Kaleido ColorWorks Varnishes are water-based clear top coats designed to protect painted model surfaces while allowing you to control the final finish of your build.
Available in Gloss, Semi-Gloss and Matt, the range can be used as the final protective layer over painted surfaces, decals and weathering, or between stages of a more complex finishing process.
Once cured, the varnish forms a hard, durable protective surface with good resistance to handling, abrasion and common modelling products. It is specifically formulated to help protect underlying paintwork from decal softeners, weathering washes and mild alcohol-based solutions, making it particularly useful on models that will undergo multiple finishing and detailing stages.
The hardened surface also supports post-polishing, allowing the Gloss Varnish in particular to be refined further where an exceptionally smooth or high-shine finish is required. This makes it well suited to automotive models, glossy mecha armour and other builds where surface finish is a major part of the final appearance.
As part of the Kaleido ColorWorks water-based system, the varnishes provide a low-odour alternative to conventional solvent-heavy clear coats while maintaining the durability expected from a protective model finish.
Suitable for Gunpla, mecha, scale models, miniatures and automotive kits, Kaleido Varnishes provide the final protective layer needed to preserve paintwork, decals and detailing while achieving your preferred level of sheen.
Key Features
- Water-based clear varnish / top coat
- Available in Gloss, Semi-Gloss and Matt
- Provides a durable protective layer over paint, decals and weathering
- High surface hardness once cured
- Helps protect against handling and surface abrasion
- Resistant to decal softeners
- Resistant to weathering washes
- Resistant to mild alcohol-based solutions
- Supports post-polishing
- Suitable for use during intermediate finishing stages or as the final top coat
- Low-odour water-based formulation
- Suitable for Gunpla, mecha, automotive models, scale models and miniatures
Available Finishes
- Gloss – produces a smooth, reflective finish. Ideal for glossy armour, automotive subjects and surfaces intended for further polishing.
- Semi-Gloss – provides a balanced sheen between gloss and matt, suitable for many realistic or factory-style finishes.
- Matt – reduces surface shine for a flat, subdued appearance particularly suited to military subjects, machinery and selected mecha finishes.
Usage Guide
- Ensure the underlying paint, decals and weathering layers are fully dry before application.
- Shake or thoroughly mix before use.
- Apply in controlled, even coats rather than one excessively heavy layer.
- Allow sufficient curing time before handling, masking, polishing or applying aggressive weathering products.
- For high-gloss finishes, additional polishing can be carried out once the varnish has fully hardened.
- Always test compatibility when applying over paints or finishing products from a different paint system.
Specifications
- Range: Varnishes / Top Coats
- Type: Water-Based Clear Varnish
- Finishes: Gloss / Semi-Gloss / Matt
- Bottle Sizes: 60 ml / 210 ml
- Application: Airbrush
- Post-Polishing: Supported
- Protection: Resistant to decal softeners, weathering washes and mild alcohol-based solutions
