how to make a colour lighter

[countach79]

I have a metallic blue paint in a jar that i would like to be a bit lighter shade

would it be best to mix in some white or silver?

i would guess silver as the blue is metallic, but i just want to confirm it

and would i use the colour coat over a white primer or a silver base?

cheers

Jason

[stevenoble]

I would use silver to lighten it. Depending on how dark the blue is I normally use grey primer under blue. But if it's a very pale blue then go with white.

[MidMazar]

You can't really tell what will work for you. Id go with white, but light silver is a good choice also. Do remember if using white, youll have less flakes and with adding silver youll have more flakes.

If i was you i would mix a small batch of both and you decide.

[CrateCruncher]

I mix small amounts on a piece of white card or better yet, card shot with my primer. Making custom colors is a black art. I have tried to develop a sense of predicting results but find myself stirring drops together and getting unexpected colors all the time. Once I have the ratio's I like I scale it up to the volume of paint I need. (I think adding white will nudge your color toward "sky blue metallic" but could be wrong.)

[Entau]

the best way to find out is to try it, usually i will try both on a small amout and airbush it on a plastic spoon and compare

[countach79]

thanks guys