What’s New?

AK Interactive released their new REAL COLORS acrylic markers in July 2024. Todate, REAL COLORS paints are available as lacquer-based and in small jar format and now also in dropper bottle format. These initial 34 markers are acrylic-based, thus, no lacquer odour that you normally find with such markers e.g. whiteboard markers.

What make these AK acrylic markers different from other acrylic markers? According to AK’s dossier and on the box below, it has matt finish, fast dry and waterproof. I tried Faber-Castell color markers (unfortunately they did not say if theirs are acrylic markers) on plastic and one thing is for sure, Faber markers do not work on plastic or resin.

I tested AK markers and they performed as claimed – it has matt finish, dry fast within 10 seconds and is waterproof. Good thing is these adhere well on plastic and resin with or without priming. Of course, a primed object helps the paint to stick better but I found it not necessary for AK Real Color markers. It works well on metal surface too.

Testing The Markers on Primed und Unprimed Plastic Models

On unprimed models, I could just apply the markers easily. The fine tip allows you to work on small areas eg. corners, faces, underarms etc. while the broad side nip covers wider surfaces. They dry fast within 10 seconds before you apply the second layer of another color. The color from the first layer will not smudge the marker nip. which is a great plus point.

Furthermore, you do not need to worry if you overapplied the paint on one area or leaving a blob. Each application spread smoothly on the surface.

On primed models such as on these Preiser figures, it works the same as unprimed. I do not notice any difference in paint adhesion.

The father-and-daughter figure was primed with Vallejo grey primer and cured for 12 hours. For the skin tone, I applied RCM012 Wood Base and for the hair, RCM007 Brown. The daughter figure received RCM003 Signal Red RAL 3020 for the matching dress and shoes.

As for the father-figure, I wanted shades of green. So the bucket hat and shirt is RCM029 Mitsubishi Interior Green. The pant is RCM028 RAF Cockpit Grey-Green. The last photo shows some green shades for shadow namely with RCM023 US Interior Yellow Green and RCM022 Interior Green.

Pros and Cons of These AK Real Colors Markers

This is my first attempt with AK Real Colors markers so what you read here is my first-hand experience feedback. I am actually grateful that AK Interactive comes out with acrylic markers and no reason for me to postpone painting and touching up my models.

Pros:

• Work as claimed – matt finish, dry fast within 10 seconds and waterproof
• Work on plastic and resin surfaces with OR without priming the surface first and on metal too
• Quick dry means no smudges and can apply other colors over the layer without worrying if the paint sticks or mixes
• Offer better control of the brushing process without overapplying on surface or leaving blobs
• Fine tip and broad side allow for various applications and hard-to-reach corner.
• My favourite Pro: NO SETUP TIME compared to using air brushing or paint brush technique. No need to mix the paints or worry about paint consistency or viscocity. The markers leave a constant and even layer.

Cons:

• Priced at retail 1.95€ per marker could be higher for some compared to 2.75€ per 17ml bottle (REAL COLORS / 3 GEN Acrylic) excluding thinner and/or flow improver or retarder. AK Interactive claimed that each marker can last for 60-70 meters of usage.
• Initially 34 colors from the existing REAL COLORS range.

I do not see the cons as major impediments to buy and use them. Over time, the prices may come down by a few cents and the color range may widen.

These markers are not suitable for dry brushing technique though. Therefore, see these markes as your acrylic paints for the initial application and complemented with our techniques such as washing, dry brushing etc.

Now, I have to paint another 119 figures for my Loewenherz module!