Paint VALLEJO True Metallic Metal Base Sapphire Blue 77.131, 18 ml

VALLEJO True Metallic Metal Base Sapphire Blue 77.131 is a water-based model paint supplied in an 18 ml bottle and formulated to create a metallic sapphire blue base with fine reflective particles. Developed for hobbyists and model makers, this paint offers a consistent metallic sheen that serves as a strong foundation for further layering, washes, or weathering. It is compatible with standard acrylic thinning methods and works for both brush and airbrush techniques.

Advantages

This metallic base delivers even coverage and a pronounced sapphire blue metallic effect thanks to fine reflective pigments. The water-based formulation allows straightforward thinning with water or acrylic mediums and cleans up easily with water. Its consistency is balanced for controlled brushwork while remaining suitable for airbrush application after proper thinning, helping to speed up base-coating on miniatures and scale models.

Suitable for

• Base-coating miniatures and figures where a metallic sapphire-blue foundation is desired
• Scale models, vehicles, and diorama elements requiring a metallic blue finish
• Airbrush or hand-brush techniques for hobby painting and model detailing
• Layering with acrylic glazes, washes, and overpaints to achieve depth and highlights

When it may not be suitable

This product is not formulated as a primer; it performs best over prepared, clean surfaces or over a suitable primer designed for acrylic paints. Extremely porous or oily substrates may reduce adhesion and require surface preparation or a dedicated primer. Very fine detail work may need thinning and multiple thin coats to avoid obscuring sculpted features.

Key specifications

• Color family: metallic sapphire blue
• Finish: metallic with fine reflective particles
• Base: water-based acrylic
• Volume: 18 ml
• Application methods: brush and airbrush (airbrush requires thinning)
• Cleanup: water-soluble before drying

How to use

Shake the bottle well before use to ensure the metallic pigments are evenly suspended. For brush application, use the paint as supplied or slightly thin with water or acrylic medium to improve flow and reduce brush marks. For airbrushing, thin the paint with water or an acrylic reducer to a consistency suitable for your airbrush and strain if necessary to avoid clogging. Apply multiple thin coats, allowing light drying time between layers, to build a uniform metallic base without obscuring details.

What to consider before purchase

• Requires surface preparation or primer for optimal adhesion on bare or non-porous materials
• Airbrush application needs proper thinning and potentially straining to avoid nozzle clogging
• Metallic pigments may show slightly different effects under varying lighting and topcoats

Usage recommendations

For best results, prime the model with an appropriate acrylic primer, then apply this metallic base in thin, even layers. Seal with a compatible clear coat if the model will be handled frequently or exposed to wear. When airbrushing, test spray on a scrap surface to adjust thinning and pressure for a consistent metallic finish.