In researching the company and these products, I found that the Kaleido ColorWorks primers and matte varnish from Gaahleri, which entered the global hobby market around 2023, represent a modern and user-friendly approach to water-based modeling paints. As part of Gaahleri’s ecosystem—a coordinated line of products designed to work together for consistent results—they are formulated to complement the company’s airbrush systems and simplify the overall painting process. On their website, they offer paints, airbrushes, and a range of airbrush accessories and replacement components. Built around RapidAir Technology, which enhances atomization and leveling so acrylics spray more like lacquers, these products provide smooth application with reduced tip dry.

The IPMS-USA recently began receiving items for review from Gaahleri. The company is relatively new and first introduced airbrushes and has since expanded into the production of their own line of paints. In addition to their individual and sets of paints, they have also released their own Cleaner, which can be used on both paint brushes and airbrushes. This cleaner is advertised as being non-toxic, odorless, non-flammable, and safe for the environment by Gaahleri.

The Kaleido ColorWorks Cleaner used in this review came packaged in a 210ml (7.1fl oz) bottle that sells reasonably at $9.99, which is comparable to other airbrush cleaners. I have successfully used the Cleaner for the Gaahleri ColorWorks Metallic paints as well as several of their Auto Colors. While the Cleaner does a nice job with initial cleaning, I continue to use a Lacquer Thinner for the final cleaning, and when I first added this to the “clean” color cup, I did force out a small amount of paint residue.

The Handley Page Hampden was a British medium bomber that entered service with the RAF in 1938 and served with some distinction until late 1942 as a bomber and 1943 as a torpedo bomber. Noted for its distinctive fuselage shape, earning it the nickname “The Flying Suitcase,” the aircraft was named for an English Parliamentarian of English Civil War fame.

Previously kitted mostly in 1/72 by several companies, this is the first mainstream IM kit in 1/48 of the Hampden (ignoring - if you can - the abomination that is the short-run FM kit…) and ICM are to be congratulated for their audacity in producing this unusual but worthy aircraft in this scale.

Thanks to ICM Holdings for the paint set for review!

ICM has broadened its paint sets into WWII naval colors. Item 3070 is for US Navy WWII, a set of six (6) acrylic matte paints, 12 ml each. The colors are pulled from their extensive line of acrylic paints. Colors are: Black (1002), Wine Red (1048), Dark Blue (1077), Dark Sea Grey (1034), Warm Grey (1031), and Sky Grey (1033). Pricing is around $10 for the set, which is reasonable.

These paints are designed for brush application, but can be thinned 40-60% with water or thinner for airbrushing. The colors can also be mixed with each other to achieve different colors if desired.

They all are matte (flat), and brush on easily to plastic and paper, and are more opaque than other paints, meaning one coat should be sufficient for brushing (see HMS Glorious aircraft carrier photo), even without a primer coat.

ICM continues to be prolific with both kits and paint sets. The Acrylic Paint Set for US Armored Vehicles 1990-2000s continues this trend and consists of six 12ml wide mouthed paint bottles. The front packaging includes a presentation of a M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The back shows two M2 Bradley IFVs (Kit No. 72912) with color callouts for MERDC (Mobility Equipment Research & Development Center) Snow, Trees & Shrubs and Summer Verdant.