WWII Imperial Japanese Army AFV Camouflage Color Palette, 1937–1945
The Vallejo IJA Camouflage Paint Set 71.160 is made for modelers painting Imperial Japanese Army AFV vehicles from the early and late WWII period. This set is designed for Japanese armor and vehicle camouflage used between 1937 and 1945, including subjects such as the Type 95 Ha-Go and Type 97 Chi-Ha.
This product is an IJA Colors Early/Late 1937–1945 set, not a US Navy or USMC aircraft paint set. The previous US Navy color references should be removed because they do not match this product. This page should focus on Japanese Army vehicle camouflage, AFV modeling, and WWII Japanese armor subjects.
Vallejo Model Air paints are water-based acrylic colors formulated for airbrushing. They can be sprayed directly from the bottle or adjusted with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner or Flow Improver when needed. For best results, prime the model first and apply the colors in several thin layers.
Why Choose the Vallejo IJA Camouflage Paint Set?
- Correct IJA subject focus: Designed for Imperial Japanese Army vehicle camouflage from 1937–1945.
- AFV modeling use: Suitable for Japanese tanks, armored vehicles, tankettes, and support vehicles.
- Early and late war coverage: Useful for different Japanese camouflage styles across WWII theaters.
- Airbrush ready: Vallejo Model Air paints are formulated for smooth airbrush application.
- Reference-friendly buying: Keeping 71.160 / 71160 visible helps exact-reference shoppers find the correct set.
Japanese AFV Subjects This Set Supports
This paint set is especially useful for WWII Japanese armor and vehicle projects, including:
- Type 95 Ha-Go: Common Japanese light tank used across China, Malaya, the Philippines, and Pacific island campaigns.
- Type 97 Chi-Ha: One of the most recognized Imperial Japanese Army medium tanks of WWII.
- Type 89 medium tank: Useful for earlier war Japanese armor subjects.
- Type 94 tankette: Suitable for small Japanese reconnaissance and support vehicle builds.
- Japanese support vehicles: Useful for trucks, field vehicles, and AFV diorama accessories.
Application Guidelines for IJA Armor and Vehicles
- Prime first: Apply primer before painting so the Model Air colors grip properly on plastic, resin, or metal.
- Build the base coat gradually: Spray thin, even layers instead of one heavy coat to preserve molded detail.
- Use camouflage colors in controlled passes: Japanese AFV camouflage often benefits from soft but deliberate transitions between colors.
- Add weathering carefully: Dust, mud, fading, and chipping help Japanese armor look more realistic in Pacific, China, and Burma theater settings.
- Clean between colors: Use Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner after spraying to keep the airbrush performing smoothly.
For airbrushing Vallejo Model Air, start around 15–20 PSI. For tighter camouflage patterns or smaller 1/72 and 1/48 scale vehicles, reduce pressure slightly and work closer to the surface with controlled trigger movement.
Expert Tips for WWII Japanese Armor Modeling
- Do not make the finish too clean: IJA vehicles often look more realistic with dust, scratches, and field wear.
- Use tonal variation: Slightly lighten exposed panels and upper surfaces to simulate sun fading and scale effect.
- Match the theater: Pacific island vehicles may need more fading and dust, while China and Burma subjects may use more earth and mud effects.
- Use the set beyond tanks: These colors can also support Japanese trucks, artillery tractors, diorama equipment, and field accessories.
Explore more Vallejo Model Air Paints, Vallejo WWII Air Forces Sets, and Airbrush Paint Sets for additional WWII camouflage colors, historical military paint schemes, and airbrush-ready model paint collections.
Packaging
Content: 8 × 18ml / 0.6 fl oz Model Air bottles with eyedropper caps. This packaging helps prevent the paint from drying out and allows controlled dispensing for airbrush or brush work.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vallejo IJA Camouflage Paint Set 71.160
Is this product an IJA or US Navy paint set?
This product is an IJA Colors Early/Late 1937–1945 paint set for Imperial Japanese Army AFV vehicles. It should not use US Navy or USMC aircraft color descriptions.
What models is this paint set best for?
This set is best for WWII Japanese Army vehicles such as the Type 95 Ha-Go, Type 97 Chi-Ha, Type 89 tank, Type 94 tankette, and related Japanese AFV subjects.
Is this set airbrush-ready?
Yes. Vallejo Model Air paints are formulated for airbrush use. They can be sprayed directly or adjusted with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner or Flow Improver.
Can I use this set for Japanese dioramas?
Yes. The colors are useful for Japanese armor, support vehicles, field equipment, and WWII Pacific or China theater diorama work.