How do I replicate a specific colour mix?

Note the exact ratio (e.g. 3:1:0.5) and the paint brand and colour names. Enter the ratio here with your required total volume and the calculator gives you the precise amount of each colour. Always mix more than you think you need — running out mid-paint is difficult to fix.

What units should I use for paint volume?

Millilitres (ml) work best for model paints. A standard Vallejo dropper bottle is 17ml, a Tamiya jar is 10ml, and a Citadel pot is 12ml. Most model mixes need only 2-5ml total depending on the model size.

Can I mix different paint brands?

You can usually mix paints within the same chemistry type — acrylics with acrylics, enamels with enamels. Mixing brands with different bases (e.g. water-based acrylic with solvent-based acrylic) may cause separation or poor adhesion.

How do I measure tiny paint amounts?

Use a graduated mixing cup, pipettes, or count drops from dropper bottles. A single drop from a Vallejo bottle is approximately 0.05ml. For a 3:1 mix, use 3 drops of one colour and 1 drop of the other.

ModelCalcs

Paint Mix Calculator — Precise Colour Ratios

Mix two or three paint colours by ratio. Enter the total volume needed and the mix ratio to see exact quantities per colour.

Total Volume Needed

Total mixed paint volume required

Colour 1 Parts

Colour 2 Parts

Colour 3 Parts (opt)

Leave 0 for 2-colour mix

How We Calculate This

This calculator divides your total required volume by the sum of all ratio parts, then multiplies by each colour ratio.

Formula

Volume per part = Total volume ÷ Sum of ratio parts

Colour amount = Volume per part × Colour ratio

Example: 5ml total at 3:1 ratio = 3.75ml of colour 1 and 1.25ml of colour 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.