Kaleido KC003 Translucent Red Paint 20ml

Kaleido KC003: the translucent red from Gaahleri that brings layers, candy and depth of colour to life

Within Gaahleri's Kaleido Colorworks Translucent line, the reference KC003 Translucent Red is an acrylic paint designed for artists and modellers working with airbrushes who need colours that interact with the base rather than obscure it. Light passes through each layer, reflects off the substrate and returns with a chromatic richness that opaque paints simply cannot reproduce.

Applications

This translucent paint opens up a wide range of uses within modelling and miniature decoration:

• Candy effect on metallic base: applied in successive layers over a silver or aluminium base, it generates the characteristic bright red candy finish highly valued in slot car bodies and automotive models.
• Glazes and filters: in very diluted layers, it acts as a colour filter that unifies tones or creates soft shadows without losing the detail of the modelling.
• Colour transitions: its transparency makes it ideal for gradients and zenithal highlights on figures, dioramas and static models, modulating intensity according to the number of passes.
• Glazing: used pure or with little thinner, it concentrates the pigment in cavities and folds, accentuating textures.

Compatibilities

The KC003 is formulated to work directly with airbrushes without the need for additional thinning in most standard nozzles, although it is always advisable to do a test with your specific equipment. Its acrylic base makes it compatible with surfaces previously primed with acrylic or lacquer primers, as well as with other paints from the Kaleido range and with acrylics from brands such as Vallejo or Tamiya.

Finishes

The final result depends on the number of layers and the base being worked on:

• One or two light passes over white or silver: translucent pink tone, ideal for flesh, light effects or bases for shading.
• Three to five layers over silver: bright and deep candy red, perfect for bodies and decorative elements.
• Dense application over black: dark and dramatic red, useful in dioramas and fantasy figures.

Application Tips

• Shake the bottle well before use: translucent pigments tend to settle.
• Work with low pressures (between 10 and 15 PSI) and cross passes for even coverage without build-up.
• If you are looking for the pure candy effect, apply over a bright metallic base and finish with a glossy acrylic varnish to protect the layers and enhance depth.
• For very fine glazes, you can add a few drops of acrylic retardant to gain working time on large pieces.
• Clean the airbrush immediately afterwards with water or acrylic cleaner to preserve the nozzle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use KC003 with a brush instead of an airbrush?

Yes, although its formulation is optimised for airbrush use. With a brush, it works well for glazes and glazing in localized areas; for large surfaces, the airbrush provides more uniform and controlled results.

How many layers do I need for an intense candy effect?

It depends on the base and the desired tone, but generally, three to five thin layers over a bright metallic base will yield a deep and luminous candy red. It is advisable to let each layer dry before applying the next.

Is it compatible with varnishes and bases from other brands?

Being acrylic, it integrates well with acrylic primers and varnishes from common hobby brands like Vallejo or Tamiya. For lacquer or enamel finishes on top, it is always advisable to do a test in a non-visible area first.

What is the difference between this paint and an ink or wash?

Inks and washes have greater fluidity and are designed to flow into cavities. The KC003 is a translucent paint of medium body, more controllable in layers and suitable for both uniform coverage and depth and candy effects, without the risk of unwanted build-up in flat areas.

How much coverage does the 20 ml bottle provide?

With 20 ml, you can cover several bodies or modelling pieces with ample margin, especially if you work in thin layers as recommended by the translucent technique.

Gaahleri Kaleido KC003 translucent red acrylic paint, 20 ml airbrush-ready formula for candy effects on metallic bases, glazing, colour modulation and layering on scale models, slot car bodies, static kits and miniature painting. Compatible with Vallejo and Tamiya acrylics. Smooth pigment dispersion for fine-needle airbrushes.