What Are Mr. Hobby Paints?


Mr. Hobby, made by GSI Creos in Japan, is one of the most respected paint brands in the modeling world. Known for its accuracy, consistency, and professional-quality finish, Mr. Hobby paints are widely used for aircraft, armor, automotive, Gundam, and other scale modeling projects. Their wide selection of colors, finishes, and product types makes them a versatile choice for both casual hobbyists and expert builders.

Why Modelers Choose Mr. Hobby


Mr. Hobby paints are designed to deliver high-quality results while being flexible enough for different painting styles. They spray smoothly through an airbrush, brush on cleanly for detail work, and dry to a durable finish that resists handling. With accurate military shades, vivid Gundam colors, and a broad spectrum of primers, clears, and specialty coatings, Mr. Hobby has become a trusted standard for modelers worldwide.

The Mr. Hobby Paint Range

Mr. Hobby offers several paint systems, each optimized for specific uses:

  • Mr. Color: A lacquer-based line with strong adhesion, fast drying, and vibrant color accuracy. Ideal for airbrushing and durable finishes.
  • Aqueous Hobby Color (H Series): A water-based acrylic range that is safer to use, easy to clean, and perfect for brush painting or airbrushing with the right thinner.
  • Mr. Color GX: A premium lacquer line offering higher pigment density, better coverage, and smoother finishes compared to standard Mr. Color.
  • Mr. Color Spray: Convenient spray cans with consistent coverage for larger projects and base coats.
  • Mr. Hobby Gundam Color: A specialized line tailored to official Gundam kits, featuring shades that match the mecha straight out of the box.
  • Mr. Finishing Surfacer & Primers: High-quality primers and surfacers that reveal imperfections, level smoothly, and provide excellent adhesion.
  • Topcoats & Clears: Available in gloss, semi-gloss, and flat for finishing, sealing decals, and preparing surfaces for weathering.

This range gives modelers complete control, from priming to finishing touches.

  • How to Use Mr. Hobby Paints


    For best results, always clean and prime your model first. Mr. Color and GX paints are lacquer-based and work best through an airbrush, usually thinned with Mr. Color Thinner or Leveling Thinner for smoother flow. Spray in light coats at around 12–18 PSI, allowing each pass to dry before layering. Aqueous Hobby Color can be thinned with water or Aqueous thinner, making it more beginner-friendly and safer to use indoors. Spray paints provide quick coverage for larger projects, while Gundam Color paints are excellent for brush details and matching official color schemes.

  • Cleaning and Finishing


    Cleaning depends on the paint system used. Lacquers like Mr. Color and GX require lacquer thinner, while Aqueous paints can be cleaned with water or mild thinner. Once your paintwork is complete, sealing with Mr. Hobby Topcoat (available in gloss, satin, or flat) protects the finish and prepares it for decals or weathering. These clear coats integrate seamlessly with both lacquer and acrylic ranges.

  • Bottle Sizes and Formats


    Mr. Hobby paints are sold in compact jars, usually 10ml, which provide plenty of coverage thanks to their strong pigmentation. Spray cans are typically 100ml, designed for larger projects or quick finishes. The small jar sizes make it easy to collect a wide range of colors without taking up too much workspace.

Why Mr. Hobby is Worth It


Mr. Hobby paints are a staple in the modeling community because of their quality, accuracy, and wide selection. Whether you’re painting a WWII aircraft, a Gundam, or a car kit, Mr. Hobby has a paint system designed to deliver the right finish every time. From safe and user-friendly acrylics to high-performance lacquers, their products help bring every project to life with precision and reliability.

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