Kaleido ColorWorks K106 Deep Olive Green: Model Kit Paint Guide

By Newtype: Gundam Model Kits / Gunpla / Paint / Tools | Published: 2026-11-03

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to airbrush Kaleido ColorWorks K106 Gloss Deep Olive Green on model kits, from surface prep to layering, with practical steps and checkpoints.

Quick answer

To get a smooth, glossy deep olive green finish on your model kit, apply Kaleido ColorWorks K106 Gloss Deep Olive Green in thin, even layers over a properly primed surface, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next. This water-based acrylic is designed for airbrushing and builds coverage without beading or sagging.

Why K106 behaves differently from standard acrylics

Kaleido ColorWorks paints use RapidAir technology, which is formulated to spray in a smooth, sheet-like layer rather than forming droplets. This reduces common water-based issues like uneven coverage and sagging, but it also means you should avoid heavy coats—thin passes are still the key to control.

The gloss finish of K106 reflects light strongly, so any surface imperfections or dust will be more visible. Taking extra time on surface preparation pays off more with gloss colors than with matte ones.

When to choose a different green

Deep olive green is a dark, muted military tone that suits many Zeon and Federation grunt suits, but it can look almost black under certain lighting. If you want a brighter, more saturated olive, consider a lighter shade or layer K106 over a lighter base. For a fully flat military look, you may prefer a matte or semi-gloss olive instead of this gloss version.

Also keep in mind that the 20ml bottle is enough for several small models, but larger kits or multiple projects may require more than one bottle. Plan your coverage accordingly.

Step-by-step airbrushing process for K106

Prepare and prime the surface: Clean the model kit parts with a mild detergent to remove mold release agents, then apply a primer suitable for plastics. A light grey or white primer helps the olive green show its true tone. Common mistake: skipping primer can lead to poor adhesion and uneven color. Check that the primer is fully cured before moving on.
Thin the paint if needed: Kaleido ColorWorks paints are designed for airbrushing, but you may still need to thin them slightly with water or a compatible acrylic thinner for optimal flow. Start with a few drops of thinner per 10ml of paint and test spray on a scrap piece. Common mistake: over-thinning causes runs and weak coverage. Aim for a consistency similar to skim milk.
Set your airbrush and spray light coats: Set your airbrush to about 15-20 PSI and spray in light, overlapping passes about 15cm from the surface. Build up the color gradually—two or three thin coats are better than one heavy coat. Common mistake: spraying too close or too slowly causes pooling and sagging. Keep the airbrush moving at all times.
Allow drying time between coats: Let each coat dry to the touch before applying the next. Water-based acrylics typically dry quickly, but humidity and thickness affect drying time. Common mistake: rushing the next coat can lift or disturb the previous layer. Wait at least 10-15 minutes between coats, or until the surface is no longer tacky.
Inspect and correct imperfections: After the final coat, check for dust, uneven areas, or thin spots under good lighting. If needed, lightly sand dust nibs with fine grit (e.g., 2000 grit) and apply a touch-up coat. Common mistake: sanding too aggressively can remove the gloss and create visible scratches. Use a magnifier or bright light to spot defects early.
Finish with a clear coat (optional): To protect the gloss finish and unify the sheen, you can apply a compatible clear gloss coat. This also adds depth to the olive green. Common mistake: applying clear coat over incompletely dried paint can cause wrinkling. Ensure the base color is fully cured before clear coating.

Product facts

Kaleido ColorWorks K106 Gloss Deep Olive Green (20ml): Kaleido ColorWorks K106 Gloss Deep Olive Green is a 20ml water-based acrylic paint from the RapidAir Series. Water-based acrylics are easier to clean up and have lower odor, making them suitable for indoor airbrushing with proper ventilation.
Kaleido ColorWorks K106 Gloss Deep Olive Green (20ml)