ICM continues to be prolific with both kits and paint sets. The Acrylic Paint Set for F-16 continues this trend and consists of six 12ml wide-mouthed paint bottles. The packaging includes a picture of a Ukrainian Air Force F-16AM in the typical USAF three-gray color camouflage scheme. The back shows a three-profile view (top, left, and right) of the F-16AM with color callouts. This paint set is designed to be used with ICM’s recent release of their F-16AM of the Ukrainian Air Force (Kit No. 72145).

Thanks to Cybermodeler Online for the quick paint reference. The colors include:

• Neutral Grey (No. 1036) corresponds to Gunship Gray (FS 36118/ANA 603)
• Sky Grey (No. 1033) corresponds to Light Ghost Gray (FS 36375)
• Dark Sea Grey (No. 1034) corresponds to Neutral Grey (FS 36270/Haze Gray)
• Dark Grey (No. 1037)
• Off White (No. 1028)
• Gun Metal (No. 1027)

Painting instructions are on the side of the packaging, stating

• Shake well before use
• Paint is prepared for a brush, for the airbrush dilute with water or thinner, 40-60%
• Use primer when painting with airbrush
• Colors can be mixed with each other
• If the ambient temperature is above 25^oC, use retarder
• When applying the airbrush, first use primer

Spoons were used for painting samples. The spoons were all given a primer of gray (Rust-Oleum Touch ‘n tone), followed by the top of the spoon being airbrushed, then the bottom brush painted by hand, with the line delineated by masking tape. Brush painting was remarkably easy, but a little patchier, particularly for the off white (as seen in the photos). Both methods dried quickly and have a flat appearance. I was impressed that some of the colors were hard to differentiate between the airbrush and hand brushing for the darker colors. The Sky Grey (No. 1033) was particularly welcome as it blended beautifully with the Rust-Oleum primer. The colors look good on the Ukrainian F-16AM.

My only complaint about these great paints is that dropper-style bottles are readily accessible and control paint distribution much better than this open-topped style. I tested thinning it with diluted water, Badger Spray Through, and Vallejo thinners. All worked well and reconstituted the paint.

This is a good, one-stop acrylic paint set for modern USAF and other air forces using the three gray color camouflage. This is good paint for figures as brush marks disappear, and the paints are sturdy and dry matte.

Slava Ukraini!

Profuse thanks to ICM and IPMS/USA for providing the review sample.