About
Model Colors is a comprehensive paint management app developed by D-Pointer Oy for scale modelers, miniature painters, and other hobby enthusiasts. The app solves a common problem: remembering which paints you already own and which ones you still need to buy. With a database of over 40,000 colors from more than 100 manufacturers — including Vallejo, Games Workshop, Tamiya, AK Interactive, Citadel, Reaper, Scale75, and many more — users can easily browse and mark colors as owned or needed. The app includes powerful color similarity search using industry-standard CIE deltaE 2000 calculations and cross-references to color standards like FS, RAL, and RLM, making it easy to find substitutes or equivalents across brands. Users can create custom color lists to group paints by project type or genre, set favorites for quick access, and share shopping or inventory lists via email or iMessage. Beyond paint tracking, Model Colors functions as a project management tool for model builders. Users can log the models they are working on or planning to build, attach required paint lists, add photos, and write build diary notes. The app uses iCloud and iCloud Drive for data and photo storage, keeping collections synced across Apple devices. Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and more, Model Colors is the go-to utility for serious hobbyists who want to stay organized and focused on building.
Key Features
- 40,000+ Color Database: Browse and search a database of over 40,000 colors from more than 100 hobby paint brands, including Vallejo, Tamiya, Games Workshop, AK Interactive, Scale75, and Reaper.
- Own & Buy Lists: Mark colors as owned or needed, then share your shopping lists via email or iMessage so you never forget a paint at the hobby store.
- Color Similarity Search: Find equivalent or substitute paints across brands using industry-standard CIE deltaE 2000 color science and cross-references to FS, RAL, and RLM color standards.
- Custom Color Lists & Favorites: Group colors into custom lists by project type or genre, and set frequently used paints as favorites for fast access from the main menu.
- Project & Build Diary: Track models you're building or planning to build, attach required paint lists, add photos, and write notes to maintain a detailed build diary.
Use Cases
- A scale modeler checks their paint inventory before visiting the hobby shop to avoid buying duplicates and ensure they have all colors needed for a new project.
- A miniature painter creates custom color lists for different armies or factions, grouping all required paints for quick access during painting sessions.
- A hobbyist searches for a cross-brand equivalent when a paint is discontinued or unavailable, using color similarity matching to find the closest substitute.
- A model builder uses the project tracker and build diary to document their in-progress tank kit with photos and notes, keeping a record of techniques and colors used.
- A collector shares a shopping list of needed paints with a friend or fellow hobbyist via iMessage before a group trip to the hobby store.
Pros
- Massive Paint Database: With 40,000+ colors from over 100 brands, it covers virtually every major hobby paint manufacturer in one place.
- Cross-Brand Color Matching: The CIE deltaE 2000 color similarity search makes finding paint substitutes across brands quick and scientifically accurate.
- All-in-One Hobby Organizer: Combines paint inventory management, shopping lists, project tracking, and build diaries into a single app synced via iCloud.
Cons
- Apple Ecosystem Only: The app is exclusive to Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) with no Android or web version available.
- Requires iCloud: Full functionality depends on iCloud and iCloud Drive being enabled, which may be a limitation for users who don't use Apple's cloud services.
- Subscription Required for Full Access: A subscription is needed to unlock all features, adding an ongoing cost beyond the free tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many paint brands are included in Model Colors?
Model Colors includes over 40,000 colors from more than 100 brands, covering major manufacturers like Vallejo, Tamiya, Games Workshop/Citadel, AK Interactive, Scale75, Reaper, Humbrol, Revell, and many more.
Is Model Colors free to use?
Model Colors is free to download with in-app purchases available. A subscription unlocks the full feature set including all color lists and project management capabilities.
Can I find equivalent colors from different brands?
Yes. Model Colors supports color similarity search using CIE deltaE 2000 calculations and cross-references to color standards like FS, RAL, and RLM, making it easy to find matching or substitute paints across different manufacturers.
Does Model Colors work on Mac and iPad as well as iPhone?
Yes. Model Colors is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. It requires iCloud and iCloud Drive to sync data and photos across your devices.
Can I track models I'm working on, not just paints?
Yes. You can add models you are building or plan to build, attach required paint lists to each model, add photos, and write build diary notes to track your progress over time.
