Sofia Martinez
Painting a model can be a complex and confusing process, especially when it comes to Gunpla kits made of ABS plastic. The type of paint used is crucial, as certain paints can potentially damage the plastic. Lacquer and enamel paints, for example, have been known to cause brittleness and breakage, especially if the paint is allowed to pool or thinner is left to sit on the plastic. On the other hand, acrylic paints, such as Tamiya acrylics, are often recommended for ABS plastic as they are less likely to cause issues. When using lacquer or enamel, it is crucial to apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat, allowing each layer to dry in between. Additionally, priming before painting can help prevent issues, and an acrylic-based primer can provide extra protection for ABS plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint types | Enamel, Lacquer, Acrylic |
| Paint characteristics | Enamel dries to a hard layer, Acrylic is water-based and weakest in terms of scratching and flaking, Lacquer can be sanded down |
| Paint solvents | Paint thinners, Denatured alcohol, Plastic-safe ketones |
| Plastic types | PolyStyrene, ABS |
| Warnings | Bandai warns against painting ABS plastic with lacquer paint as it can turn the plastic brittle, Enamel-based paints will eat bare plastics, Lacquer and enamel thinners are too aggressive for ABS |
| Suggested paints | Tamiya acrylics, Tamiya Gold Leaf, Acrysion paint from Mr Hobby, Tamiya's Gold Leaf |
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What You'll Learn
Lacquer and enamel paints can damage ABS plastic
Enamel paint is also strong and can dry to a very hard layer. Enamel paint contains the same solvents as lacquer, Propan and Butanol, and can also be damaging to ABS plastic. The enamel thinner has been known to damage plastic, especially Bandai plastic kits.
It is possible to use lacquer and enamel paints on ABS plastic, but caution must be taken. Lacquers and enamels can be used if applied in multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. These thin coats should be allowed to dry before applying the next one, creating a protective layer over the ABS plastic. It is also recommended to use an acrylic-based primer as a layer of protection before applying lacquer or enamel paint.
It is important to note that the ABS pieces in Gunpla kits tend to be critical components of the kit's joints, and these can be very difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Therefore, it is recommended to use water-based acrylics, which can be hand-painted or airbrushed and will not damage the plastic in any way.
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Acrylic paint is durable and water-resistant
Acrylic paint is a popular choice for painting Gunpla kits. Acrylic paints are acrylic-resin pigment-type paints suspended in a polymer solution and are usually water-soluble. This means that water-based acrylic paints can be thinned with water, but once painted on and dried, the paint is water-resistant and highly durable.
While water-based acrylics are the most common, some acrylic paints are alcohol-based or ketone-based. Alcohol-based acrylics are mostly plant distillates (ethyl) and dry slightly faster than water-based paints. They are also often water-soluble.
Acrylic paint is considered the "weakest" of the paint types in terms of scratching and flaking, but it should be fine for a Gunpla kit that will be sitting on a shelf. If you are looking for a paint that will be resistant to scratches, enamel paints are a good option. However, enamel paint thinners can eat at plastic, causing it to dry out, become brittle, and break, so caution is advised.
When using acrylic paint, it is important to note that while water can be used to thin the paint, it will not remove the paint once it has dried. This is because the acrylic binder, a large polymer, cures and binds to itself and to the plastic.
To protect your paint job, it is recommended to use a topcoat. Lacquer topcoats can be safely used over acrylic paints as long as they are spray paints or applied with an airbrush. However, some lacquer topcoats with strong solvents can eat through or affect acrylics, so it is best to test the paints and thinners on scraps first.
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Gundam markers are alcohol or oil-based
Gundam markers are believed to be alcohol-based or oil-based. The exact formulation is kept secret by the manufacturer. However, based on user experiences, the paint in Gundam markers is likely one of these two types.
Some users have stated that Gundam markers are alcohol-based, while others believe them to be oil-based. The paint's properties, such as quick-drying and toughness, lead some to believe it is oil-based. Additionally, Gundam markers can be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, which supports the notion that they are alcohol-based.
Gundam markers are also believed to contain different paint types by category, such as alcohol-based for main colors, water-based for weathering, and oil-based for panel lining. This allows the paints to be layered without interacting with each other. The manufacturer's website mentions both enamels and alcohol-based paint, adding to the evidence that Gundam markers could be alcohol-based.
The paint in Gundam markers is preferred by modellers because it is actual paint, not just a solvent. It dries quickly, is tough, and can be cleaned with water, although it may not remove all the pigment. This paint is suitable for beginners or quick fixes, as it is easy to use and can be applied with a brush or marker.
It is important to note that when painting Gunpla, the type of plastic and paint used should be considered. ABS plastic, commonly used in Gunpla kits, should not be painted with lacquer or enamel paints as they can damage the parts. Acrylic paints, such as Tamiya Acrylics, are recommended for ABS plastic as they do not cause damage.
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Priming before painting can prevent issues
Priming Gunpla before painting is highly recommended to prevent issues and ensure a high-quality paint job. Primer is a preparatory undercoat applied to materials before painting to enhance paint adhesion, durability, and protection. By creating a porous and "sticky" surface on the smooth plastic of Gunpla parts, the primer ensures that the paint sticks better and lasts longer.
One of the main issues that priming helps to prevent is paint chipping and damage over time. Without primer, the paint may not adhere properly to the plastic surface, and it can start to chip and peel off. Priming also helps to protect the plastic from the potential damaging effects of certain paints, such as lacquer or enamel on ABS plastic, which can turn the plastic brittle and lead to breakage.
Additionally, priming can help to neutralise the colour of the plastic, providing a solid base for the paint to adhere to. This is especially important when using glossy paints, as they tend to pool and come out uneven on unprimed surfaces. Priming also allows you to identify and fix any sanding mistakes, missed seam lines, or air bubbles before painting, ensuring a smoother finish.
While some modellers may have success using lacquer or enamel paints on ABS plastic without issues, priming with an acrylic-based primer can provide an extra layer of protection. This is because the primer acts as a barrier between the paint and the plastic, reducing the risk of damage to the plastic.
In conclusion, priming before painting Gunpla is a crucial step to prevent issues and ensure a long-lasting and high-quality paint job. It helps improve paint adhesion, enhances durability, and provides additional protection for the plastic surface. By taking the time to prime properly, you can avoid common issues like paint chipping, uneven finishes, and potential damage to the plastic material.
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Paint thinners can damage plastic
Painting Gunpla kits made of ABS plastic can be tricky as certain types of paint and paint thinners can damage the plastic. Lacquer thinner, for instance, has been shown to dissolve Polystyrene parts in Gunpla kits. While some hobbyists have used it with good results, this is because the thinner evaporates quickly, minimising damage to the plastic. However, the plastic may still be slightly weakened and more prone to breakage.
Similarly, the solvent in lacquer paint can turn ABS plastic brittle, leading to breakage. For this reason, Bandai warns in its manuals not to paint ABS plastic with lacquer paint.
Enamel paint is another option, but it should be noted that enamel paints generally refer to oil-based paints that dry to a very hard layer. While this type of paint is suitable for pottery, it may not be ideal for plastic Gunpla kits as it can be too strong and cause flaking.
Acrylic paint, on the other hand, is a safer choice for ABS plastic. Acrylic paint contains an acrylic binder that is a large polymer that cures and binds to the plastic. If it is water-based, it can be thinned with water, and while it may be more susceptible to scratching and flaking, it should be sufficient for display purposes.
When using paint thinners, it is important to note that they can damage plastic if left on for too long. Thinners can eat away at the plastic, so it is recommended to use lighter fluid instead, as it will not harm the plastic. Testing the paint and thinner on a small, inconspicuous area first is always a good idea to ensure that no damage occurs.
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Frequently asked questions
Acrylic paints are a good option for painting Gunpla made of ABS plastic. Tamiya acrylics are a popular choice among hobbyists. It is important to note that lacquer and enamel paints may damage the plastic parts over time, so it is recommended to use an acrylic-based primer as a protective layer if you choose to use these paints.
If you choose to use lacquer or enamel paints, it is recommended to apply them in multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. Allow each thin coat to dry before applying the next one. This will create a protective layer over the ABS plastic and reduce the risk of damage.
Paint strippers are likely made with denatured alcohol or high-percentage alcohol, which can be used to remove paint from ABS plastic. It is important to test these strippers on a small area first to ensure they do not damage the plastic.
Yes, Gundam markers and gold leaf can be used to add color and detail to your Gunpla without the need for paint. Tamiya Gold Leaf is a popular choice for airbrushing and can be thinned with a good amount of thinner for best results.
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