Tank Grey vs Anthracite Grey: Picking Model Spray Shades
By Modellbau & Plastikmodellbau | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Vergelijkingen
Tank Grey aerosol or Anthracite Grey enamel? Compare coverage, finish, material safety and scale effects to choose the right grey for your next model.
Quick answer
For large military vehicles and fast, even coverage, choose the Tank Grey acrylic aerosol. For fine detail, brush work, or a specific RAL 7021 match on small parts, choose the Anthracite Grey enamel.
Why the format matters more than the shade name
Tank Grey and Anthracite Grey sit close together on a colour chart, but they are sold in different formats: an acrylic aerosol and a synthetic resin enamel in a 14 ml can. That difference decides how you apply them, how they dry, and what they can safely touch.
The aerosol is built for broad, quick coverage with high scratch resistance, while the enamel is a brushable, mixable paint that does not attack model plastic. Neither is universally better; the job in front of you should decide.
Where the aerosol wins and where it limits you
Spray cans give you an even coat over large surfaces without thinning or airbrush setup, and the fast drying helps when you want to move on to the next stage. The trade-off is control: you cannot easily mix a custom shade or apply a tiny touch-up without masking.
The Tank Grey aerosol is also suitable for polycarbonate RC car bodies, which makes it a practical choice if your project mixes military models and RC shells. For small parts or fine detail, though, the spray pattern can be more coverage than you need.
Where the enamel wins and where it limits you
The Anthracite Grey enamel is a synthetic resin paint that does not attack the plastic surface of plastic models, so you can brush it directly onto bare polystyrene without a primer in many cases. It can be mixed with other Revell Color shades (except signal colour) and diluted with Revell Color Mix for airbrush use.
That flexibility comes at the cost of speed: enamel needs longer to dry and typically requires more careful thinning for spray-gun work. If you want a one-step, large-area coat, the aerosol is usually faster.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Coverage vs control: The aerosol delivers fast, high-coverage coats over large areas, but you cannot easily mix a custom shade or spray a tiny touch-up. The enamel lets you brush fine detail and mix custom colours, but it needs more time and thinning for broad coverage. Match the format to the size of the area you need to paint.
- Drying and handling: The acrylic aerosol dries very quickly, so you can handle or mask sooner. The synthetic resin enamel needs longer drying and may require thinning with Revell Color Mix for spray-gun use. Plan your build schedule around the paint's drying time.
- Surface safety and scale: The enamel is formulated not to attack model plastic, so it is safe on bare polystyrene. The aerosol is also suitable for polycarbonate RC bodies. On small-scale models, darker greys like Anthracite can look almost black, while Tank Grey reads as a mid-tone military grey. Test the shade on scrap plastic at your model's scale before committing.
Product facts
- Matt "Tank Grey" Spray Color Acrylic Aerosol 100ml: Revell Spray Color acrylic aerosol dries very quickly with high coverage and high scratch resistance, and can also paint polycarbonate RC car bodies. This makes it a strong candidate for large military models and RC shells where speed and durability matter.
Matt "Tank Grey" Spray Color Acrylic Aerosol 100ml - Matt "Anthracite Grey" (RAL 7021) Email Color 14ml: Revell Color synthetic resin enamel does not attack the plastic surface of plastic models and can be mixed with other Revell Color shades and diluted with Revell Color Mix. You can brush it directly onto bare plastic and adjust the shade or thin it for airbrush work, which suits detail and custom mixing.
Matt "Anthracite Grey" (RAL 7021) Email Color 14ml
Which grey should you choose?
Choose Tank Grey aerosol if
- You are painting large military vehicles or broad surfaces and want fast, even coverage.
- You also paint polycarbonate RC car bodies and want one aerosol that works on both.
Choose Anthracite Grey enamel if
- You need to brush fine details or mix a custom shade.
- You want a specific RAL 7021 match on small parts or a darker, near-black grey on a small-scale model.
