The Energon Pub

Talk about bum luck. The MP-10 I got replaced because of an air bubble in the windscreen actually lacks paint on the side of the front grills, with the black plastic underneath showing through. Incidentally, this is also one of the first MP figures Takara produced using factories in Vietnam.

Can anyone recommend the closest equivalent color for MP-10's red? Preferably Tamiya acrylics, since its all I can find in my area.

Also, which clear coat should I use to approximate the finish on the rest of the figure? Flat or semi-gloss? The plastic surface on MP-10 seems to be somewhere between those two.

Lastly, should I get a #5 paint brush for a wider surface coverage? I'd like to maximize my chances of a smooth, even finish.

Thanks in advance.