What shade of blue is best for sky? - Model Railroader Magazine

riogrande5761

Keep in mind the color of the sky above your layout is not straight up where the sky is the deepest blue, but choose a color down closer to the horizon - it is usually a lighter blue at that level. Also note that the sky blue color deepens as you go up from the horizon to straight above your head.

Jim's got a good point here. You can also simulate this effect by judicious use of clouds, both low and high, and otherwise using light mists of flat white to lighten a well-chosen base layer of blue.

Here's a rattlecan solution that worked for me, Krylon Island Splash Satin, last 5 of the UPC is 53569.

And a pic to illustrate, taken on my Cascade Extension.

How it looks more recently as Black Cat Junction.

It may seem a little bright, but not so much if you're been up in the mountains on a nice clear day. I wanted the blue to be somewhat towards intense as it would be under those circumstances of clean air and altitude.

I used a somewhat lighter shade of blue to paint all the walls in the main layout room. This formed a base for a painted backdrop in several spots, including Silverton seen on the left in this pic.

Pay particular attention to where the horizon line is in relation to the deck level. You want to try to look up at clouds, so paint accordingly after dividing the areas you have available to allow for the lightening effect of surface haze and clouds that Jim discussed to work its magic.

I'll also second eggshell, plus satin as good options.