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RLM Colour Reference Guide — Vallejo, Tamiya & AK Interactive

Wheels & Wings Hobbies · Paint Reference

RLM Colour Reference Guide — Vallejo, Tamiya & AK Interactive

Luftwaffe paint colours 1933–1945 · Vallejo, Tamiya & AK Interactive 3G matches from stock

Every RLM colour matched to Vallejo, Tamiya & AK Interactive 3G — all in stock at Wheels & Wings

RLM (Reichs-Luftfahrt-Ministerium) colours are the official German aviation paint standards used on Luftwaffe aircraft from 1933 to 1945. This guide covers every modelling-relevant RLM number with dedicated matches across all three brands stocked at Wheels & Wings Hobbies. Vallejo Model Air, Tamiya XF acrylic and LP lacquer, and AK Interactive 3G are all listed side by side so you can choose the brand and formula that suits your workflow.

The AK Interactive 3G Air Series is the standout brand for RLM accuracy — it stocks period-specific variants that no other manufacturer offers. RLM 65 in 1938 and 1941 formulations, three versions of RLM 76, two each of RLM 78 and 79, and three versions of RLM 81 are all individually stocked. Where multiple AK variants exist, each is shown with its period badge. For RLM 01, 21, and 22 (silver, white, black), the closest AK 3G General Series matches are listed.

Scale effect note: A direct RLM match will often appear too dark at 1/72 or 1/48. Adding 5–10% White to any upper surface colour is a common starting point for smaller scales.

RLM numbers covered 25 modelling-relevant + 8 rarely modelled
Vallejo source Official Historical Reference Guide
Tamiya mixes Community-compiled ratios
AK 3G variants Period-specific where available

How to read this guide

Dedicated match: A paint named directly for that RLM number. Most accurate starting point for any brand.

XF vs LP (Tamiya): LP lacquers preferred for airbrushing; XF acrylics also for airbrushing and brush painting small areas.

Community mix: Where no single Tamiya paint is close enough, a community mix is provided with ratios by volume.

For full aircraft-specific notes on every AK 3G Air colour, see the AK 3G Air Series guide.

Jump to:  Pre-War & Early War (RLM 01–63)  |  Mid-War (RLM 65–77)  |  Late-War & Tropical (RLM 78–83)  |  Rarely Modelled Numbers

Pre-War & Early War — RLM 01 to RLM 63

From the formation of the Luftwaffe through to 1940. RLM 01 Silber was the original overall metallic silver finish. RLM 21 (White) and RLM 22 (Black) were used for markings throughout the entire war. RLM 61/62/63 were the pre-war and Legion Condor era camouflage.

RLM Name Colour Period Aircraft & Subjects Vallejo Tamiya AK Interactive 3G  ↑ back to top
RLM 01 Silber Pre-War Overall silver metallic finish 1933–1936. Standard factory finish before camouflage was introduced. RLM 01 Silber was applied to all Luftwaffe aircraft before camouflage colour standards were established.
VLJ77701MC
Aluminium — Metal Color
VLJ70997MC
Silver — Model Color
TAMXF16XF
Flat Aluminum
TAMLP38LP
Flat Aluminum
AKI11207
Aluminium
AKI11209
Silver
RLM 02 Graugrün Universal Universal primer throughout the war. Cockpit interiors (until 1944), wheel wells, engine bays, and continuation camouflage alongside RLM 70/71 from 1940.
VLJ70886MC
Green Grey RLM02
TAMXF22XF
RLM Gray
AKI11811
RLM02 RLM Grau 1938
AKI11812
RLM02 RLM Grau 1941
RLM 04 Gelb Universal Theatre identification yellow. Eastern Front cowling bands and rudders from June 1941. Mediterranean theatre wing bands. Fuel filler cap markings throughout the war.
VLJ71078MA
Gold Yellow
TAMXF3XF
Flat Yellow
TAMLP80LP
Flat Yellow
AKI11813
RLM04
RLM 21 Weiß Markings White for national insignia, winter camouflage overspray on Eastern Front aircraft, and training aircraft markings. Applied as winter whitewash over standard schemes from 1941 onwards.
VLJ70951MC
White
TAMXF2XF
Flat White
TAMLP35LP
Insignia White
AKI11001
Intense White
AKI11230
Titanium White
RLM 22 Schwarz Markings Black for national insignia Balkenkreuz outlines, Hakenkreuz (swastika) markings, propeller blade anti-glare treatment, night fighter overall schemes, and blackout paint on navigation lights.
VLJ70950MC
Black
TAMXF1XF
Flat Black
TAMLP3LP
Flat Black
AKI11029
Black
RLM 23 Rot Markings Red for formation leader markings and some national insignia components.
VLJ70817MC
Scarlet
TAMXF7XF
Flat Red
 —
RLM 61 Dunkelbraun Pre-War Pre-war dark brown upper surface. Legion Condor (Bf 109B/C, He 111B — Spain 1937–39). Paired with RLM 62 in the pre-war splinter scheme.
VLJ71042MA
Camouflage Black Brown
AKI11814
RLM61
RLM 62 Grün Pre-War Pre-war medium green upper surface partner to RLM 61. Legion Condor: Bf 109B/C, He 111B. Early Luftwaffe training types (Ar 66, He 72, Fw 44) 1936–38.
VLJ71104MA
Green RLM62
TAMXF65XF
Field Grey
AKI11815
RLM62
RLM 63 Lichtgrau Pre-War Light grey undersurface for pre-war aircraft. Bf 109B/C/D, He 51B, Ar 68. Predates the RLM 65 Hellblau undersurface standard introduced in 1938.
VLJ71260MA
Light Grey
AKI11816
RLM63

Mid-War — RLM 65 to RLM 77

The defining colours of the Battle of Britain, Eastern Front, and Mediterranean. RLM 65 Hellblau was the standard undersurface blue 1937–1941, replaced by RLM 76 from mid-1941. The RLM 70/71 splinter upper scheme dominated 1939–1942, transitioning to RLM 74/75/76 from 1941 onwards.

RLM Name Colour Period Aircraft & Subjects Vallejo Tamiya AK Interactive 3G  ↑ back to top
RLM 65 Hellblau Mid-War Standard light blue undersurface 1937–1941. Bf 109E (JG 2, 26, 51, 53 — Battle of Britain), Bf 110C/D (ZG 26, 76), He 111H (KG 26, 53, 55), Do 17Z, Ju 88A-1, Ju 87B/R. Replaced by RLM 76 from mid-1941.
VLJ71255MA
Light Blue — RLM 65
TAMXF23XF
Light Blue
More accurate tone: XF-23 (TAMXF23):1 + XF-2 (TAMXF2):1
Community mix
Kugel mix for more accurate tone: XF-23 Light Blue (TAMXF23):1 + XF-2 Flat White (TAMXF2):1
AKI11817
RLM65 1938
AKI11818
RLM65 1941
RLM 66 Schwarzgrau Universal Cockpit interior dark grey from 1941 on all Luftwaffe aircraft. Bf 109F/G/K, Fw 190A/F/D, He 219A, Do 335A, Me 262A, Ta 152H. Replaced RLM 02 as cockpit standard.
VLJ71055MA
Black Grey — RLM 66
TAMXF63XF
German Gray
TAMLP27LP
German Gray
AKI11819
RLM 66 1938
AKI11820
RLM66 1941
RLM 70 Schwarzgrün Mid-War Dark black-green upper surface. Bf 109E (JG 2, 26, 27, 51, 53 — Poland, France, Battle of Britain), Bf 110C/D, He 111H (KG 26, 53), Do 17Z, Ju 88A-1/4, Ju 87B/R. Paired with RLM 71. Standard for propellers from 1942.
VLJ71021MA
Black Green RLM70
VLJ70897MC
Bronze Green — approx.
TAMXF27XF
Black Green
AKI11821
RLM70
RLM 71 Dunkelgrün Mid-War Dark green splinter partner to RLM 70. Same aircraft as RLM 70 — always paired. Fw 190A-1/2/3 (JG 2, 26 — Channel 1941–42), He 111H, Do 217E, Ju 88A-4.
VLJ71015MA
Olive Green — RLM 71
TAMXF81XF
RAF Dark Green 2
TAMLP28LP
Olive Drab
AKI11822
RLM71
RLM 72 Grün Maritime Maritime patrol aircraft upper surface. He 115B/C (Küstenfliegergruppe 106, 406 — North Sea), BV 138C-1 (SAGr 125, 130 — Atlantic), Fw 200C Condor (KG 40). Paired with RLM 73.
VLJ71263MA
Green RLM72
AKI11823
RLM72
RLM 73 Grün Maritime Maritime second upper surface colour. He 177A-3/5 (KG 40, KG 100 — anti-shipping 1943–44), Fw 200C-4/6 (KG 40 — Atlantic), BV 138C.
VLJ71256MA
Green RLM73
VLJ70896MC
German Camo Extra Dark Green — approx.
AKI11824
RLM73
RLM 74 Graugrün Late-War Grey-green upper surface for mid/late-war 74/75/76 scheme. Bf 109F/G/K (JG 3, 52, 53, 54 — 1941–44), Fw 190A/D (JG 2, 26, 54), He 219A (NJG 1), Bf 110G-4 (NJG 1, 4).
VLJ71258MA
Gray Green — RLM 74
AKI11825
RLM74
RLM 75 Grauviolett Late-War Grey-violet upper surface partner to RLM 74. Same aircraft as RLM 74 — always paired. Bf 109F/G (JG 52 — Hartmann), Fw 190A/D (JG 2 Richthofen), Do 335A-1, He 219A (NJG 1).
VLJ71259MA
Grey Violet — RLM 75
Community mix: XF-24 Dark Grey (TAMXF24):5 + XF-50 Field Blue (TAMXF50):1 + XF-2 White (TAMXF2):2 — more accurate than XF-22 alone
Community mix
Kugel mix: XF-24 Dark Grey (TAMXF24):5 + XF-50 Field Blue (TAMXF50):1 + XF-2 Flat White (TAMXF2):2 — more accurate than XF-22 alone
AKI11826
RLM75
RLM 76 Lichtblau Late-War Light blue-grey undersurface replacing RLM 65 from mid-1941. Bf 109F/G/K, Fw 190A/F/D, Bf 110G-4, He 219A, Me 262A. Three period versions: use AKI11827–11829 for maximum accuracy.
VLJ71257MA
Light Blue — RLM 76
Community mix: XF-2 White (TAMXF2):7 + XF-23 Light Blue (TAMXF23):1 + XF-66 Light Grey (TAMXF66):2 — more accurate than XF-23 alone
Community mix
Kugel mix: XF-2 Flat White (TAMXF2):7 + XF-23 Light Blue (TAMXF23):1 + XF-66 Light Grey (TAMXF66):2 — more accurate than XF-23 alone
AKI11827
RLM76 Version 1
AKI11828
RLM76 Version 2
AKI11829
RLM76 Late War Variation
RLM 77 Hellgrau Late-War Light grey on some late-war aircraft. Rare — limited production documentation. He 162A-2 (JG 1 — 1945), some late-war experimental types. No dedicated match
TAMXF80XF
RN Light Grey
Community mix
XF-19 Flat Sky Grey (TAMXF19) straight from bottle — Kugel reference for RLM 77
 —

Late-War & Tropical — RLM 78 to RLM 83

Tropical and desert colours (RLM 78, 79, 80) for North Africa and Mediterranean subjects, and the late-war three-tone scheme (RLM 81, 82, 83) for Me 262, Fw 190D, Ta 152, and He 162. Note on RLM 83: historical research identifies this as Dunkelblau (dark blue) — AK Interactive correctly labels it as such.

RLM Name Colour Period Aircraft & Subjects Vallejo Tamiya AK Interactive 3G  ↑ back to top
RLM 78 Himmelblau Tropical Sky blue tropical undersurface for North Africa and Mediterranean. Bf 109E/F/G Trop (JG 27 — Marseille, Gazala), Bf 110D/E (ZG 26), Ju 87D (StG 3). AK 3G stocks two period variants (AKI11830–11831).
VLJ71101MA
Blue — RLM 78
AKI11830
RLM78 1941
AKI11831
RLM78 1942
RLM 79 Sandgelb Tropical Sand yellow base coat for tropical aircraft. Bf 109E/F/G Trop (JG 27, JG 53 — North Africa 1941–42), Ju 87D (StG 3), Ju 88A (Mediterranean). AK 3G stocks 1941 and 1942 variants (AKI11832–11833).
VLJ71278MA
Sand Yellow — RLM 79
TAMXF59XF
Desert Yellow
TAMLP76LP
Yellow Brown DAK 1941
Community mix
Kugel mix (alternative): XF-59 Desert Yellow (TAMXF59):3 + XF-64 Red Brown (TAMXF64):1
AKI11832
RLM79 1941
AKI11833
RLM79 1942
RLM 80 Olivgrün Tropical Olive green mottle applied over RLM 79 base coat. Bf 109E/F/G Trop (JG 27), Bf 110D/E (ZG 26), Ju 87D (StG 3). Never used as sole upper surface colour — always in combination with RLM 79.
VLJ71265MA
Olive Green — RLM 80
TAMXF58XF
Olive Green
TAMLP29LP
Dark Green
Community mix
XF-58 Olive Green (TAMXF58) straight from bottle — Kugel reference
AKI11834
RLM80
RLM 81 Braunviolett Late-War Brown-violet late-war upper surface replacing RLM 70. Me 262A (JG 7, KG(J) 54), Fw 190D-9 (JG 3, 4, 26), He 162A-2 (JG 1), Ta 152H-1 (JG 301). Three production versions due to no official paint samples from RLM. AK 3G stocks all three (AKI11835–11837).
VLJ71264MA
Brown Violet — RLM 81
VLJ71043MA
Olive Drab Braunviolett — RLM 81 alt.
TAMXF90XF
Red Brown 2
TAMLP57LP
Red Brown 2
AKI11835
RLM81 Version 1
AKI11836
RLM81 Version 2
AKI11837
RLM81 Version 3
RLM 82 Lichtgrün Late-War Light green late-war upper surface paired with RLM 81. Me 262A (JG 7), Fw 190D-9 (JG 3, 4, 26), He 162A-2 (JG 1), Ta 152H-1 (JG 301), Bf 109G-10/K-4 late production.
VLJ71022MA
Camouflage Green — RLM 82
AKI11838
RLM82
RLM 83 Dunkelblau Late-War Dark blue per primary source documentation (Test Order E2-45/31, 1943; Sammelmitteilung Nr.2, 1944). Proposed for maritime use alongside RLM 72/73. Rarely applied in production. Most paint manufacturers incorrectly label this as green.
Note: AK Interactive correctly identifies RLM 83 as Dunkelblau (dark blue). Most other manufacturers label it as green — see AKI11839 in the AK 3G Air guide.
 No dedicated match
Historical dark blue: XF-8 Flat Blue (TAMXF8):2 + XF-2 White (TAMXF2):1 — per primary sources. Manufacturer green interpretation: XF-5 Flat Green (TAMXF5):1 + XF-3 Flat Yellow (TAMXF3):1
Community mix
Per historical record (dark blue): mix XF-8 Flat Blue (TAMXF8):2 + XF-2 Flat White (TAMXF2):1. Kugel (green interpretation): XF-5 Flat Green (TAMXF5):1 + XF-3 Flat Yellow (TAMXF3):1. See note.
AKI11839
RLM83

Rarely Modelled RLM Numbers

These RLM numbers exist in the official record but are either not camouflage colours, were discontinued before WWII began, or appear on subjects so rarely kitted that dedicated paint matches are not practical to list.

RLM Name Why it's not in the main guide
RLM 00 Wasserhell Transparent varnish and primer. Not a paint colour.
RLM 03 Silbergrau Silver-grey used before September 1939. Almost never modelled specifically.
RLM 05 Elfenbein Ivory. Used on gliders and experimental aircraft before 1936.
RLM 24 Dunkelblau Dark blue marking colour, early 1930s. Removed from military use before 1936.
RLM 25 Hellgrün Light green marking colour, early 1930s. Not a camouflage colour.
RLM 26 Braun Brown marking colour, early 1930s.
RLM 27 Gelb Yellow marking colour, early 1930s only.
RLM 28 Weinrot Maroon. Fuel system markings and pre-war identification.

Stocking Vallejo, Tamiya & AK Interactive RLM colours at Wheels & Wings

All paints in this guide are stocked at our Toronto store at 1880 Danforth Ave and available online with shipping across Canada. For full colour guides by brand, see the Vallejo Model Air guide, Tamiya XF Acrylic guide, and AK 3G Air Series guide.

Browse all Vallejo, Tamiya, and AK Interactive paints in our online store.

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Apr 22, 2026 Wheels & Wings Hobbies

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