Sofia Martinez
Painting Gunpla, or Gundam plastic model kits, can be a fun and rewarding experience that adds a level of realism, customization, and personal touch to your model. While Gunpla kits are designed with colour-separated parts that mimic the look of mecha robots from the Gundam anime series, painting your model can enhance its appearance and make it more lifelike and identical to those in the anime series. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to paint full plastic sections of Gunpla, including the tools and techniques you will need to achieve a smooth and professional-looking finish.
Characteristics and Values Table for Painting Full Plastic Sections Gunpla
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting Tools | Flush cutters, files or sanding sticks, scalpel or box cutter, paintbrushes, airbrushes, paint markers, spray paint |
| Paint Types | Acrylic paint, lacquer thinner, enamel |
| Paint Brands | Vallejo, Mr. Color |
| Paint Application Techniques | Spraying the entire rail, touching up nubs with paint markers, painting pieces individually with alligator clips and skewers, airbrushing |
| Paint Considerations | Paint interaction with plastic, thinning paint, ventilation, number of coats, drying time between coats, gloss varnish, matt or satin varnish |
| Benefits of Painting Gunpla | Enhanced appearance, added realism, customization, personal touch, improved painting skills, sense of challenge, connection with community |
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What You'll Learn
Painting tools and materials
Firstly, you will need paints, primers, and top coats. It is recommended to use paints specifically designed for plastic models, such as Tamiya paint, which can be found in hobby stores or online. You can choose between hand painting with paintbrushes or using spray cans for a faster application. If you have the budget, an airbrush is an excellent investment for precise and even paint coverage. Spray primers, such as Tamiya White Surface Primer, are useful for creating a consistent base for your paint, and grey primer is suitable for when you want a darker base. For a top coat, consider using a product like Dullcote, which can add a matte finish to your model.
Additionally, you will need cutting and sanding tools to prepare the plastic surfaces for painting. Flush cutters, files, and sanding sticks are essential for removing parts from the runners and smoothing out any imperfections. A scalpel or box cutter can also help with more detailed cutting tasks. To avoid damaging your work surface, it is advisable to use a large cutting mat.
Other useful tools include tweezers for applying small decals and stickers, and paint thinners for enamel-based paints. It is also beneficial to have a dedicated workspace with good lighting and a camera setup to showcase your work when it is complete.
Remember, you can start with the basic tools and gradually upgrade your kit as you gain more experience and skills in painting Gunpla models.
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Preparing the plastic
Firstly, it is important to clean the plastic surface. This can be done by washing the model with warm soapy water and then thoroughly rinsing it. While some builders may consider this step optional, it is especially important if you tend to sweat while building the model, as washing will ensure that the paint adheres well. You can also use an ultrasonic cleaner for this step.
The next step is to carefully sand the plastic. Use a fine-grit sandpaper, such as 400-grit, to gently smooth out the surface of the model. Be cautious not to over-sand, as this can damage the plastic. When using a scalpel, alternating your cuts from each side can help reduce the risk of tearing the plastic. Aim to remove only a small amount of material with each pass.
After cleaning and sanding, it is essential to prime the model. A primer will help the paint adhere better and create a more even finish. Choose a primer suitable for plastic models, such as a lacquer-based primer. Apply the primer following the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring a thin, even coat.
Before painting, it is crucial to prepare the paint itself. Paint tends to separate over time, with the pigment settling at the bottom of the bottle. To ensure a consistent colour, mix the paint thoroughly before use. You can use a wooden stirrer or a plastic toothpick, stirring for at least a minute, especially with highly pigmented colours like blue.
By following these steps, you will have prepared the plastic sections of your Gunpla model for painting effectively. Remember to take your time and work carefully to ensure the best results.
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Choosing paint colours
Choosing the right paint colours for your Gunpla project is essential to achieving the desired look. Here are some tips to help you select the best colours and types of paint:
Firstly, decide on the colour scheme you want for your Gunpla. You can choose to replicate the official Gundam colours or create a custom colour scheme. If you opt for a custom scheme, be creative and select colours that reflect your unique style. Basic colours like metallic grey, black, white, red, blue, yellow, and green are a good starting point and can be mixed to create a variety of shades.
When choosing paint colours, consider the type of paint you will be using. Acrylic paint, for example, is water-based and dries within 20 minutes and cures in 24 hours. It can be thinned with water, but for airbrushing, an alcohol-based thinner is recommended for a lighter and faster-drying finish. Enamel paint, on the other hand, dries to a hard, glossy finish and takes 2-3 hours to dry, with a curing time of 24-48 hours. Enamel paint requires a paint thinner for proper thinning and cannot be thinned with water or lighter fluid for airbrushing. Lacquer paint is highly pigmented and has strong-smelling fumes, especially when paired with an airbrush. Oil paints are also an option, but they dry slowly, so mineral spirits are often used to speed up the drying process.
If you want to match the official Gundam colours, Mr. Hobby is the official paint brand used in Gunpla manuals, so their paints will provide an exact match. Mr. Color paints are also highly regarded in the Gunpla community for their smooth finish and rich colour. However, these paints can be expensive and may require airbrushing. If you're on a budget, hardware store spray paints or brands like Tamiya, Testors, or Model Masters can be good alternatives.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and mix paints to create unique shades. With practice, you can reproduce the colours you desire using different brands of paint. Remember, Gunpla is a personal hobby, so feel free to choose colours that resonate with you and enjoy the process of bringing your creation to life.
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Painting techniques
Painting a Gunpla model can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, allowing you to showcase your creativity and skill. It can add a level of realism, customization, and a personal touch to your model.
Preparation:
Before you begin painting, it is important to have the right tools and to prepare your workspace. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area, especially if using sprays or paints with strong fumes. You can also wear a rebreather, gloves, and eye protection for safety. Use a fan to direct fumes away from your work area.
Choosing Paint:
The type of paint you choose will impact the final look and durability of your model. Acrylic paint, for example, is the most common type of paint found in hobby shops and is the least toxic. It is made with a water-based acrylic binder that cures and binds to the plastic. While it is the "weakest" in terms of scratching and flaking, it should be sufficient for display purposes.
Painting Process:
There are different methods for painting Gunpla, such as spraying the entire rail and then touching up with paint markers, or painting the pieces individually. Painting pieces individually with skewers and clips can result in a neater finish and reduces the risk of damaging the coat when manipulating parts. It is recommended to let each coat dry completely before starting the next one to prevent paint from running or smearing.
Adding Details:
To add intricate details to your model, you can use techniques such as weathering, shadows, and highlights. For lighter areas, you can start with the base colour of the model and simulate the painted decal being worn away. You can also use water-slide decals to add extra detail. Apply a gloss varnish before applying the decals to expedite the process and minimize silvering.
Airbrushing:
Airbrushing is another fun way to paint your Gunpla and achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish. To thin the paints for airbrushing, you can use a combination of Vallejo Airbrush Flow Improver and Airbrush Thinner. Keep the airbrush constantly moving to avoid areas of heavy or uneven paint. Start with a mist coat, and then build up the colour with additional coats, aiming for a smooth and even finish.
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Finishing touches
Once you have completed the painting of your Gunpla model, there are a few final steps to take to ensure a high-quality finish. Firstly, it is important to apply a top coat to protect the paint job and enhance the overall appearance of the model. Top coats come in various finishes, including gloss, semi-gloss, and matte. For Gunpla models, a matte finish is often recommended as it can help to conceal any minor imperfections or scuff marks on the plastic. When choosing a top coat, opt for a well-known brand such as Mr. Super Clear Flat Spray or Tamiya Flat Clear, as cheaper alternatives may result in a lower-quality finish. Always be mindful of the weather conditions when applying the top coat, as spraying on a humid day can cause the finish to "fog", while spraying on a rainy or moist day can leave a white, powdery residue.
Before applying the top coat, ensure that any nubs or imperfections on the plastic are carefully shaved down and sanded smooth using tools such as an X-acto knife, fine grit sandpaper, or a nail file. This step is crucial, as a top coat will not hide bumps or lumps, only minor scuff marks. Additionally, consider whether you want to apply any decals, stickers, or panel lining to your model. While some builders prefer to apply these details before the top coat, others suggest that painting and lining are best done after top coating. If you choose to apply these details before the top coat, be aware that you will not be able to use the eraser technique to clean up any mistakes, so precision is key.
Another important consideration is the use of primer. While some builders argue that primer is not necessary, others believe it can improve the final result. Tamiya surfacer, for example, is recommended by many Gunpla builders, although cheaper auto store primers can also be used effectively. If you decide to use a primer, ensure that it is a modelling brand rather than a generic auto store brand, as these are specifically designed for this purpose. Additionally, consider using a gloss varnish as a base coat before applying any decals, as it can help the decal conform to the smooth plastic surface more easily.
Finally, when it comes to painting, some builders prefer to spray paint the entire rail, while others opt for painting individual pieces. Spray painting the entire rail can be faster and easier, but it may result in paint pooling on the edges or the need to flip pieces over to avoid paint dripping. Painting individual pieces using skewers and alligator clips can result in a neater finish and reduces the risk of damaging the coat during manipulation. However, it is important to keep track of the loose parts and mark certain parts as right or left to avoid confusion during assembly. Ultimately, the choice between these methods depends on personal preference and the level of precision desired.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting Gunpla can add a level of realism, customization, and personal touch to your model kit. It can also be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to showcase your creativity and skill.
Acrylic paint is the most readily available type of paint in hobby shops and is likely the least toxic. However, it is purportedly the "weakest" in terms of scratching and flaking. You can also use lacquer thinner, but be cautious as it can slightly weaken the plastic and make it more prone to breaking.
You will need flush cutters, files or sanding sticks, a scalpel or box cutter, and skewers with alligator clips.
Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate safety gear, including a rebreather, neoprene gloves, and eye protection. Let each coat of paint dry completely before starting the next one to prevent paint from running or smearing.
