grey FS35237		Satin	FS 35237	USN tactical schemes
AK11879	Air Superiority Blue FS35450		Flat	FS 35450	F-15 upper surfaces (Air Superiority scheme)
AK11880	Light Ghost Grey FS36375		Satin	FS 36375	F-15, F-16, F/A-18 (Hill scheme)
AK11881	Medium Gunship Grey FS36118		Satin	FS 36118	A-10, AC-130, gunship variants
AK11882	Have Glass Grey FS36170		Flat	FS 36170	F-16 Have Glass V
AK11883	F-15 Dark Grey FS36176		Flat	FS 36176	F-15 Mod Eagle scheme
AK11884	ADC Grey FS16473		Satin	FS 16473	ADC/TAC interceptors (Century Series)
AK11885	Aggressor Grey FS36251		Satin	FS 36251	Aggressor/adversary squadrons
AK11886	Medium Grey FS36270		Satin	FS 36270	General military grey
AK11887	Dark Ghost Grey FS36320		Satin	FS 36320	F-14, F-15, F-16 (Compass Ghost scheme)
AK11888	Light Ghost Grey FS36375		Satin	FS 36375	F-14, F-15, F-16 (Compass Ghost scheme)
AK11889	Dark Green FS34079		Satin	FS 34079	SEA camouflage (Vietnam)
AK11890	Medium Green FS34102		Satin	FS 34102	SEA camouflage (Vietnam)

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WWII US Aircraft Colors — Quick Reference

Here’s how AK Interactive’s Air Series maps to the most common WWII American aircraft builds. The strength of this range is that every color targets a specific FS/ANA number — no guessing.

Olive Drab / Neutral Gray — USAAF 1941-1943

For camouflaged P-40 Warhawks, P-47 Thunderbolts, early P-51B Mustangs, B-17F Flying Fortresses, and B-25 Mitchells:

Role	AK Interactive Paint	Notes
Olive Drab (upper)	AK11858 Olive Drab ANA613	Targets FS 34088 / ANA 613 directly. Excellent match — one of the best OD representations in acrylic.
Dark OD 41 (upper, alternate)	AK11860 Dark Olive Drab 41	Darker variant per FS 34087. Use for early-war aircraft or weathered upper surfaces.
Neutral Gray (under)	AK11862 Neutral Grey 43	Targets FS 36251 / ANA 603. Clean match.
Interior Green (cockpit)	AK11870 US Interior Green FS34151	Targets ANA 611 directly — no mixing required. A significant advantage over Tamiya, which requires a mix.
Zinc Chromate Yellow (primer)	AK11859 Interior Yellow Green	FS 33481. For visible primer areas, landing gear bays, wheel wells on early aircraft.
Anti-glare panel	Use any flat black from AK 3rd Gen range (AK11002)	Flat black forward of windscreen.
Insignia Blue	AK11863 Insignia Blue FS35044	Direct ANA 605 match.
Insignia White	AK11864 Insignia White FS17875	Direct ANA 601 match.
Insignia Red	AK11865 Insignia Red FS31136	Direct ANA 619 match.

AK’s advantage here: Every color is purpose-matched to a specific military standard. You don’t need to eyeball it, mix, or adjust. AK11858 is ANA 613 Olive Drab — period. Compare to Tamiya XF-62, which leans slightly green of the true standard.

USN Tri-Color — Navy 1943-1944

For F6F Hellcats, F4U Corsairs, SBD Dauntless dive bombers, and TBF/TBM Avengers:

Role	AK Interactive Paint	Notes
Sea Blue (upper)	AK11868 Non-Specular Sea Blue FS35042	Targets ANA 607 precisely. No greenish cast — a clean, accurate navy blue. Solves the common complaint about Tamiya XF-17’s green tint.
Intermediate Blue (sides)	AK11867 Intermediate Blue FS35164	ANA 608 match. Slightly greyed blue, exactly right.
Insignia White (under)	AK11864 Insignia White FS17875	ANA 601. Same paint used for USAAF insignia.
Interior Green (cockpit)*	AK11870 US Interior Green FS34151	Standard USN cockpit color.

*Note: Grumman cockpits (F6F, TBF) trend more towards grey — use AK11862 Neutral Grey as a base with a hint of green, or check Grumman-specific references. Vought F4U Corsair interiors used a salmon/red-brown primer that differs from standard Interior Green.

Natural Metal Finish — USAAF 1944-1945

For bare-metal P-51D Mustangs, late P-47D Thunderbolts, and B-17G Flying Fortresses:

The Air Series does not include metallic colors. For NMF work, you’ll need to look outside the Air Series:

Role	Recommended Paint	Notes
Aluminum (base)	AK Interactive Xtreme Metal range (AK477 Aluminium)	AK’s dedicated metal line — lacquer-based, polishable.
Panel variation	AK Xtreme Metal AK478 Pale Burnt Metal, AK481 Burned Metal	Mix with Aluminium for tonal variation across panels.
Anti-glare panel	Any AK 3rd Gen flat black	Flat black on cowling top.

NMF tip: For competition-level bare-metal finishes, consider Mr. Color Super Metallic, Alclad II lacquers, or Vallejo Metal Color 77.701. AK’s Xtreme Metal line is capable but requires more surface preparation than the lacquer metallics.

Overall Glossy Sea Blue — USN Late War

For late F4U-1D and F4U-4 Corsairs, late F6F-5 Hellcats, and F8F Bearcats:

Role	AK Interactive Paint	Notes
Glossy Sea Blue (overall)	AK11869 Glossy Sea Blue FS15042	This is a direct ANA 623 match in gloss finish — ready to spray with the correct sheen. One of the few paint brands that offers this as a single, purpose-made product. No need to gloss-coat a flat blue.
Insignia White (markings)	AK11864 Insignia White	Spray through masks for national insignia.
Interior Green	AK11870 US Interior Green	Standard cockpit color.

This is a standout color. AK11869 gives you the correct hue and the correct gloss level in one bottle. With Tamiya, you’d need to mix and gloss-coat. With Vallejo 71.300, you get the right color but in a satin finish that still needs a gloss coat. AK nails both in one step.

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Tips for Using AK Interactive 3rd Gen Paints

Thinning

AK 3rd Generation acrylics are designed to be sprayed straight from the bottle. That said:

• Airbrushing: No thinning needed at 15-20 PSI. For fine detail work or mottling, add AK Thinner (AK11500) at roughly 10-20% to drop the viscosity slightly.
• Brush painting: Add a small amount of AK Thinner to improve flow. The 3rd Gen formula is airbush-optimized, so it can feel slightly thin for brush work — use light coats and let each dry before the next.
• Compatible thinners: AK’s own thinner is recommended, but distilled water works in a pinch. Some modelers also use Vallejo Airbrush Thinner or isopropyl alcohol (70%) with good results.

Drying and Handling

These paints dry fast — touch-dry in under 10 minutes, handleable in 20-30 minutes, fully cured in 24 hours. Tip dry is minimal compared to Vallejo Model Air, but still happens if you leave paint sitting in the cup for extended breaks. The same common-sense rules apply:

• Wipe the needle tip with a damp cloth between color changes.
• Don’t leave mixed paint sitting in the airbrush cup for more than 10 minutes during breaks.
• Allow 24 hours before masking over 3rd Gen paint. Earlier masking risks lifting.

Common Issues

Coverage on first coat: AK 3rd Gen paints are formulated for thin, layered application. The first coat will look translucent — this is by design. Two to three thin coats build to full opacity with a smoother finish than one heavy coat. If you’re used to Tamiya’s one-coat coverage, trust the process.

Bottle separation: The paint settles in the bottle. Shake thoroughly before use — at least 30 seconds, ideally with a mixing ball dropped in. If the bottle has been sitting for months, shake for a full minute.

Adhesion over bare plastic: AK 3rd Gen acrylics benefit from a primer coat. They’ll stick to bare plastic, but a coat of AK Fine Primer, Mr. Surfacer, or Vallejo Surface Primer gives noticeably better durability, especially on handling surfaces like wings and fuselages.

Finish inconsistency: If some panels look shinier than others, it’s usually from inconsistent spray distance or coat thickness. The satin finish of most Air Series colors is forgiving, but a final unified clear coat (AK Ultra Matte Varnish or AK Semi-Gloss Varnish) evens everything out before weathering.

Compatibility

AK 3rd Gen acrylics are compatible with most other modeling products:

• Over 3rd Gen: Enamel washes (AK’s own, Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color), oil paints for dot filtering, lacquer clear coats. All work fine over cured 3rd Gen paint.
• Under 3rd Gen: Sprays well over lacquer primers, other cured acrylics, and its own primer line.
• Mixing: 3rd Gen paints mix with each other and with other water-based acrylics (Vallejo, Ammo by Mig). Don’t mix with Tamiya — the alcohol base doesn’t play well with water-based formulas.
• Stripping: If you need to start over, 3rd Gen paint strips easily with isopropyl alcohol (91%+) without damaging plastic. Soak the part for 30 minutes and scrub with an old toothbrush.

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This reference covers the complete AK Interactive Air Series 3rd Generation range as of early 2026. AK periodically expands the Air Series with new theater-specific sets. For equivalent colors in other brands, see our cross-reference charts or browse the Tamiya, Vallejo, Mr. Color, and Mission Models reference pages.

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