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Monthly magazine about history and scale plastic modeling.

Strana 31

GUIDE TO MR. HOBBY’S METALLIC PAINTS
-
JOSEF BLAŽEK
The key to success is preparing
the surface for metallic paints
Metallic paints have one well-known
and specific characteristic: they act like
a magnifying glass, highlighting any flaws on
the model’s surface. Every poorly sanded seam,
scratch from sandpaper, or speck of dust -
which would remain hidden under a matte
paint - will stand out under a metallic paint.
Therefore, the model’s surface preparation
must be flawless. Once the model’s surface
has been refined, the first step toward success
is applying a glossy black primer. I particularly
recommend the glossy black paint from the GX
(GX02) or GGX (LG002) series. It’s important to
keep in mind that the final metallic finish will
only be as glossy as the primer underneath
it, which is a crucial factor for accurately
recreating a metallic surface.
Conclusion
Navigating Mr. Hobby’s wide range of
metallic paints may seem like alchemy at
first glance, but once you understand their
different chemical compositions and purposes,
you’ll have paints at your disposal that allow
you to faithfully reproduce metallic surfaces.
For example, if you’re building an all – metal
aircraft and your goal is the most realistic
rendering of a metal surface with high
mechanical resistance, reach for the Mr.Color
Super Metallic 2 series diluted with Mr.Color
Rapid Thinner (T117). If you’re spraying in
confined or poorly ventilated spaces and
your priority is low – odor operation, choose
the new Aqueous Super Metallic (HSM)
hybrid series, thinned with T110 thinner
(or, even better, Mr.Color Leveling Thinner).
For putty – filled and spray- painted aircraft
parts, such as those on the MiG-15 or P-51
Mustang, use the standard silver from the
classic C series (C008) or an alternative from
the H series (H008). In my test, I did not focus
on the GX series metallic paints due to their
unavailability on the European market, and
I avoided other specialty shades such as
SMS01 Mirror Silver, which has a narrow and
specific application.
GUNZE products
on Eduard store
INFO Eduard
31
November 2026

GUIDE TO MR. HOBBY’S METALLIC PAINTS - JOSEF BLAŽEK

The key to success is preparing the surface for metallic paints

Metallic paints have one well-known and specific characteristic: they act like a magnifying glass, highlighting any flaws on the model’s surface. Every poorly sanded seam, scratch from sandpaper, or speck of dustwhich would remain hidden under a matte paint - will stand out under a metallic paint. Therefore, the model’s surface preparation must be flawless. Once the model’s surface has been refined, the first step toward success is applying a glossy black primer. I particularly recommend the glossy black paint from the GX (GX02) or GGX (LG002) series. It’s important to keep in mind that the final metallic finish will

only be as glossy as the primer underneath it, which is a crucial factor for accurately recreating a metallic surface.

Conclusion

Navigating Mr. Hobby’s wide range of metallic paints may seem like alchemy at first glance, but once you understand their different chemical compositions and purposes, you’ll have paints at your disposal that allow you to faithfully reproduce metallic surfaces. For example, if you’re building an all – metal aircraft and your goal is the most realistic rendering of a metal surface with high mechanical resistance, reach for the Mr.Color Super Metallic 2 series diluted with Mr.Color

Rapid Thinner (T117). If you’re spraying in confined or poorly ventilated spaces and your priority is low – odor operation, choose the new Aqueous Super Metallic (HSM) hybrid series, thinned with T110 thinner (or, even better, Mr.Color Leveling Thinner). For putty – filled and spray- painted aircraft parts, such as those on the MiG-15 or P-51 Mustang, use the standard silver from the classic C series (C008) or an alternative from the H series (H008). In my test, I did not focus on the GX series metallic paints due to their unavailability on the European market, and I avoided other specialty shades such as SMS01 Mirror Silver, which has a narrow and specific application.

GUNZE products on Eduard store

November 2026

INFO Eduard

31

Info EDUARD