Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I was wondering, are there any universal color chart systems that most manufacturers would stick to?

I know that with automotive paints, most colors have codes in RAL system - this is IIRC an old German color system that was already in use during WW2. You can get RAL swatches with 200-400 colors on them for 15-20 eur. It would be great to have one set of swatches and then use it for all the paint you might ever buy, be it automotive or fine art acrylics.

Vallejo have comparison colour charts for GW's paints (I think new and old), P3, some Reaper paints and possibly Tamiya for each of their ranges (off the top of my head).

I think that might be your best bet.

 SilverMK2 wrote:
Vallejo have comparison colour charts for GW's paints (I think new and old), P3, some Reaper paints and possibly Tamiya for each of their ranges (off the top of my head).

I think that might be your best bet.

Yep, they seem to have quite comprehensive chart available here - many Vallejo colors seem to be matched to U.S. Federal Standard colors, but not all of them:

http://www.vallejo-farben.de/download/CC073_rev03.pdf

Also, most art stores have painted color charts available, but each manufacturer has their own, and I don't know if they can be matched to USFS or RAL.

I imagine the system manufacturers might adhere to would be the RAL system. However, I think the Vallejo chart is the best and most comprehensive one I've found online as well. I use it on many occasions and has conversion charts for most paints us hobbyists typically use.

The German system you're thinking of, is actually RLM - Reichsluftfahrtministerium - German Aviation Ministry - the color system/standards the Luftwaffe used during WW2.