Mr. Hobby Aqueous Hobby Color — Steel (Metallic)

Achieve a realistic, heavy metal finish with Mr. Hobby Aqueous Steel. This premium metallic acrylic is the ideal choice for replicating the dark, industrial look of gun barrels, engine exhausts, tank tracks, mechanical chassis, and structural steelwork. Part of the world-class Aqueous Hobby Color line, this paint combines a sophisticated metallic pigment with the safety and ease of a water-based formula.

Key Features:

• Ultra-Fine Metallic Pigment: Engineered with micro-pigments to ensure a smooth, scale-appropriate finish. It avoids the chunky "glitter" look, providing a consistent and authentic steel sheen that looks highly realistic even on the smallest components.

• Safe and User-Friendly: The water-based acrylic resin formula is low-odor and comfortable to use indoors. It is the ideal choice for hobbyists painting in home environments or those who prefer working without the harsh smells of solvent-based paints.

• Superior Self-Leveling: Formulated to settle evenly across the surface, this paint minimizes brush marks and ensures the metallic flakes distribute uniformly, resulting in a sleek, factory-quality coat.

• Durable and Versatile: Once fully cured, the metallic surface is resilient and provides an excellent, stable base for applying dry-brush highlights, pin-washes, or delicate rust and grime weathering.

Application Guide:

• Hand Brushing: Stir thoroughly before use with a paint stirrer to ensure the heavy metallic particles are fully and evenly distributed. Apply in thin, consistent layers. If the paint feels too thick, a small amount of Aqueous Thinner will improve flow.

• Airbrushing: Thin at a ratio of roughly 1:1 to 1:1.5 (Paint to Thinner). Using Aqueous Thinner is highly recommended to achieve the smoothest atomization and a convincing metallic luster.

Pro-Tips for a Stunning Steel Finish:

The Perfect Base: For the deepest, heaviest, and most realistic steel look, apply this paint over a cured coat of Gloss Black. The dark base gives the metallic pigments incredible depth and a highly convincing weight.

Simulating Realistic Wear: Once your steel coat is dry, try dry-brushing a lighter metallic (like Silver) over the sharp edges and raised details to simulate realistic, worn metal edges.

Cleanup: Clean your tools with water or specialized acrylic cleaner immediately after use. For dried metallic particles in your airbrush, a dedicated hobby tool cleaner is recommended.