Maya Ellison
Gundam plastic model kits, or Gunpla, are a popular hobby worldwide, offering endless opportunities for creativity and customization. However, building Gunpla can be challenging, especially for beginners, who often make mistakes that affect the final outcome. One common issue is the appearance of stress marks—white spots that occur when plastic parts are warped, stretched, or bent during removal from the runner or when cut too close to the surface. While these marks can be challenging to remove completely, several techniques can help minimize their appearance. This includes using the right tools, such as hobby nippers and knives, cutting further from the plastic, and sanding down the marks. Additionally, proper grade selection is crucial to avoid frustration, as higher-grade kits are more intricate and time-consuming. With patience and practice, builders can create polished and professional-looking Gunpla models while avoiding the frustration of plastic stress marks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic parts | Very fragile |
| Building process | Do not skip steps |
| Do not forcibly open parts | |
| Use a ruler to separate bigger parts | |
| Pull away joints slowly without twisting | |
| Avoid twisting or pulling parts with too much force | |
| Use hobby nippers to cut parts from the sprue | |
| Choose the right grade | |
| Choose a High Grade (HG) kit to start | |
| Avoid direct sunlight | |
| Put the figure in the freezer for 20 minutes once every few months | |
| Use a blower to clean the figure | |
| Do not clean the figure with chemical liquid, warm water, or water in general | |
| Disguise distress with a weathering kit | |
| Use liquid cement to fill gaps and merge parts | |
| Use superglue to fix small breaks |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right grade for your skill level
Gunpla models are categorized into eight main grades, each catering to different skill levels and preferences. Here are some tips to help you choose the right grade for your skill level:
Super Deformed (SD)
SD kits are smaller models with chibi-style proportions, perfect for beginners or casual builders. They offer simplistic assembly, minimal parts, and endless customization opportunities. These kits are affordable, quick to build, and great for adding a creative flair.
Entry Grade (EG)
EG kits are beginner-friendly, offering simplicity, affordability, and solid detail. They were introduced to attract new builders to Gunpla, with simplified assembly without sacrificing detail.
High Grade (HG)
HG kits are perfect for beginners to intermediate builders. They offer a versatile 1/144 scale with decent detail, articulation, and affordability. These kits are versatile and great for experimenting with customization and painting.
Master Grade (MG)
MG kits are for more experienced builders, featuring 1/100 scale kits with intricate inner frames and enhanced articulation. They provide a great balance of scale and detail, offering a rewarding experience. However, as they are more detailed and complex, it is recommended to have completed a few other models before attempting an MG kit.
Perfect Grade (PG)
PG kits are designed for dedicated hobbyists and are considered the ultimate Gunpla experience. These 1/60 scale kits offer unmatched detail, articulation, and optional features like LED lighting. They are the largest and most detailed models, making them the most challenging to assemble.
Real Grade (RG)
RG kits represent what a Gundam would look like in "real life", with fine details, color separation, and moving parts. They have Master Grade level details in a High Grade size. However, some RG kits may suffer from issues like loose pieces, so it is recommended to check the release year if you're concerned about potential problems.
When choosing a grade, it's important to consider your skill level and interests. Avoid kits with lots of dark colors at the start, as they can show stress marks more easily. Additionally, take the time to familiarize yourself with the symbols in the instructions, as they explain important assembly steps. Remember, Gunpla is about building a model you love, so choose a grade that aligns with your skill level and enjoy the process!
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Be careful when handling delicate parts
When handling delicate parts of a Gundam model, it is important to exercise extreme caution to avoid damage or stress to the plastic. Here are some detailed instructions to help you handle these parts with care:
Firstly, select the appropriate tools for the assembly process. Using improper tools can lead to accidental breakage, especially with delicate components. Instead of using tools like nail clippers or household scissors, which can leave rough edges and uneven cuts, opt for a good pair of hobby nippers to carefully cut parts from the sprue. This will help you achieve cleaner cuts and reduce the risk of damaging the plastic.
Patience is key when separating larger parts. Take your time and use a ruler to slowly and evenly separate the pieces. Avoid the temptation to twist or pull parts forcefully, as this can result in stress marks, cracks, or chips in the plastic. Always remember to separate the pieces gently, even if your fingers start to hurt from the pointy parts.
When dealing with joints, it is advisable to add a small amount of custom paint to them. This may seem counterintuitive, but the paint increases friction, helping to keep the joints tighter and reducing the risk of accidental breakage. Additionally, when removing joints, pull them slowly and avoid twisting to protect the integrity of the parts.
If you are working with a wing or any movable part, be cautious when using liquid cement to fill gaps or repair cracks. Remove the movable part before applying the cement, as it melts plastic together. Use a tiny amount on the inside of the joint, press and hold for a minute, and then let it sit for 24 hours before reattaching the part. This will ensure the wing or movable part can still function properly after the repair.
Finally, if you are a beginner, it is advisable to start with a High-Grade (HG) kit. These kits offer a wide variety of Gundam models and are perfect for newcomers as they are easier to assemble but still provide great detail and articulation. As you gain experience and confidence in handling the delicate parts, you can gradually move on to more complex kits, such as Real Grade (RG) or Master Grade (MG) kits.
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Avoid twisting or pulling parts with too much force
When building a Gundam model, it is important to be cautious when handling its parts. Twisting or pulling parts with too much force can cause stress marks, cracks, or chips in the plastic. This is a common mistake made by beginners. To avoid this, always use the right tools and practice proper part removal techniques.
If you need to separate two bigger parts, use a ruler to slowly and evenly pry them apart. Be patient and gentle, and do not separate one side faster than the other, as this can cause breakage. Similarly, when pulling away joints, such as shoulders, legs, or boosters, pull slowly and avoid twisting. If you need to remove tight pieces, you can use a metal sanding stick or a thin, sharp object to slowly and gradually wedge it between the two parts and twist gently. Again, be careful not to twist too much or push too hard, as this can bend the piece.
If you do end up with stress marks on your plastic parts, there are a few ways to reduce their appearance. You can try scratching at the marks with your fingernail or using a matte coat to help blend them in and make them less noticeable. Alternatively, you can try using a small amount of plastic cement to melt and re-bond the stressed plastic. However, be extremely conservative with the cement, as it can also eat holes in the plastic or make surfaces uneven.
If your Gundam model does break, you can try fixing small breaks with super glue. Lay your dust-free model on a paper towel, apply a small amount of super glue to the broken part, and hold it in place for at least 30 seconds. Leave the model lying down to prevent any falls while it dries. For more complex breaks, you may need to purchase a replacement kit.
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Use a good pair of hobby nippers to cut parts
Using a good pair of hobby nippers to cut parts is essential when building a Gundam model kit. Nippers are used to separate parts from the plastic tree, and a good pair will do so quickly and neatly. They are also useful for cutting thicker parts out of sprues, so thinner blades are not damaged.
There are several types of nippers available, including mini-nippers, flat nippers, and side-cutting parts nippers. When selecting a pair, it is important to choose those that cut only what needs to be cut, so as not to damage the model. Nippers with narrow tips and sharpened edges are ideal for this purpose and can be found in most hobby shops.
While some nippers can be quite expensive, such as the God Hands nippers, there are also more affordable options available, like the Gundam Planet Premium Nipper Side Cutter for Plastic Model Kits, which are still high quality. Alternatively, a good budget option is the GSI Creos Mr. Nipper Side Cutter, which offers flexibility and durability.
Using nippers can help to avoid the need for sanding or removing excess material after cutting, saving time and effort in the building process. They are a valuable tool for any Gundam model builder, whether a casual builder or an experienced modeller.
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Disguise plastic stress as battle damage
If you want to disguise plastic stress on your Gundam model as battle damage, there are several methods you can use. Firstly, it's important to assess the damage. If there are only small breaks, you can use super glue to fix them. You can also use a plastic or liquid cement to fill in any gaps and merge broken parts, but be careful as it can melt plastic.
To disguise plastic stress, you can create the appearance of scratches by using a Dremel or the corner of a metal file to score the plastic. You can also use an Exacto knife to create gashes. Simply cut into the plastic to create the desired effect, being careful not to cut too deep. After creating these physical scratches and gashes, you can apply some paint and wipe off any excess to make them stand out. Dry brushing is a technique that can be used to create the appearance of fine scratches.
Another method to disguise plastic stress is to use a weathering kit to add sand, mud, or gunpowder wear. You can also use a matte top coat to make the model look more realistic and seal in any weathering powder or residue. If you want to go a step further, you can use fire to create battle damage. Simply light a match and hold it to the desired area, then drop the match into a cup of water to extinguish it.
Additionally, you can try to prevent plastic stress in the first place by taking care when handling your Gundam model. Avoid twisting when pulling away joints, and always try to pull them slowly. Custom paint can also be added to joints to keep them from becoming loose.
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Frequently asked questions
To avoid plastic stress, it is recommended to use a good pair of hobby nippers to carefully cut parts from the sprue. A precision hobby knife can also help remove any leftover nubs, and sanding sticks can ensure a smooth finish. Avoid using household tools like scissors, wire cutters, or nail clippers, as these tend to leave uneven cuts and can cause plastic stress.
When cutting the plastic, it is important to cut further from the plastic and avoid cutting too close to the surface. This will help reduce the occurrence of stress marks. Cut near the runner and far from the gate, giving you more room to work on removing the remaining gate gradually.
One common mistake is purchasing items like plastic cement, which is not necessary for Gundam models. Gundam models are designed as snap-fit kits that do not require adhesive. Another mistake is choosing a kit based on your favorite Gundam from an anime series without considering the grade and complexity of the assembly. Higher-grade kits may have more parts and advanced assembly techniques, so it's important to choose the right grade for your skill level.
There are several ways to disguise or remove stress marks. One method is to use a Gundam marker or a Real Touch marker in a similar color to make the marks less noticeable. Sanding down the stressed area and applying a matte top coat can also help reduce the visibility of stress marks. For more severe stress marks, painting over the affected area may be necessary to completely hide the marks.
