About Hiro Paints
Hiro Paints (also branded simply as HIRO) is a Philippine hobby paint brand that specializes in high-pigment acrylic and lacquer paints for scale modeling, miniature painting, Gunpla (Gundam model kits), action figures, tabletop miniatures, crafts, and other artistic applications. The brand is owned and developed by HiColors, Inc., a company with over 15 years of experience in industrial color and ink manufacturing. Hiro Paints is positioned as a high-quality yet affordable alternative to many imported hobby paint brands.[1]
History
Hiro Paints was launched by HiColors, Inc. with the goal of making professional-grade hobby paints accessible to artists and hobbyists without the premium pricing associated with many international brands. Drawing on the company’s industrial pigment and ink expertise, Hiro developed formulations emphasizing strong pigmentation, smooth application, and value for money.[1]
Since its introduction, the brand has gained popularity within the Philippine hobby community, particularly among:
- Gunpla builders
- Scale model enthusiasts
- Miniature painters
- Figure customizers
- Tabletop gaming hobbyists
- Traditional artists
- DIY crafters
Products
Hiro Paints offers a broad catalog of more than 500 colors and hobby products, including:[1]
- Water-based acrylic paints
- Lacquer paints (HIRO PLAS series)
- Primers
- Topcoats
- Metallic paints
- Fluorescent paints
- Contrast-style paints (Power Paints)
- Washes (Hiro Shade)
- Inks (Ink Master series)
- Auxiliary products and painting tools
- Palette systems and paint sets
The product range is designed for both brush painting and airbrushing.
Product Features
According to the manufacturer, Hiro Paints emphasizes several characteristics:
- High pigment concentration for stronger color intensity
- Excellent coverage with fewer coats
- Smooth brush application
- Airbrush compatibility
- Ultrafine metallic pigments
- Wide color selection
- RoHS-certified formulations free from toxic heavy metals
- Lock-sealed bottles to reduce leakage during shipping
- Metal mixing balls inside paint bottles to aid pigment mixing[1]
HIRO PLAS
HIRO PLAS is the company’s lacquer paint line, developed for users seeking increased durability and an airbrush-ready finish. The series emphasizes vibrant colors, durable coatings, and modern lacquer technology aimed primarily at model builders and professional hobby painters.[1]
Applications
Hiro Paints are commonly used for:[1]
- Gunpla customization
- Plastic scale models
- Warhammer and tabletop miniatures
- Resin figures
- Vinyl toys
- Action figures
- Dioramas
- Crafts
- Restoration projects
- Airbrush artwork
- Hand-painted miniatures
Distribution
Hiro Paints primarily sells its products through online marketplaces and its official website. Products are available via:[1]
- Hiro Paints Official Website (hiropaints.com)
- Shopee
- Lazada
The company also supports international shipping through selected partners and occasionally participates in hobby conventions and exhibitions.[1]
Community
Hiro Paints has established a strong presence among hobby communities in the Philippines. The brand frequently collaborates with miniature painters, Gunpla builders, and content creators to demonstrate painting techniques, tutorials, and product showcases.
Featured artists on the official website include:[1]
- Sharkbait Customs
- Prynze Reyes
- Jay Estaris
- Hajime Model Studio
- Myke Dela Paz
Community discussions on Reddit and hobby forums generally praise Hiro Paints for:[2]
- High pigmentation
- Good value for money
- Wide range of colors
- Ease of hand brushing
- Mild odor compared with many solvent-based paints
Some experienced airbrush users note that proper thinning is important for optimal performance with the water-based acrylic line.[2]
Philosophy
Hiro Paints promotes the slogan “Unleash Your Talent”, emphasizing accessible, professional-quality painting materials for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. The company’s stated mission is to provide highly pigmented, easy-to-use paints at affordable prices while enabling artists to achieve professional results.[1]