Paint & Finishing Calculators
Mix paints accurately, calculate thinning ratios, airbrush settings, spray coverage and weathering quantities for perfect model finishes.
Paint Mix Calculator
Mix two or more paint colours by ratio to get the exact shade you need.
Thinning Ratio Calculator
Calculate the correct paint-to-thinner ratio for brush, airbrush or spray can.
Airbrush Pressure Calculator
Find the recommended PSI setting for your paint type, nozzle size and technique.
Spray Coverage Calculator
Estimate how much spray paint or primer you need for your model surface area.
Wash Mix Calculator
Calculate the paint-to-medium ratio for panel line washes and pin washes.
Dry Brush Calculator
Work out paint quantity and recommended brush sizes for dry brushing techniques.
Clear Coat Calculator
Calculate how much clear coat (gloss, satin, matt) you need for your model.
Primer Calculator
Estimate primer quantity needed based on model surface area and application method.
Weathering Calculator
Plan weathering product quantities for washes, pigments, oils and streaking effects.
Paint Volume Calculator
Estimate total paint volume needed for a model based on surface area and coat count.
10 free calculators in Paint & Finishing
Paint Mixing and Finishing for Scale Models
Getting a perfect finish on a scale model starts with correct paint preparation. Thinning ratios vary by paint type — acrylics like Tamiya or Vallejo typically need 1:1 to 2:1 thinner-to-paint for airbrushing, while enamels and lacquers have different requirements. Our calculators help you get the ratio right every time, whether you are brush painting or spraying.
Airbrush pressure settings depend on the paint viscosity, nozzle diameter and the effect you want. Fine detail work at 0.2mm nozzle needs lower pressure (10-15 PSI) than base coating with a 0.5mm nozzle (20-30 PSI). Weathering techniques like washes, dry brushing and oil dot filters each require specific paint-to-medium ratios for the best results.
Popular model paint brands in the UK include Tamiya, Vallejo, AK Interactive, Ammo by Mig, Humbrol, and Citadel. Each has slightly different properties that affect thinning and application. Our calculators account for these differences to give you practical, usable results.