Flat Hull Red XF09 Similar

Flat Hull Red: the classic below-waterline red

Hull red is the deep, brownish red of anti-fouling paint used below the waterline of ships for over a century. Warships, liners and merchant vessels of many navies carried shades like this on their lower hulls, and ship modellers use it to recreate that look, contrasting with a black boot-top and grey or black topsides. It is also useful for red-brown oxide primer on armour and machinery, and for weathered details and rusty tones. A grey primer keeps the colour balanced.

The problem with matte finishes

A matte finish hides nothing: fingerprints, uneven coats and gloss patches all show. Spray light, even coats, avoid handling the parts, and finish with a matte clear to keep the sheen consistent.

How to apply

1. Shake the bottle for at least 60 seconds.
2. Prime with a red-oxide primer and let it dry fully.
3. Airbrush straight from the bottle, no thinning needed. Use a 0.2–0.4 mm nozzle at around 20 PSI (1.4 bar) and apply light, cross-hatched coats, letting each one flash off before the next.
4. Let the paint cure overnight before masking or clear-coating.
5. Seal with a water-based clear: matte to keep this finish.
6. Clean the airbrush with water before the paint dries.

Why modelers choose Koloi Aqua

• Ready to spray: no guessing thinning ratios, the same result from every bottle
• Cleans up with water, so there are no strong solvent fumes at the bench
• Fine pigment grind for 1:8 to 1:72 scales, so panel lines and detail stay crisp
• One system: primer, colour and clear designed to work together

Shelf life

Estimated shelf life of more than 12 months when stored tightly closed between +10 °C and +28 °C, away from frost and direct sunlight. Shake well before use; if the paint has thickened or separated and does not remix, do not use it.

💡 Need a colour we don’t list? Our colour lab matches RAL, RLM and OEM paint codes on request.

The on-screen image is indicative: the final tone depends on the primer, the number of coats and the clear coat. Keep out of reach of children. Safety Data Sheet available on request.