Gunze Sangyo Paints No Longer Exported to US

BraniffBuff wrote:

I received this email from A. Hamano, GSI Creos Corp. (formerly Gunze Sangyo), regarding the unavailability of Gunze Sangyo paint: "Thank you for your email about our products. We regret to say that we already stopped export of Aqueous hobby colors to USA and Canada due to decrease the sales in this area. If you need paints, please contact Japanese mail order company. They have English site. HOBBY LINK JAPAN E-MAIL: hlj@jac.co.jp www.hlj.com Best regards, GSI Creos Corporation Hobby Dept."

 

Its now about an year and half later, is this still true? It seems they replaced the Aqueous Hobby Color with the Mr. Color.  I am in the SF Bay Area, is it similar situation in your area?

 

Thanks.

KJ200 wrote:

MDC in the UK are still stocking Gunze, and appear to have more in each week, see link below: http://www.shopcreator.com/mall/departmentpage.cfm/ModelDesignConstruction/ Believe MDC source their paints from an importer in Germany, maybe there's a bigger market in Europe. Karl

A shop owner in the US once told me Tamiya's sales in Germany is more than its sales in the USA.  I would definitely believe that the hobby industry is delcining in the US.

MDC in the UK are still stocking Gunze, and appear to have more in each week, see link below:

http://www.shopcreator.com/mall/departmentpage.cfm/ModelDesignConstruction/

Believe MDC source their paints from an importer in Germany, maybe there's a bigger market in Europe.

Karl

  Do you know if this will include Gunze Sangyo primers also?

  Gary Taylor

Phil_H wrote:

pcengine wrote: ..... I have all kinds of Gunze paint from 2~4 years ago, new and used.  I have a question, how long does these aqueous line of Gunze paint last?  If I do not get back to modeling right away for another 6 to 12 months, is there any tips on how to store them properly?  Thanks. I have some bottles of Gunze acrylics which are easily 20 years old and some Tamiya's which are up to 25 years old and they're still good. Just store them at room temp and avoid direct sunlight and extremes of heat or cold.

Thanks!  By the way, did you notice that was my first post? 

pcengine wrote:

..... I have all kinds of Gunze paint from 2~4 years ago, new and used.  I have a question, how long does these aqueous line of Gunze paint last?  If I do not get back to modeling right away for another 6 to 12 months, is there any tips on how to store them properly?  Thanks.

I have some bottles of Gunze acrylics which are easily 20 years old and some Tamiya's which are up to 25 years old and they're still good. Just store them at room temp and avoid direct sunlight and extremes of heat or cold.

I have been off modeling for about 2 years because of a new member in the family.  Now my boy is about 18 months and I am thinking about getting back to modeling.  Visited a local hobby shop and found out the news about Gunze paint might be discontinued.  After reading this thread and think this might be true.  I have all kinds of Gunze paint from 2~4 years ago, new and used.  I have a question, how long does these aqueous line of Gunze paint last?  If I do not get back to modeling right away for another 6 to 12 months, is there any tips on how to store them properly?  Thanks.

doc-hm3 wrote:

They are listed in my brand spank'in new 12lb Squadron catolog.

 Yes but go to their website and try to order some,  the available colors are getting slim.  And instead of being listed as out of stock, a color is pulled off the website.    The big squadron catalog no doubt was printed before all this hit the fan.   Sprue Brothers has carried Gunze also and they are telling everyone order now, once sold it is history.  My LHS got a shipment in early March and they were told by their supplier that is it, no more.   I stocked up my RLM02, 74 and 75!

 

Great Models recently put a notice in their on-line news letter that they have a full re-stock of GS expected in this week.

Regards,  Rick

 They are listed in my brand spank'in new 12lb Squadron catolog.

maybe it was too expensive to not use lead paint but serioulsy it's probaly more cost effective for them to stay local which is lame if they have an international following.

I am truly sad to hear that they have discontinued sales to the US and Canada.  I really liked the fact that they had a variety of colors to choose from plus excellent coverage for airbrushing.

Looks like I am going to have to buy from retailers here in the US that still have Gunze in stock.

I get most of my paints from here: http://www.rainbowten.co.jp/english/

They're a hobby shop in Japan that sells internationally.  They carry a rather large variety of paints from Finishers, Gaia, and Gunze's full line - Lacquers (Mr. Color) and Acrylics (Mr Hobby) lines.  Granted their website isn't the easiest to navigate and they have limited product pictures; but they make in speed and response for orders. 

Hmmm, I wonder which Countries that are still Profitable for them to Export too ?  Surely you would think North America and Canada would be a profit maker .....

Bummer, HLJ barely stocks Gunze.  It's too bad, guess I had better find a new line of paint.