[For beginners] Introducing Gunpla painting methods and painting tools, as well as important points to note

If you go to Yodobashi or Volks, you will see a variety of Gunpla examples on display.
I want to make something like that, but I can't build a large painting system at home...
Don't you think so?

Don't worry, there are many different ways to paint plastic models and figures, and you can start small.
Choose the painting method that suits you best and create your own original aircraft!

Previously introduced article on Gunpla production tools can be found here

[For Beginners] Introduction to the Necessary and Useful Tools for Gunpla Construction

Basic knowledge for painting plastic models [Cleaning parts]

First, we will introduce the essential steps regardless of which painting method you choose.
Some people may think that they don't need to do this step, but it will affect the adhesion of the paint, so it's important to do it.

It's easy to do.
"Wash the parts cut from the runner with detergent.'That's all.
The plastic used in plastic models has a release agent added during the manufacturing process, which repels liquids.
For HG or RG items, simply use a 10cm colander and bowl and wash with dish soap to complete the cleaning process.
Dishwashing detergent sold at supermarkets is fine.
Wash and dry carefully, being careful not to lose any small parts.

Some people seem to use ultrasonic cleaners, but if you think that's a bit expensive, you can buy a colander, bowl, and detergent at a 100 yen store and use that instead.

Gundam marker painting

As an easy painting method,Gundam MarkerThere is a way to color it using ".
You can paint your Gunpla using marker pens that already contain mixed ink.

Since it is a pen type, you can paint parts without having to think too hard, so if you want to paint only a few parts, we recommend this Gundam Marker paint.

Another point is that Gundam marker sets are also sold, such as color sets for the Federation Army and color sets for the Zeon Army.

Of course, it can be used for things other than Gunpla, so if you find a color that matches your image, it might be worth picking it up.
However, since it is an alcohol-based paint that dissolves other paints, care must be taken when applying multiple coats or top coats.
It is nearly impossible to apply multiple coats unless you let it dry thoroughly.

Gundam Marker Airbrush System

This is a system that allows you to use Gundam Markers like an airbrush.
If you paint over it multiple times with a marker, the paint may become uneven.
This has its own charm, but using this system also reduces unevenness in the paint and allows for finer paintwork.

Simply connect the air can to the airbrush system and attach a Gundam Marker to the tip to create an airbrush-style painting effect.
However, depending on the angle of the pen tip, the paint may spray out in clumps, so adjust carefully.

Since the markers are sprayed in an airbrush-like style, the ink runs out quickly, so it may be a good idea to have a certain amount of Gundam markers in stock.
It is also necessary to take measures to prevent paint from splashing around.

It's a great way to step up from painting with Gundam Markers and give you a pseudo-airbrush experience.
I think this is a good product to start with and get to know what airbrush painting is like using the airbrush system.

Brush painting

You can mix and color it yourself.
You can mix several types of paint to create the color you imagine, allowing you to create Gunpla with more freedom in coloring than when using Gundam markers.

However, while this increases the degree of freedom, it can also make it difficult to create the desired color in some cases.
Since you have to change the way you paint depending on the characteristics of the brush you use, it may be more difficult to paint with than an airbrush.

Some people prefer to paint with a brush, as it gives a different feel to painting with an airbrush.
Also, anime-style painting is one of the techniques that can only be done with a brush.

If you are in an environment where you don't have the space to use an airbrush but still want to try painting, or if you want to create an atmosphere that can only be achieved with brush painting, why not start with brush painting?

spray can painting

▲ Gundam color spray has recently appeared

It allows for finer painting than brush painting.
Depending on the spraying method, unevenness or dripping may occur, so care must be taken.
Also, since gas is used to spray, it is strictly forbidden to use it in a closed room, so a paint booth is required.

If the booth has low ventilation capacity, the paint and gases cannot be exhausted in time.Get a paint booth with decent power..
However, spray cans are generally recommended for outdoor use.

It has running costs, so it's hard to recommend it for building Gunpla, but the ability to get a crisp paint job is appealing.

The swans

It takes a fair amount of money to implement.
A paint airbrush, compressor, and a paint booth for air intake and exhaust are essential.
There are also inexpensive airbrushes and compressors that are all in one, so if you want to try out an airbrush, you might want to choose one of those.
HoweverThe weakness of the integrated airbrush is that it has a weak spraying power.There is.
For paints that are not diluted enough or metallic paints, you will need a compressor with sufficient power and a handpiece with a diameter that matches the paint.

If you want to do serious painting in the future, you will need to make some thorough preparations.

Airbrushes are a common tool for painting Gunpla, but there are some barriers to entry.
Get the equipment that suits your home environment.

Painting order

Here are some points to keep in mind when painting the final piece.
That's the painting order.
Be careful as some types of paint may dissolve the underlying paint.

The diagram below shows the basic types of paint and the order in which they should be applied.
It is possible to apply multiple coats from left to right, but be careful when applying multiple coats from right to left.

By the way, the main paints are:

Mr. Color, Gaia Color, etc. are lacquer-based

Water-based Hobby Color, Citadel, Vallejo, etc. are acrylic paints.

Gaia Enamel Color and other enamel-based colors

Tamiya colors are available in various

It has become.
Please check carefully before purchasing or painting.

Expanding Gunpla building with painting

You can create a wonderful Gunpla just by assembling it using the molded colors, but you can also create a unique Gunpla that is yours by expressing your own image in the coloring.
There are many painting methods that can be enjoyed without building a large-scale painting system.
Enjoy a better Gunpla life with a painting environment that suits you!