Strana 10
Aqueous Hobby Color (H Series)
While the classic “C” series relied—and
continues to rely—on uncompromising
chemistry, in the 1980s (with the launch of the
H series in 1982), the then-company Gunze
Sangyo responded to global demand for safer
and less odorous household paints. The result
was the introduction of a new line of paints
under the brand name Aqueous Hobby Color
(referred to as the H Series). From a chemical
standpoint, it is a sophisticated hybrid in
which pigment and acrylic resin are dissolved
in a solution consisting of roughly one-third
water and two-thirds isopropyl alcohol. It is
the alcohol that plays a key role here, as it
reduces surface tension, preventing the paint
from forming droplets on a plastic model
and allowing it to dry very quickly, all while
emitting only a minimal odor.
Aqueous (H) versus Mr.
Color (C): How Do They Differ?
Personally, I see two main differences
between the two main paint lines. These
are primarily differences in their durability
and color palette. Let’s first explain the first
difference. Mr. Color paints (C series) create
an extremely hard and durable surface once
dry. Aqueous (H series) is noticeably softer
once the paint has dried. It is therefore more
susceptible to mechanical abrasion, and if
masking tape is used carelessly—especially
when removing it—there is a risk of damaging
the surface. As for the color palette, while the
C series is positioned as the ultimate military
and historical palette, the H series focuses on
versatility. The palette is thus intentionally
about half the size of that of lacquer paints.
A potential advantage of the “H” series is that,
thanks to their slower drying time, they are
easier to work with when painting very fine
details.
Thinning H Series Paints
Due to its hybrid nature, diluting the Aqueous
series is highly variable, which gives us
considerable flexibility in dilution. In my view,
the dilution process is very similar to that of
the C series, but in my experience, a lower
dilution ratio of 1:2 in favor of the thinner is
usually sufficient. If we stick exclusively to the
original thinners, the H Series paints have their
own Aqueous Thinner (blue-green label). This
thinner contains a precise ratio of alcohol to
water, which gives the paint ideal properties
for airbrushing. The result is a beautiful, semi-
matte to glossy finish and consistent drying
of the paint after application. The paints can
also be thinned with the thinner listed among
the thinners for Mr. Color C paints, specifically
the Mr. Color Leveling Thinner (yellow label).
Although this is a thinner designed for the
C series, the alcohol component in the
Aqueous paint blends perfectly with it. The
lacquer thinner “removes” the paint’s water-
based character. The paint dries noticeably
less on the spray gun needle and blends into
a perfectly smooth surface on the model. After
curing, it takes on properties closer to those of
the C series paints.
Conclusion
Both Mr. Hobby’s C and H paint series offer top-
tier quality in their respective segments. The
final choice therefore depends primarily on
individual preference for mechanical durability
and drying speed (advantages of the C series)
or ease of use and lower odor (H series).
Both series can be combined in multiple
layers on a model when applied according
to the instructions, providing modelers
with a high degree of flexibility. To provide
a better overview of their use and combination,
I have prepared a table of key characteristics
comparing the GGX, GX, C, and H series.
Mr. Color paints (H series)
Paints from Mr. Hobby
GGX GX Mr. Color (C Series) Aqueous (H Series)
Paint Base Synthetic Synthetic Synthetic Water-based acrylic
(Lacquer) (Lacquer) (Lacquer) (Alkohol)
Odor Low Strong Strong Low
Coverage Highest Very high High Medium
Surface hardness Very high Very high High Medium
Package size 60 ml 18 ml 10 ml 10 ml
Compatibility GX+C GGX+C GX+GGX Cannot be mixed with
C/GX/GGX
Main Advantage Coverage + Increased durability Highly durable with Wide range of
less odor compared to C
a wide range of shades colors and low odor
MR. HOBBY PAINTS (GSI CREOS) - JOSEF BLAŽEK
INFO Eduard10
September 2026