Paint Rack (Wide) Setup: Organize Your Model Paint Collection
By Newtype: Gundam Model Kits / Gunpla / Paint / Tools | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step plan for setting up the Paint Rack (Wide) so your Gunpla and model paints stay sorted, visible, and easy to reach at the bench.
Quick answer
Set up the Paint Rack (Wide) by measuring your bench and bottle diameters, choosing the 4-shelf or 6-shelf version, then sorting paints by color family and use frequency so your most-used acrylics sit at eye level.
Why bottle diameter decides your rack choice
The (Wide) version is sized for Mr. Hobby and Tamiya Acrylic paints with a diameter of 40mm or less. Bottles wider than that will not sit correctly, so check your collection before ordering. If you use other brands, measure a few bottles first; the rack’s shelf spacing is fixed, not adjustable.
Where the rack should live on your workbench
Place the rack within arm’s reach of your painting area but away from direct sunlight and airbrush overspray. Stainless steel shelves are easy to wipe down, but they still collect dust and dried paint mist, so leave a little clearance on each side for cleaning. A wall-mounted or back-of-bench position keeps bottles from crowding your cutting mat.
When the 6-shelf version is worth it
The 4-shelf version holds 32 bottles, while the 6-shelf version holds 48. If you paint multiple Gunpla kits and keep a full range of acrylics, the 6-shelf version reduces the need for a second rack. If your collection is still growing, start with the 4-shelf and leave room to expand rather than crowding every shelf.
Step-by-step rack setup
- Measure your bottles and bench space: Check that your acrylic bottles are 40mm or less in diameter and confirm the rack’s footprint fits your bench or wall area. Common mistake: assuming all acrylic bottles are the same width; measure the widest one you plan to store. If any bottle exceeds 40mm, set it aside rather than forcing it onto the shelf.
- Choose the shelf count: Count your bottles and pick the 4-shelf (32 bottles) or 6-shelf (48 bottles) version. Common mistake: buying for future purchases and leaving no breathing room; leave at least a few empty slots for new colors. A rack that is already full on day one leaves no room for the next paint restock.
- Sort by color family and use frequency: Group whites, blacks, reds, blues, and metallics separately, then place the colors you reach for most on the middle shelves. Common mistake: sorting alphabetically by brand name, which slows down mixing sessions. Keep your most-used primer and topcoat colors at eye level, not on the top shelf.
- Load heavier bottles low and light bottles high: Put larger or heavier bottles on the lower shelves and small dropper bottles on upper shelves. Common mistake: placing heavy bottles on the top shelf, which makes the rack top-heavy and harder to clean around. Leave the top shelf for rarely used or lightweight items.
- Label shelves and keep a wipe-down routine: Add removable labels for each color family, then wipe the stainless steel shelves with a damp cloth after each painting session. Common mistake: letting dried paint build up on shelf edges, which makes bottles stick. A quick wipe after each session keeps the rack usable and looking clean.
Product facts
- Paint Rack (Wide): Comes in 4-shelf (32 bottles) and 6-shelf (48 bottles) configurations. Match the shelf count to your current bottle count so you do not run out of slots or buy more rack than you need.
Paint Rack (Wide) - Paint Rack (Wide): The (Wide) version fits Mr. Hobby and Tamiya Acrylic paints (40mm or less in diameter). Check your bottle diameters before setup; wider bottles will not fit the shelf spacing.
- Paint Rack (Wide): Shelves are made of stainless steel. Stainless steel resists paint drips and is easy to wipe clean, which helps keep the rack looking tidy over time.
