Vallejo VJ70990
Vallejo Light Grey Model Color Paint - Instruction Manual
Model: VJ70990
Brand: Vallejo
Introduction
This instruction manual provides essential information for the proper use and care of Vallejo Light Grey Model Color Paint. Vallejo Model Color paints are highly pigmented acrylic colors formulated for models and miniatures, designed for excellent adhesion to various surfaces including plastics and polyesters.

Image: A 17ml bottle of Vallejo Model Color paint in Light Grey (70.990).
Product Overview and Features
Vallejo Model Color paints are renowned for their quality and versatility in the hobby and fine arts sectors. Key features include:
- Permanent Pigments: Formulated with permanent pigments suitable for fine arts, ensuring long-lasting color.
- Lightfast and Opaque: All colors are completely lightfast, resisting fading over time, and offer excellent opacity for strong coverage.
- Smooth, Uniform Film: The paint's consistency allows for an extremely smooth and uniform paint film, minimizing visible brushstrokes.
- Excellent Adhesion: The water-based formula is specifically developed for strong adherence on challenging surfaces such as metal and plastic, making it ideal for models and miniatures.

Image: Several bottles of Vallejo Model Color paints in various colors, alongside a detailed, painted miniature figure and a paintbrush, demonstrating the application of the paints.
Setup
Before applying Vallejo Model Color paint, ensure your workspace is clean and well-ventilated.
- Prepare the Surface: Ensure the model or surface to be painted is clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, or mold release agents. Priming the surface is recommended for optimal adhesion and color vibrancy.
- Shake the Bottle: Shake the paint bottle thoroughly for at least 30 seconds to ensure the pigments are evenly mixed. The paint should have a consistent color and texture.
- Dispense Paint: Dispense a small amount of paint onto a palette. The dropper bottle design allows for precise control and minimizes waste.
- Thinning (Optional): For brush painting, Model Color can be used directly from the bottle. For airbrushing, thinning with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner (71.261) is recommended to achieve the desired consistency. Start with a 1:1 ratio of paint to thinner and adjust as needed.

Image: A solid swatch of Light Grey paint, demonstrating its consistent color.
Operating Instructions
Vallejo Model Color paints are versatile and can be applied using various techniques.
Brush Application:
- Load your brush with a small amount of paint.
- Apply thin, even coats to the desired area. Multiple thin coats will provide better coverage and a smoother finish than one thick coat.
- Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Drying time is typically quick, but can vary based on humidity and thickness.
Airbrush Application:
- Thin the paint as described in the "Setup" section.
- Pour the thinned paint into your airbrush cup.
- Apply paint in light, even passes. Avoid oversaturating the surface to prevent pooling or runs.
- Clean your airbrush thoroughly immediately after use to prevent clogging.
Refer to the Model Color Chart for the full range of available colors and their corresponding codes.

Image: First section of the Vallejo Model Color Chart, displaying various paint colors and their numerical codes.

Image: Second section of the Vallejo Model Color Chart, displaying additional paint colors and their numerical codes.

Image: Third section of the Vallejo Model Color Chart, featuring metallic colors, transparent colors, and various mediums and auxiliary products.
Maintenance and Storage
Proper maintenance and storage will extend the life of your Vallejo paints and tools.
- Cleaning Tools: Clean brushes and airbrushes immediately after use with water or a suitable acrylic cleaner. Do not allow paint to dry on tools.
- Bottle Caps: Ensure bottle caps are tightly sealed after each use to prevent paint from drying out.
- Storage: Store paint bottles upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Freezing temperatures can damage the paint.
- Shake Periodically: Even when not in use, it's good practice to shake bottles periodically to prevent pigment separation.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Paint is too thick/clogging airbrush. | Insufficient thinning; paint has partially dried. | Add more Vallejo Airbrush Thinner. Clean airbrush thoroughly. |
| Poor coverage or streaky finish. | Paint too thin; insufficient coats; surface not primed. | Apply more thin coats. Ensure proper priming. Adjust thinning ratio. |
| Paint dries too quickly on brush/palette. | Low humidity; excessive airflow. | Use a wet palette. Add a drop of Vallejo Flow Improver (71.212) or Retarder Medium (70.597) to the paint. |
| Paint peeling or poor adhesion. | Surface not clean; surface not primed; incompatible material. | Clean and prime the surface properly. Ensure the surface is suitable for acrylic paints. |
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Vallejo |
| Color | Light Grey |
| Finish Type | Matte |
| Size | 0.57 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Item Volume | 17 Milliliters |
| Special Feature | Non Flammable |
| Paint Type | Watercolor, Acrylic |
| Specific Uses For Product | Art Painting |
| Surface Recommendation | Metal, Plastic |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Indoor |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Package Information | Bottle |
| Coverage | Full |
| Manufacturer | MMD Holdings, LLC |
| Part Number | 990 |
| Item Weight | 0.8 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 0.75 x 0.75 x 3 inches |
| Item Model Number | VJ70990 |
| Date First Available | December 5, 2010 |
Warranty Information
Based on available product information, there is no specific manufacturer's warranty provided for this product. Please refer to the retailer's return policy for details on returns or exchanges.
Support
For further assistance or inquiries regarding Vallejo products, please visit the official Vallejo website or their brand store.
Ask a question about this manual
Ask about setup, troubleshooting, compatibility, parts, safety, or missing instructions. Manuals+ will review the question and use this page’s manual context to help answer it.