Flat Metallic Grey XF56 Similar

Flat Metallic Grey: dull steel for tracks and guns

Flat metallic grey is a low-sheen metallic that reads as bare, unpolished steel. Armour modellers use it for track links, sprockets and gun barrels where paint has worn, and for tools and fittings. Car and bike builders use it for engine blocks, brake discs and suspension parts, and aircraft builders for exhausts and weapons. It is a great base for graphite, pigments and washes. Spray over a black or grey primer for depth.

The problem with metallics

Metallics are unforgiving. Spray too wet and the flake settles unevenly into dark patches and stripes; spray too dry and the surface goes grainy. Keep the airbrush moving at a constant distance and use slightly drier, well-atomised passes for an even flake across the whole body.

How to apply

1. Shake the bottle for at least 60 seconds.
2. Prime with a grey primer and let it dry fully.
3. Airbrush straight from the bottle, no thinning needed. Use a 0.2–0.4 mm nozzle at around 20 PSI (1.4 bar) and apply light, cross-hatched coats, letting each one flash off before the next.
4. Keep the airbrush moving at a constant distance for an even effect.
5. Let the paint cure overnight before masking or clear-coating.
6. Seal with a water-based clear: matte to keep this finish.
7. Clean the airbrush with water before the paint dries.

Why modelers choose Koloi Aqua

• Ready to spray: no guessing thinning ratios, the same result from every bottle
• Cleans up with water, so there are no strong solvent fumes at the bench
• Fine pigment grind for 1:8 to 1:72 scales, so panel lines and detail stay crisp
• One system: primer, colour and clear designed to work together

Shelf life

Estimated shelf life of more than 12 months when stored tightly closed between +10 °C and +28 °C, away from frost and direct sunlight. Shake well before use; if the paint has thickened or separated and does not remix, do not use it.

💡 Need a colour we don’t list? Our colour lab matches RAL, RLM and OEM paint codes on request.

The on-screen image is indicative: the final tone depends on the primer, the number of coats and the clear coat. Metallic, pearl and multi-layer effects cannot be fully represented on screen. Keep out of reach of children. Safety Data Sheet available on request.