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Topic starter
12/08/2026 7:35 am
I'm in the process of turning a figure into a bronze sculpture and I feel it should be a gloss finish, so I have picked Tamiya X33. I found a paint swatch in the Tamiya line up, but the swatches don't seem to be consistent with all sellers. So, how does one know what color he/she will be receiving? First is the offering on a full sheet of samples, followed by other X33s I have encountered. There is one in the lot that appears to be correct, but the others do not match up.
This topic was modified 2 months ago 2 times by GDH
12/08/2026 2:34 pm
All I can say is, "The best of luck to you!" Buying paint online, sight unseen, like this, is a terrible way to do it. It's VERY difficult, for a host of reasons, to know what you're truly going to receive.
If there's ANY WAY you can purchase hobby paint locally - so that you can SEE IT - I strongly suggest YOU do that.
GOOD LUCK!
Topic starter
12/08/2026 8:25 pm
@chris Unfortunately, there isn't an option for me to visit a shop, as there isn't one nearby and my mobility makes travel a bit of a challenge.
Greg and Christopher Moroni reacted
12/08/2026 8:57 pm
@gdh Well then, perhaps it's best if you order the color(s) you THINK you need but then order paint a shade lighter and/or a shade darker. In this way, you're "covered" if you know what I mean. 😉 😉 😉
Topic starter
13/08/2026 10:16 am
I'm trying old-fashioned communication, by sending a message to one of the sellers from whom I have purchased Tamiya paint and explain the results I am looking for. They are a company involved in the model/diorama business.
Another factor is the weather, as we are now in the 96-104F afternoons again and I don't fare well in this kind of heat. One should remember 80% of businesses in Germany have no A/C and only 6% of homes have A/C. I bought a unit for our house five years ago and I am very very happy I did so.
https://www.dw.com/en/why-germans-dont-have-air-conditioning/a-77685580
This post was modified 2 months ago 3 times by GDH
Tony Perrone and Christopher Moroni reacted
13/08/2026 5:22 pm
Both AK and Vallejo offer various bronze colors in different types of paint. This search of my favorite hobby shop (3,000 miles from me...) should illustrate:
https://houseofhobbies.com/search?q=bronze
Good luck!
John
Christopher Moroni and GDH reacted
Topic starter
14/08/2026 10:11 am
@john-sharisky Thank you for the tip, and I'm currently locked into Tamiya, by TDZ member recommendations and I like the quality. I placed an order with a seller I have been using and I have high hopes. It is always nice to have a fallback position, though.
Tony Perrone and Christopher Moroni reacted