Mr. Hobby
ActiveOverview
Mr. Hobby is the brand for model-making products, including paints, tools, and accessories, produced by GSI Creos Corporation's Hobby Division. It holds a leading position in the Japanese hobby market and is favored by professional modelers worldwide for its paints like Mr. Color lacquers and Aqueous Hobby Color.123
History
Mr. Hobby originated as the modeling division of Gunze Sangyo, founded in 1969, which later became GSI Creos Corporation. The brand focuses on products designed for scale modelers and has expanded its range over more than 40 years to include paints, tools, and imported plastic models. It has grown its international presence while maintaining market leadership in Japan.123
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Color (lacquer paints) | solvent-based paints for scale models | $5 - $10 |
| Aqueous Hobby Color (water-based paints) | acrylic paints for hobby modeling | $4 - $8 |
| Acrysion Color (acrylic paints) | advanced acrylics for professional finishes | $6 - $12 |
| Mr. Surfacer (primers) | surface primers and fillers | $10 - $15 |
| Mr. Super Clear / Top Coat (varnishes) | aerosol clear coats | $12 - $18 |
| Painting Tools (airbrushes, nippers) | modeling accessories and equipment | $20 - $200 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured in Japan by GSI Creos Corporation. The company handles in-house planning, production, and sale of modeling paints and tools.46
Notable Products
- Mr. Color - Lacquer-based paints known for durability and professional finish in scale modeling.
- Aqueous Hobby Color - Water-based acrylic paints suitable for hobbyists and miniatures.
- Mr. Surfacer - Primers used for surface preparation and filling in model kits.
- Mr. Super Clear - Aerosol varnish for protective clear coats on finished models.
- GX Series Paints - High-quality paints including metallics and pastels for advanced effects.
Reputation
Mr. Hobby is regarded as a top-tier brand by professional modelers for the quality and reliability of its paints and tools, particularly Mr. Color lacquers.13 Enthusiasts value its durability and finish in scale modeling and miniature wargaming. Some note the solvent-based lines require careful handling due to fumes.1