Paint matches are practical modelling equivalents, not laboratory-perfect claims. Read the paint match note.
Guide
WW2 aircraft paint conversion chart linking common RAF, Luftwaffe, USAAF, IJN, IJAAF, Soviet VVS and Italian colours to Tamiya, Vallejo, AK and Mr Hobby equivalents.
This page is part of the WW2 Modeller guide structure. It is designed to help modellers move from a broad search into a specific aircraft, paint system, kit route, technique or theatre story.
Quick reference
| Area | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best use | Use this page as a focused entry route before moving into the aircraft guide, paint table, kit comparison or technique library. |
| Recommended approach | Choose the exact aircraft, theatre and date first. Then choose kit, paints, decals and weathering from that context. |
| Common mistake | Do not treat a broad WW2 subject as one generic finish. Aircraft, nation, unit and theatre all matter. |
| Next step | Follow the related links below and keep the build route specific rather than generic. |
Related modelling routes
Paint CodesOpen the related paint codes route for more aircraft, paint, kit or technique detail.RAF paint codesOpen the related raf paint codes route for more aircraft, paint, kit or technique detail.Luftwaffe RLM codesOpen the related luftwaffe rlm codes route for more aircraft, paint, kit or technique detail.Japanese paint coloursOpen the related japanese paint colours route for more aircraft, paint, kit or technique detail.
Quick answers
What should I check before starting?
Check the aircraft variant, theatre, date, paint system and kit boxing before buying paints or aftermarket.
How should I use this page?
Use it as a starting point, then follow the aircraft guide, paint code and technique links for the detailed build route.