Quick answer
Thin Mr. Color C383 1:1 with Mr. Color Leveling Thinner, spray at 15-18 psi, and apply 2-3 light coats for a smooth semi-gloss finish that works well for Kawanishi aircraft schemes or as an accent on dark Gunpla builds.
Why choose C383 for your build
Mr. Color C383 Semi-Gloss Dark Green is formulated to match the dark green used on Kawanishi aircraft, but its neutral hue also works as a military green accent on Gundam kits like the Gouf or Dom. The semi-gloss sheen gives a realistic scale appearance without needing a separate clear coat for decals.
Unlike flat paints, semi-gloss finishes hold panel liner washes well without excessive darkening. C383 sprays smoothly when thinned properly, but like all Mr. Color lacquers, it requires good ventilation and a respirator.
How to airbrush Mr. Color C383 Semi-Gloss Dark Green
- Prepare the surface: Clean the plastic with isopropyl alcohol to remove mold release. Apply a primer — gray for lighter builds, black for darker shading. Let it cure fully. Skipping primer can cause the lacquer to craze bare polystyrene.
- Thin the paint: Mix Mr. Color C383 with Mr. Color Leveling Thinner at a 1:1 ratio by volume. Stir thoroughly — the pigment settles fast. The consistency should be like skim milk. Using standard lacquer thinner instead of Leveling Thinner may cause tip dry and a rougher finish.
- Set airbrush pressure: Dial your compressor to 15-18 psi. Test spray on a spoon: the paint should atomize into a fine mist without spider-webbing or orange peel. Pressure above 20 psi can blow the paint into a dusty texture; below 12 psi causes sputtering.
- Apply light coats: Hold the airbrush 4-6 inches from the part. Spray a tack coat, let it dry for 2-3 minutes, then build coverage with 2-3 thin passes. Keep the coat wet but not pooling. A single heavy coat will run and ruin the semi-gloss sheen — thin layers preserve the subtle shine.
- Let it cure before masking or decaling: Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours at room temperature. Semi-gloss finishes remain slightly soft for a day, so handle parts gently. Masking too early can lift the paint and leave a matte scar on the surface.
Product facts
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Mr. Color C383 Semi-Gloss Dark Green (Kawanishi) 10ml: C351-C393 MR COLOR is a paint that has long been regarded highly by modelers all over the world as a model paint that delivers an excellent finish. C383 is part of this trusted line, so you can expect consistent coverage and a smooth semi-gloss surface when thinned and sprayed correctly.
Mr. Color C383 Semi-Gloss Dark Green (Kawanishi) 10ml
