Paints from Mr. Hobby
Mr. Hobby Varnishes Put to the Test
Text: Josef Blažek
Clear coats are essential chemicals in plastic model building for creating a high-quality model. They are not merely the final step in the painting process—which determines the resulting glossy or matte finish—but primarily serve as a protective layer between individual painting steps and are also essential for protecting the finished model or its parts. If we describe the purposes of each type of varnish in turn, gloss varnish is important primarily for its ability to perfectly even out the model’s surface and create a perfectly smooth base for applying decals, thereby preventing silvering (an effect caused by air bubbles showing through the decal’s cover film). At the same time, it creates a protective barrier against aggressive wash solutions and other weathering techniques. Semi-matte varnishes are also useful here, as they offer a good compromise for ensuring optimal adhesion of weathering pigments to the model’s surface. Matte and satin-matte varnishes, on the other hand, eliminate the model’s “plastic look” at the very end and “seal” all our efforts under a protective layer. The company Mr. Hobby (GSI Creos) offers varnishes across all its main product lines. The selection ranges from classic lacquer finishes to gentle acrylics. In the following chapters, we’ll explore the practical differences between these finishes, which finish is suitable for whom, and for what purposes.
Differences Between Classic Lacquers and “UV Cut”
When browsing the Mr. Hobby product lineup, we come across two types of paints distinguished by their labeling. These are standard paints (available in various lines) and variants labeled “UV Cut.” Standard paints have a traditional formulation that fulfills their mechanical function exactly as expected. However, they have one potential drawback in the long term. After years of exposure to daylight and indoor fluorescent lighting—in other words, exposure to ultraviolet radiation—these paints may yellow slightly and fade. This is not to the extent that a finished model would turn yellow in just a few years, but depending on the model’s location and storage conditions, slight changes in shade may become noticeable over a longer period of time. Unlike standard paints, UV Cut paints contain special chemical filters that absorb ultraviolet radiation. We can explain how this works using an example from everyday life. UV Cut paints essentially function like sunscreen on the skin during summer days. Their protective layer prevents pigment degradation, fading of colors, or yellowing of white decals. They are therefore the ideal choice for models that, once completed, will be on long-term display in showcases exposed to daylight and for which the builders want the greatest possible durability over the next several decades. In the previous installment of our series, we explained the differences between the various paint lines and their specific characteristics. These paint lines also include clear coats, and now we’ll take a closer look at exactly what they are, along with their specific features, advantages, and disadvantages.
GGX Series
The latest Mr. Color GGX paint series, based on a modernized, more environmentally friendly resin with reduced odor, was described in detail in the first installment of our series on Mr. Hobby’s paint chemistry. This new product comes in cost-effective 60-ml bottles and automatically features a built-in UV filter for long-term protection of models against yellowing and fading. The product lineup includes the glossy LG112 GGX Clear UV Cut Gloss and the matte LG113 GGX Clear UV Cut Flat, both of which are easy to apply and spread perfectly across the surface at a very affordable price per milliliter. The third product in the line, the semi-gloss LG115, is not currently available on Eduard’s website, so I haven’t had the opportunity to test it; however, based on my excellent experience with the two previous paints, I expect it to deliver equally positive results. As for working with GGX, I have previously described the detailed procedure and dilution ratios in INFO Eduard magazine 8/2026; however, in a nutshell, the recommendation for these paints is a higher dilution ratio of 1:4 in favor of the thinner. For the matte paint, it’s best to use the new original Mr. Color GGX Rapid Thinner, and for the glossy version, the standard Mr. Color GGX Thinner. The only minor drawback is the investment required for these specific new thinners, without which you won’t be able to take full advantage of the improved properties of the GGX paints. At the same time, however, it’s important to note that these thinners are also used for paints in the GX and C series, so personally, I don’t consider purchasing thinners for GGX to be a particularly significant investment in the hobby as a whole.
An overall view of samples coated with a single layer of gloss varnish. The differences are barely noticeable in the photo, but upon close inspection, it’s clear that the evolutionary progression of Gunze colors—from the C series through the GX to the GGX—results in increased gloss with each layer. Each additional coat then significantly enhances the gloss level. After applying the first coat of H-series gloss varnish and H-series semi-gloss varnish, I applied a thick coat to focus on the main feature of Aqueous Hobby Color paints: their durability. After the varnish had cured (I let it dry for 24 hours), I was unable to leave a fingerprint in the varnish even by applying pressure, though I did feel a slight “sticky effect.” This test confirms the greater susceptibility caused by the paints’ lower hardness and, at the same time, the need to work more carefully with Aqueous Hobby Color paints, allow them time to dry, and ideally use Mr. Color Leveling Thinner to improve their properties. I thinned the test sample with the original thinner for the H series so as not to artificially improve the properties based on my experience and to provide realistic feedback on the results of working with this product line in this test.
GX Series
The Mr. Color GX series, available in 18-ml bottles, represents an evolutionary leap and an improved version of classic lacquer paints. Thanks to the resulting surface hardness, these paints are considered the absolute best for sanding and polishing mirror-like finishes—a feature that will be especially appreciated by modelers focused on civilian cars or motorcycles. This product line includes the classic glossy clear coat without UV protection, GX100 Super Clear III; its variant with an integrated UV filter, GX112 Super Clear III UV Cut Gloss; and the matte clear coat, GX113 Super Clear III UV Cut Flat. These are complemented by the excellent GX114 Super Smooth Clear Flat without UV protection, which creates an extra-smooth, velvety matte finish.
Thanks to a special additive, the GX114 clear coat reduces the risk of surface scratches during handling, and I personally consider it one of the best matte clear coats on the market due to its ability to create a beautiful finish without unwanted whitening after drying. For best results, it’s ideal to thin the paints with yellow Mr. Color Leveling Thinner at a ratio of 1:4 in favor of the thinner. While for the glossy GX100 and GX112 variants, which produce a mirror-like finish, I recommend applying thin coats using the so-called “wet spray” technique, with matte paints, on the other hand, it is essential not to flood the surface with a thick coat under any circumstances but rather to apply only a light dusting. If the matting effect is insufficient, slightly reducing the dilution ratio or switching to standard Mr. Color Thinner will help. A trade-off for these properties is the Mr. Color series’ typical strong chemical odor and the risk that a thick coat of varnish may damage sensitive decals if sprayed carelessly. The GX113 matte coat requires particular caution, as it can cause slight whitening of the surface when applied too thickly.
Mr. Color (Series C)
The standard line of clear coats from the Mr. Color product range is sold in classic 10-ml bottles, and although a few years ago it represented the very pinnacle of Mr. Hobby’s product lineup, today it faces stiff competition from the more innovative and advanced successors in the GX and GGX series. In this basic lineup, you can choose from the classic C046 Clear Gloss, the semi-gloss C181 Semi-Gloss Clear, and the basic matte variant C182 Flat Clear. For application, I generally recommend a higher dilution ratio than with standard pigment paints; with my airbrush set to a 0.2 mm nozzle, a 1:4 ratio in favor of thinner has worked best for me. Among the main benefits of these traditional lacquer paints is the fact that they perform excellently even in very thin coats, which means they do not compromise the sharpness of fine details on the model’s surface. Additionally, they dry very quickly while maintaining stable and predictable behavior. On the other hand, well-known drawbacks include the stronger odor typical of the Mr. Color line of chemicals, as well as the risk associated with the C182 matte varnish, which can develop an unpleasant “white haze” if the correct dilution ratio is not followed. The resulting surface of the model then looks as if it were coated with a fine layer of frost.
Aqueous Hobby Color (H Series)
The H Series (Aqueous) paints, which are water-alcohol-based, are sold in 10-ml bottles and are primarily intended for home spraying without the need for powerful exhaust systems or intensive ventilation—unlike Mr. Color paints—if you want to avoid a strong chemical odor in the room. The Aqueous Hobby Color range offers the classic glossy H030 Clear Gloss, the matte H020 Flat Clear, and the semi-gloss H098 Semi-Gloss Clear. To thin them for use in a spray gun, you can use the original Aqueous Color Thinner in a ratio of approximately 1:3; however, my tests show that a significantly better option is to use the yellow Mr. Color Leveling Thinner, which is primarily intended for Mr. Color paints. Although this thinner gives the thinned paint an odor similar to that of lacquer paints, once cured, it creates a more durable and higher-quality finish. One of the biggest advantages of the H series is its gentle, nearly odorless formula, which makes it exceptionally safe for applying paint over sensitive decals that are prone to damage from stronger chemicals. On the downside, however, we must note that it dries more slowly compared to lacquers (C, GX, and GGX), and the fact that the surface remains slightly soft and prone to scratching even after drying, which complicates further handling. At the same time, the H030 gloss paint does not achieve as deep a glass-like shine in the first coat as the more advanced C, GX, or GGX series, just as the H020 matte paint cannot fully compete with the matte paints of the C, GX, and GGX series. However, after applying multiple coats, both paints perform to their full potential.
Proper Painting Procedure
Achieving a perfect result when painting requires following several best practices that will help you to avoid the most common mistakes, such as the so-called orange peel effect or the dreaded whitening resembling frost on the surface. The orange peel effect occurs when the paint dries too quickly and the microdroplets on the model do not have time to merge into a single, smooth surface. When working with an airbrush, this can be effectively prevented by using only Mr. Color Leveling Thinner. I recommend thinning the paint more than is customary with standard pigment paints, ideally in a 1:4 ratio in favor of the thinner. The trick to applying gloss paint is to apply the first coat very thinly, like a fine dusting, let it dry slightly, and then spray the second coat “wet-on-wet.” In other words, apply enough to create a continuous glossy film on the model, which—thanks to the drying retarder in the thinner—will blend and level perfectly but won’t start to run yet.
Matte paints require a completely opposite approach, as the biggest nightmare for modelers is the “frosting” effect—the formation of a white haze and gray patches. This effect is caused by the accumulation of a matte agent that did not dissolve properly or by applying a layer that is too thick. High humidity in the room can also play a role. To eliminate these risks, it’s best to follow the rule of not spraying matte varnishes (especially standard C182 varnish) if it’s raining outside or if the room is humid, because the drying varnish will absorb moisture from the air and may turn partially white. Another key point for proper application of matte varnish is the preparation itself. Matte additives generally settle at the bottom of the bottle as a “thick paste”; simply shaking the bottle is not enough, and you must always mechanically stir the varnish before use—for example, with a wooden stirrer—until the mixture is completely homogeneous. Unlike glossy varnish, the application of matte varnish must not be done “wet-on-wet.” I recommend always applying matte varnishes in several very thin, dry coats, which will ensure a velvety matte and perfectly clean matte finish.
The comprehensive test of matte varnishes highlights the differences described in the article. I applied all the matte clear coats to a glossy surface to better simulate real-world use and, at the same time, verify their ability to create a matte finish without the aid of a base coat. I achieved the best results with the LG113 GGX Clear UV Cut Flat matte clear coat from the GGX series and the GX114 Super Smooth Clear Flat matte clear coat from the GX series. Overall, the good news is that all these varnishes can produce a nice matte finish, but the differences lie primarily in the difficulty of application and the ease of achieving the desired level of matte finish. It is essential to follow the conditions I mentioned during application to avoid major issues with the final appearance of the surface on the finished model.
So which varnish is the best?
Mr. Hobby’s extensive portfolio of varnishes offers us a wide range of options, but it also requires a clear idea of what we want to achieve on the model. If your priority is absolute comfort while working—meaning minimal odor in your home and long-term surface protection—the modern GGX series, led by the LG112 and LG113 paints, is the best choice thanks to its large bottles and built-in UV filter, and it currently represents the absolute pinnacle of the product line. The GX series also produces a very hard finish and is popular among modelers focused on car models, motorcycle builders, and anyone else who requires a hard surface ready to be polished with abrasive pastes to a mirror finish. However, compared to the GGX series, the odor is more pronounced, comparable to that of the C series. Noteworthy in the GX series is the GX114 matte clear coat, which offers a beautiful velvety matte finish, although it lacks UV protection. Although the traditional Mr. Color paints (C Series) are somewhat overshadowed today by their more innovative counterparts, they still represent a reliable and fast-drying classic for those who need to preserve 100% sharpness in the finest details and rivet lines. The H acrylic series offers an alternative for home spraying, especially in smaller living spaces, and is also a good choice for delicate decals. However, we must sacrifice some mechanical resistance and accept a longer drying time. Simply put, there is no one-size-fits-all choice for paint—it depends on the specific project and the modeler. My personal choice from Mr. Hobby’s lineup is the GGX series of paints and the velvety-matte GX114 Super Smooth Clear Flat.