Quick Answer
For a clean, semi-gloss IJN Green finish, thin Mr. Color C15 with Mr. Color Leveling Thinner at roughly 1:1.5 and spray in light, even coats. This guide walks you through the full process, including common pitfalls to avoid.
Why Semi-Gloss Green?
Mr. Color C15 is a semi-gloss paint, which means it dries with a subtle sheen that sits between flat and full gloss. This is ideal for IJN aircraft like the Nakajima Ki-43 or A6M Zero, where the finish should look slightly reflective but not shiny.
The semi-gloss nature also means it holds decals and panel line washes better than a flat finish, but not as well as a full gloss. If you plan to apply decals directly over the paint, consider a clear gloss coat first.
Thinning: The Key to a Smooth Finish
Mr. Color paints are lacquer-based and need proper thinning. A common mistake is spraying the paint too thick, which leads to orange peel or clogged airbrush nozzles.
Use Mr. Color Leveling Thinner for best results. It slows drying slightly, allowing the paint to level out and reduce tip dry. A ratio of 1:1.5 (paint to thinner) is a good starting point for airbrushing.
If you are hand brushing, thin less—around 1:1 or even slightly thicker—and apply multiple thin coats to avoid brush marks.
Step-by-Step Painting Process
- Prepare the surface: Clean the plastic parts with warm soapy water to remove mold release agents. Let them dry completely. Apply a primer if the plastic is bare; a gray or black primer works well under IJN Green. Skipping the wash can cause paint to bead up or peel later.
- Thin the paint: Mix Mr. Color C15 with Mr. Color Leveling Thinner at a 1:1.5 ratio in the airbrush cup. Stir thoroughly. If hand brushing, use a 1:1 ratio and work in thin layers. Test the consistency on a spoon—it should spray evenly without sputtering.
- Set airbrush pressure: Set your airbrush pressure between 15-20 psi. Spray a quick test burst on a scrap piece to ensure the paint flows smoothly and doesn't splatter. Too high pressure can cause the paint to dry before hitting the surface, creating a rough texture.
- Apply light, even coats: Holding the airbrush about 10-15 cm from the surface, spray in smooth, overlapping passes. Apply the first coat lightly—just enough to give the part a hint of color. Wait 5-10 minutes, then apply a second and third coat for full coverage. Don't try to cover the part in one pass; multiple light coats prevent runs and uneven gloss.
- Let it cure and inspect: Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours before handling or masking. Check for any rough spots or missed areas. If needed, lightly sand with fine grit (e.g., 2000) and re-spray a thin coat. Patience here avoids ruining the finish with fingerprints or tape marks.
Product Facts
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Mr. Color C15 Semi-Gloss IJN Green(Nakajima) 10ml: Mr. Color C15 is part of the C001-C120 line, known worldwide for delivering an excellent finish with a large number of colors and types. This means the paint is formulated for modelers who expect consistent, high-quality results, making it a reliable choice for your IJN green projects.
Mr. Color C15 Semi-Gloss IJN Green(Nakajima) 10ml
