Depth without the risk. Gloss is the finish that shows what a clear coat is actually made of — semi-gloss and flat hide a multitude, but a gloss film is judged on its clarity, and any cloudiness or veiling sits right on top of your paintwork for everyone to see. Mr. Hobby's Premium formulation is built for exactly that: a clearer, deeper film that lets the colour underneath read rich and saturated rather than slightly muted, which is the single most visible upgrade over their standard water-based line.

It's also tougher. The Premium coat has improved film strength over conventional water-based coatings, so it resists scratching considerably better — and gloss is usually going onto the things that get handled and admired most. All of that comes without giving up what makes water-based worth using: it's formulated specifically not to attack painted surfaces, with Mr. Color, Aqueous Hobby Color and Acrysion all accounted for, and it's safe over waterslide decals, markers and clear parts. If you've wanted lacquer-like gloss depth but your build has a canopy, decals or acrylic paint in it, this is the coat that gets you there.

• Exceptional clarity and depth — colours read rich, not veiled
• Stronger, more scratch-resistant film than standard water-based top coat
• Formulated not to attack Mr. Color, Aqueous Hobby Color or Acrysion
• Safe over waterslide decals, markers and clear parts
• The essential base under decals and panel-line washes

How to use it: Shake thoroughly and warm the can in hand-hot water — water-based clears spit when cold, and speckle shows up mercilessly on a gloss finish. Let the paint underneath cure fully, then build thin coats rather than one heavy pass. Gloss coats pool in recesses more readily than flat ones, so keep the passes light and let each flash off.

Tip: Gloss earns its place mid-build as much as at the end. Lay it before decals so they sit down without silvering, and before panel-line washes so the wash flows and wipes back cleanly instead of staining. Then finish in whatever sheen the model actually wants — semi-gloss or flat over the top. It's a working coat, not just a final one.

Standard or Premium? Both are water-based and both are safe over decals and clear parts. Premium (B-601) is the one to choose when the finish itself is the point — display pieces, car bodies, anything where clarity and depth show, or anything handled regularly, since the film is tougher. Standard Top Coat Gloss (B-501) does the same job for less on models that live behind glass.

Which finish do I need? Gloss for shine, maximum protection, and as the base under decals and washes. Semi-gloss (B-602) for a realistic finished look. Premium Top Coat is also made in flat (B-603). For lacquer hardness where clear parts and water-based paint aren't a concern, Mr. Super Clear Gloss (B-513).

Specifications

Brand: Mr. Hobby (GSI Creos / Gunze Sangyo)
Item No.: B-601
Type: Water-based premium top coat, aerosol
Finish: Gloss
Volume: 88ml
Suitable for: Painted plastic, decals, clear parts, bare plastic
Safe over: Mr. Color, Aqueous Hobby Color, Acrysion, waterslide decals
Use in: Well-ventilated area