I did a search and I can’t find any recent topics on this.
What is the best modern US Desert Sand spray paint?
I’ve used Testor’s Model Master enamel Desert Sand, but I can’t find it on the Internet now.
Would Tamiya Light Sand, TS-46 work?
Thanks in advance.
I would say no for TS 46 because too dark.
I just use Rustoleum Fossil in the rattle can.
I use Model Master 1963 Modern Desert Sand FS33722. I’ve seen some modelers prefer Tamiya Wooden Deck Tan for an acrylic alternative
I do… Wooden Deck Tan works great for replicating the desert Tam used on vehicles from the First Gulf War (1990-91) to Somalia (1993), before the CARC 686A Tan was adopted as the standard.
Would Tamiya’s Wooden Deck Tan qualify for today’s US Desert Sand paint?
Don’t think it does.
Back in the 90s; most of our vehicles that went to ODS, were painted in Saudi Arabia during the build-up; the paint they used was not CARC, so the color is completely different from the CARC 686A
Thanks.
If it is this hard to obtain an accurate CARC Sand color in a spray can, then I might just spray it Tamiya NATO Green instead.
Another option.
I have found there is no model-specific spray that really matches modern CARC tan. A close color is Krylon or Rustoleum Ivory spray. They are a little lighter, but once weathered, looks pretty close to me.
An example.
I might have to airbrush Sand then as I realize NATO Green wouldn’t be wise for the model I intend to build once all the aftermarket accessories arrive.
Is there any acrylic Sand in a bottle that is accurate to modern US Desert Sand?
Thanks again.
In a bottle, there are a lot of options from several brands.
AK interactive, Hataka, Ammo of Mig,
Sorry but I am a bit confused with some advices. I have read here several times that FS33531 is the exact match color for modern US CARC sand and not the FS33446 too dark.
I agree that FS33446 appears too dark.
One issue I might have is that Rustoleum is Glossy Sand. Even with a Flat Coat, I find that it turns out semi-glossly and that isn’t realistic for military vehicles. Applying a wash to the whole vehicle would work, but not everything in the vehicle would get dirty with the same wash and weathering. Thus, I am reluctant to use Rustoleum when there is an open interior.
I do have some AK Interactive and Vallejo AIR Sand bottles so I might try those to airbrush.
I have no issue getting it dead flat with a couple coats of dull coat, but your experiences may vary. I usually start with satin as well.
I use the flat khaki camo paint from Rustoleum. It’s a flat paint out the can so it’s perfect.
They have a sand spray as well I think its lighter. My wife picked up the kaki for me by mistake now I’m just waiting to finish the can at the end of a model.
Interesting. We have some things at my job painted in the sand color (I don’t know if I can say what they are).
At least some have the very slightest pink tone. You have to look very intently, but it’s shifted ever so slightly to pink. So if I were going to model something that used this color, I would add a small drop of red.
