The Aqueous Gundam Color line from Mr Hobby is essentially the water-based version of the popular Mr. Color Gundam Color series. For a long time, if you wanted pre-mixed Gundam-accurate colors from Mr Hobby, your only option was the lacquer-based UG line, which requires very good ventilation and ideally a respirator to use safely. So the fact that these now exist in aqueous form is a pretty big deal, especially for builders who paint indoors or just prefer working with something that doesn't smell like a chemical plant.

These are water-based acrylic paints that come in 10ml bottles with a semi-gloss finish. The colors match the lacquer Mr. Color Gundam Color versions, so you're getting the same anime-accurate tones for iconic mobile suits without the harsh fumes. These are also the official colors acknowledged by Bandai, and you'll actually find them recommended in the instruction manuals of Gundam model kits. Because they're pre-mixed to match specific mobile suit color schemes, you don't have to sit there trying to figure out ratios to nail a particular shade. You grab the pot that matches the part you want to paint, and the color accuracy is already handled for you. The range covers a solid selection of series too. You'll find colors for the RX-78-2 Gundam, Zeon suits, SEED, Witch from Mercury, and even SEED Freedom the Movie, all organized under HUG and XHUG product codes depending on the series.

For brush painting, you can use them straight out of the bottle without any thinning. The paint levels nicely and gives you a smooth, even coat. One to two coats will usually get you where you need to be. If you're airbrushing, thin them down with Mr. Aqueous Hobby Color Thinner T110 or T111 at a ratio of about 1:1 to 1:1.5, paint to thinner. Two to three coats through the airbrush is the general recommendation, and you might need an extra coat if you're going light over dark. The leveling qualities are genuinely good for a water-based paint, giving you a smooth film without much effort.

You can also tweak the finish. If you want to knock the semi-gloss down to flat, mix in about 10% to 20% of H-40 Flat Base. For a satin or semi-gloss look, 5% to 10% will get you there. It gives you some flexibility without needing a separate topcoat right away.

Quick Reference

A couple of things to keep in mind before you start. These are not compatible with the lacquer-based UG Gundam Color series or any Mr. Color lacquer paints. You cannot mix the two together. Stick to mixing within the Aqueous Hobby Color family only. On the topic of layering, aqueous paints should not be used as a base layer under lacquer paints. Lacquer solvents are aggressive and will eat through or lift the aqueous layer underneath. You can however use lacquer as your base and apply aqueous on top of it without issues. Just make sure the lacquer layer is fully cured before going over it. Also, avoid using these on ABS resin parts. The paint can penetrate into ABS and cause the plastic to become brittle or crack, so always check your runners and manual before painting.

Cleanup is easy since everything washes out with water while the paint is still wet. Once it cures though, you'll need thinner to remove it. The low odor and mild solvent make this a great option for anyone who paints at a desk or in a shared space. A solid pick for gunpla builders who want accurate colors without the downsides of working with lacquers.