# Model Paint 42 vs FineScale Modeler

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Model Paint 42 at 64% against FineScale Modeler's 2%. Model Paint 42 also leads on rating (3.6 vs 2.4) and in-app purchases (none vs 10). FineScale Modeler's advantage is price (Free vs $1.99). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

FineScale Modeler is free to download; Model Paint 42 costs $1.99 up front. FineScale Modeler sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Model Paint 42 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Model Paint 42 holds the better App Store score, 3.6 against 2.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 32 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of Model Paint 42's written reviews are positive against 2% of FineScale Modeler's.

Model Paint 42 ships an update every 3 months, FineScale Modeler every 6 months. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Model Paint 42 | FineScale Modeler |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[3.6 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-paint-42/id357012161/reviews)** | [2.4 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/finescale-modeler/id640180896/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 15 | **32** |
| Positive reviews | **63.8% of reviews** | 2.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 14 MB | 89 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Points Align](https://appshunter.io/developer/357012164) | [Flying Media Group, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1600548072) |

## What reviewers say

### Model Paint 42

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-paint-42/id357012161)

A comprehensive database of over 9500 paints from 29 manufacturers for modelers and artists. Easily search, compare equivalent colors across brands, and manage your paint stock. Create custom lists and add notes for efficient organization.

**Highlights:** Extensive paint database (9500+ paints), 29 manufacturer support, Cross-brand color equivalents, Customizable paint lists, Stock management, Search by color, name, code, finish, type, Notes and sorting options

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Very intuitive and customizable
- 👍 Completely stable and functional
- 👍 Great for tracking paint collection
- 👍 Useful for avoiding duplicate purchases
- 👍 Shows alternative paint choices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📉 Needs recent paint updates
- 📉 Comparisons not totally accurate
- 📉 Old color database
- 🐛 Mistakes in paint list
- 🐛 Missing general search function

**Reported bugs**

- Comparisons between paints are not totally accurate
- Mistakes in the paint list with colors
- New ranges can’t go into my lists
- Can’t Add Notes to Colors in List
- No clear way to close the keyboard

**Requested features**

- Update with recent paints
- Improve accuracy of paint comparisons
- Add ability to make corrections or add missing colors
- Restore general search function
- Search based on FS number


### FineScale Modeler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/finescale-modeler/id640180896)

Learn to build and finish detailed scale models of aircraft, armor, and ships. Access articles on assembly and painting, plus reviews of new kits and expert tips. Features a gallery showcasing reader creations.

**Highlights:** Model building tutorials, Assembly and painting guides, Kit reviews, Product announcements, Expert tips, Reader model gallery

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| FineScale Modeler | $3.99 | per month |
| FineScale Modeler | $39.95 | per year |
| July 2013 | $5.99 | one-time |
| March 2014 | $5.99 | one-time |
| April 2016 | $6.99 | one-time |
| May 2016 | $6.99 | one-time |
| Build Better Models | $7.99 | one-time |
| Build Better Models 2 | $7.99 | one-time |
| The Ultimate Guide to Finishing | $9.99 | one-time |
| Experts Guide to Superdetailing | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Model Paint 42 free?

Model Paint 42 costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is FineScale Modeler free?

FineScale Modeler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Model Paint 42 or FineScale Modeler?

Model Paint 42 is rated higher. Model Paint 42 averages 3.6 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while FineScale Modeler averages 2.4 from 32 ratings.

### Do Model Paint 42 or FineScale Modeler have ads?

Neither Model Paint 42 nor FineScale Modeler shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Model Paint 42 or FineScale Modeler?

Model Paint 42 ships an update every 3 months, and FineScale Modeler every 6 months. Most recently, Model Paint 42 was updated on October 26, 2026 and FineScale Modeler on October 26, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*