What would you add to Humbrol 78 for an ESB helmet?

Bounty1138

Active Hunter
I'm in the midst of painting my second bucket and I'm getting close to painting the dome and lower cheeks. I've been using Terminal Fettler's color list and I've been happy with the results so far, but was wondering about the main green colour.
There was recent thread posted about Humbrol 78 being too dark, but while most of the responses agreed, they suggested other brands of paint instead of tweaking the Humbrol.
I'd like to continue using Humbrol. So my question is this, what can I add and how much should I add to Humbrol 78 to make the perfect ESB green?
Any input is appreciated.
 
You could add some white or off white to it. Whatever you do, I'd paint some swatches and let them dry. Test them out and see what you like. Be sure to share your findings! Personally, I've been hearing good things about Model Master's Panzer Olive Green. I think I'm going to give that a try.
 
My opinion is that Humbrol 78 leans a little heavy on the green side of things.

I would do a side by side test sheet with straight 78 and then adding a little blue and maybe some white. I'm not sure humbrol 78 is necessarily too dark...just too green, but I'm afraid if you add blue it may darken a little depending on which blue you go with.

I used MM POG on my latest and ended up adding white to it....just seemed too dark. The hue seems pretty perfect though.
 
I used rattlecans for my first helmet and I was happy with the Rustoleum Spruce Green that I used for it. I know not everyone thinks it's perfect.
I'm using an airbrush for the first time and am loving the precision so was hoping to find the right mix for Humbrol.
 
Send fett4real a pm. He uses humbrol paints and his work is awesome.
 
Interesting point Furious. I was basing Humbrol 78 being darker based on a couple of comments in another thread. I'm trying to gather as much info and input as possible before I do a bunch of test strips to compare.

On a more philosophical note, is "screen accurate" how something was originally made (such as original colors and paints) or how something appeared to look in the movie with lighting, filters and whatever other movie magic was used (if they're different)?
 
"Screen accurate" is as subjective as "hot chick" depends on the person! You're right, there are too many variables with lighting, old film processing, color correction in post, computer monitor calibration. I think you're on the right path, do some mixing, paint some swatches, look at them under different conditions (ideally like where you'll be wearing/displaying your helmet; cons are likely to be largely light by fluorescents, which are not color accurate). Maybe take some pics of the swatches in the different lighting conditions and post them up. I know I have nothing better to do than weigh in on your results! LOL
 
Interesting point Furious. I was basing Humbrol 78 being darker based on a couple of comments in another thread. I'm trying to gather as much info and input as possible before I do a bunch of test strips to compare.

On a more philosophical note, is "screen accurate" how something was originally made (such as original colors and paints) or how something appeared to look in the movie with lighting, filters and whatever other movie magic was used (if they're different)?

I've just kinda looked at this as how Ponte describes the real helmet. http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f23/...paint-up-may-1-update-main-helmet-done-51012/
 
I found that write up Ponte did very informative. I'd seen it before but couldn't remember what the thread was called. I think there are good reference images in that thread as far as color tone goes. I think the real helmet would surprise us all if we got to see it in person!
Yeah, it's weird I never am quite sure which way to go with the humbrol 78. I am about to start a new helmet and I am debating on whether or not to darken it a little.
 
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