AK Interactive Real Colors Markers Review — Military colors in an easy to use package

As mentioned in my review of the AK Interactive Playmarkers, the move into paint markers by AK Interactive is a good thing, because it removes the barrier to entry for people to get into the hobby, and provides hobbyists a tool that can handle larger surfaces. You can read more about those details here. 

This line of markers from AK Interactive is a little different. The Real Colors Markers provide a different form factor, realistic military colors, and are easier to use than the Playmarkers. Let’s dive in. 

AK Interactive sent me the entire set of Real Color Markers. What you get in the set is 34 colors, that consist of mainly desaturated tones and a few metallics, and it’s very clear by the names and tones that these paints are more intended for scale modelers or military builders. For example, paints like Russian Cockpit Turquoise, Ija Ao Midori Iro (Blue Green), and US Interior Yellow Green are meant to evoke the specific military applications these colors are based on, which also leads to some design choices. The labeling usually includes the flag or logo of the country it represents, along with the highly specific color name. The nibs for these markers are felt tip, which is different from the brush tips encountered with the Playmarkers. This gives you even better control over flow, as it’s always consistent. Also, the pump system from the other set is gone too, which lends to the consistency of these markers, and no spilling. 

This leads me to a question outside of this review, which is why have 2 different marker designs? I’ll leave that for an editorial someday.

The markers are also smaller, more akin to an art pen, which makes it very easy to hold.

Paint wise, these are great markers. In my test, I used an old Dust Tactics model, which felt appropriate for these, considering the military theme. What I really like about these markers are their coverage. In most cases, I needed just one coat, but it really depends on your primer color. For the orange and red, I needed 2 coats. Also, because of the pigmentation, it made creating camouflage very easy, though I doubt I stuck to any historical accuracy. And the Chipping Color + any of the metallics looks awesome!

Much like the Playmarkers, I see some specific applications for these. It’s obvious that these would be used on panels for larger vehicles and models, and they definitely have use for basing purposes. When I tried to reach some small spaces, I definitely made a mess. Because of the consistency and pigmentation, I was able to clean up my mistakes with little fuss. The fact that these are markers make it so much easier for new painters to get into the hobby, and I want to continue that line of thought into this review. For the seasoned painters, view these as an easy way to base coat, establish ideas that you’ll refine. 

On the negative side, you’re basically using military paints, so there’s no skin tones, fluorescents, or brighter colors. In fact, all of these paints have the same level of brightness to them, with the exception of the Yellow RAL 1003, Orange RAL 2004, and Signal Red RAL 3020 These are bright and, in fact, accurate to the RAL Standard Color chart for European colors, which is a cool point for all the color nerds reading this. That red is the same red that exists on stop signs in Europe. 

I recommend the Real Color Markers to new painters, painters with hand issues, and the seasoned hobbyist who is searching for a solution for larger areas, good coverage, and some highly accurate paints.