Understanding the Kaleido Color Range: Which Series Is Right for Your Project?

Choosing the right paint can make or break your model. Whether you’re painting a Gundam, a 1/24 scale race car, or a squad of battle-hardened miniatures, selecting the right color series ensures that your project not only looks stunning, but also holds up to handling, masking, and weathering.

That’s where Kaleido ColorWorks comes in.

Kaleido isn’t just a water-based paint—it’s a complete ecosystem built for professional performance and total creative freedom. With 84 colors across four distinct series, plus a lineup of primers, varnishes, and auxiliaries, it's designed to cover virtually all modeling needs.

But with so many options, you might be wondering: Which series is right for me?

In this guide, we’ll break down the full Kaleido color range and help you understand what each series was made for, what makes it unique, and which one to choose based on your model, subject matter, and personal style.

1. Primary Colors – The Foundation of Creativity

What It Is:

The Primary Series consists of 24 high-opacity, high-saturation colors that form the backbone of the Kaleido color system. These are not basic in the boring sense; they're designed to be versatile, mixable, and reliable across any modelling genre.

Who It's For:

• Custom kit bashers and color mixers
  
• Hobbyists who want full creative control
• Beginners building their first paint library
  

Best Use Cases:

• Creating custom tones
  
• Gradient blending and transitions
• Color layering and sketch-style painting
  

Standout Features:

• Bright, vivid pigmentation
  
• Superb coverage—even with light colors
• Works excellently as base layers or highlights

Why You'll Love It: The Primary Series gives you the building blocks to develop your signature color schemes, whether you're painting fantasy miniatures or futuristic robots. Ideal for artists who like to experiment and mix.

2. Mecha Colors – Engineered for Sci-Fi Kits

What It Is:

The Mecha Series includes 24 colors precisely matched to the signature tones found in popular robot and sci-fi model kits (think Gundam, Evangelion, Frame Arms, and more).

Who It’s For:

• Gunpla builders
  
• Sci-fi diorama creators
  
• Anyone who loves high-tech aesthetics

Best Use Cases:

• Painting mobile suits, armour panels, and weaponry
  
• Panel lining and decal application
  
• Articulated builds with high movement areas
  

Standout Features:

• 85 GU gloss finish
  
• Flexible and scratch-resistant
  
• Panel line and decal-friendly

Why You'll Love It: The high gloss of Mecha Colors makes panel lining easier and decals smoother. Their toughness also holds up to frequent posing and part movement, making them perfect for functional mechs.

Bonus Tip: For a more matte or realistic look, apply Kaleido’s matte topcoat/varnish after painting.

3. Auto Colors – Realism for Scale Vehicles

What It Is:

The Auto Series brings 24 shades crafted specifically for scale car modellers. Each one is color-matched against real automotive OEM paint codes.

Who It’s For:

• Car modellers and motorsport enthusiasts
  
• Builders of motorcycles, trucks, and RC shells
  
• Artists who demand depth and realism

Best Use Cases:

• Replicating authentic car finishes
  
• Spraying RC body shells (ABS/polycarbonate)
  
• High-gloss, showroom-style models

Standout Features:

• 8 solid gloss shades
  
• 16 metallic/pearlescent shades
  
• OEM-matched tones
  
• Sprays to a gloss finish without primer
  

Why You'll Love It: Unlike most water-based paints, these lay down ultra-smooth with just a few passes, offering deep gloss and pearlescent effects straight from the bottle. Great for show builds and competitive modelling.

4. Metallic Colors – For That Real Metal Feel

What It Is:

The Metallic Series contains 12 carefully crafted metallic shades that bring out realistic depth, shine, and texture. From warm coppers to icy silvers, these colors simulate the sheen of actual metal.

Who It’s For:

• Anyone painting mechs, vehicles, weapons, or armour
  
• Miniature painters who want striking highlights
  
• Artists working on display pieces or stylized effects
  

Best Use Cases:

• Metallic accents or full metal finishes
  
• Weaponry and machinery parts
  
• Chassis, engine blocks, and pipes
  

Standout Features:

• Fine particle dispersion (under 5 microns)
  
• Micron-level directional flake alignment
  
• Smooth spray with low clogging risk

Why You'll Love It: These metallics are noticeably smoother than most water-based options and rival the finish of solvent paints—without the fumes. Perfect for both realism and stylized fantasy/sci-fi.

Pro Tip: Use Kaleido’s gloss black primer underneath for maximum metallic pop.

Beyond Color: Primers, Topcoats & Additives

Each Kaleido color series becomes even more powerful when paired with the right foundation and finish. Here’s a quick look at the supporting lineup that helps you control every part of the process.

Primers:

• Matte Gray – smooth filler, hides sanding marks
  
• Matte Black – great for pre-shading or dark tones
  
• Matte White – brightens light colors
  
• Gloss Black – rare for water-based; perfect for metallics

Varnishes:

• Matte – realism and subtlety
  
• Semi-Gloss – balanced finish for miniatures
  
• Gloss – deep shine and polishable (great with Auto Colors)
  

 Auxiliaries:

• Airbrush Thinner – tweak flow, especially for 0.2mm setups
  
• Retarder Thinner – slow drying for smoother coats
  
• Cleaner – powerful, non-toxic, and extends airbrush life
  

Choosing the Right Series for Your Project

Let’s make it super simple. Here’s a quick-reference table:

Still not sure? Start with Primary + Mecha or Primary + Auto bundles. You’ll have the flexibility to try both universes.

Final Thoughts: Built for Every Builder

The Kaleido Colorworks was designed to fit how you create. Each series has its unique strength, whether you’re chasing hyperrealism, crafting your universe, or just looking for paint that makes airbrushing easier.

And because Kaleido is powered by RapidAir™ Technology, you get:

• Smooth, even paint film (no beading or pooling)
  
• Strong adhesion on most materials—no primer needed
  
• Low odor, non-toxic, and certified safe for indoor use
  

Whether you’re a beginner choosing your first few paints or a seasoned modeler looking to expand your arsenal, the Kaleido range offers depth, precision, and creative control without the learning curve.