Deep forest green with ultra-fine metallic particles: the Kaleido K308 Metallic Oak Green Paint by Gaahleri offers a high-end automotive finish for your static models, figures, and slot cars. Airbrush-ready formulation in a convenient 20 ml bottle.
Kaleido K308 Metallic Oak Green: the green that vibrates with light
Within the Auto Colors range from Gaahleri, the reference K308 Metallic Oak Green is one of those paints that make you stop and look. Its serene and deep forest green tone transforms with every angle of light thanks to the ultrafine metallic pigments it incorporates. A colour inspired by the most refined finishes of European automotive, translated to scale with all its chromatic richness.
Technical Features
- Scale metallic effect: the pigments have been micronised so that the sparkle is proportional to the size of the model, avoiding a glittery appearance and achieving a visual reading akin to a real bodywork.
- RapidAir™ technology: optimised surface tension that extends the paint like a liquid sheet, promoting smooth surfaces and a natural high-intensity gloss (85 GU+).
- Mechanical resistance: formulated to withstand regular handling, especially useful in models that are displayed or frequently transported.
- 20 ml bottle with internal wick: keeps the metallic pigments in homogeneous suspension, simplifying both airbrush application and precision touch-ups with a brush.
Applications
The K308 is a natural choice for static model car bodies, scale slot models, figures, and dioramas set in natural or urban environments where metallic green adds contrast and elegance. Its chromatic depth makes it especially attractive on vintage vehicles and executive saloons.
Compatibility
As an acrylic paint from the Kaleido by Gaahleri range, it is compatible with the usual modelling substrates: plastic, resin, metal, and properly primed surfaces. To achieve maximum adhesion and durability, it is recommended to always apply over a suitable primer for the base material.
Finishes
The K308 provides a high-intensity metallic gloss finish. The resulting surface is smooth enough to apply decals or perform panel lining directly, although a layer of varnish always adds additional protection and unifies the final gloss.
Application Tips
- Airbrush: ready to use with 0.3 mm nozzles. If greater fluidity is needed, dilute slightly with distilled water or compatible acrylic thinner.
- Recommended primer: to maximise the vibrancy of the metallic finish, apply over a glossy black or dark grey primer. The dark base enhances the depth and contrast of the green.
- Shaking: shake the bottle well before each session; the internal wick facilitates the resuspension of the metallic pigments.
- Layers: apply in fine, crossed passes to avoid accumulations that may alter the distribution of the metallic effect.
- Final varnish: compatible with acrylic spray or airbrush varnishes. Using gloss varnish preserves the original shiny appearance; satin varnish slightly tones it down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to dilute the K308 for airbrush use?
The RapidAir™ formulation is optimised for direct use with 0.3 mm nozzles. If your airbrush has a finer nozzle or you find the paint somewhat thick, a small amount of distilled water or compatible acrylic thinner will suffice.
Can I apply it with a brush?
Yes. The 20 ml bottle with internal wick keeps the pigments in suspension and facilitates even loading of the brush. For spot touch-ups or detail work, the brush works well, although for large surfaces the airbrush always provides a more uniform finish.
What primers does it work best with?
The K308 performs better over dark-coloured primers (black or glossy dark grey), which intensify the depth and metallic effect of the green. Over light primers, the resulting tone may lose some of its vibrancy.
Do I need an intermediate layer of varnish before applying decals?
Thanks to the smooth surface generated by RapidAir™ technology, in many cases you can apply decals directly. However, a layer of gloss varnish always ensures greater adhesion and prevents the "silvering" effect on the edges of the decals.
Is it compatible with other acrylic modelling paints?
As a water-based acrylic, the K308 is generally compatible with other acrylic paints from leading brands such as Vallejo, Tamiya, or Ammo for base coats, filters, or varnishes, provided you respect the drying times between layers.
What coverage does the 20 ml bottle provide?
It depends on the application method and the number of layers, but for standard scale models (1:24, 1:32, 1:43), a 20 ml bottle comfortably covers several complete models when applied with an airbrush.
The Gaahleri Kaleido K308 Metallic Oak Green is a premium acrylic paint from the Auto Colors range, offering a deep forest green with ultrafine metallic pigments. Ready to use with a 0.3 mm airbrush, it delivers a high-gloss metallic finish ideal for scale model cars, slot car bodies, figures and dioramas. Part of the Kaleido series by Gaahleri, available at Ministry of Hobby.