Halo Reddit!
In today's world of Gunpla, customizing your own kits has become a norm. However, not everyone knows where to start. With a little attention to detail, you can create stunning pieces that showcase your creativity and skills.
As someone who has been in the hobby for a while, I'd like to share my process with you. From airbrushing and hand painting to panel lining and decals, I'll take you through each step of customizing your Gundam kit.
Airbrushing/Hand Painting
When starting a new project, it's essential to have a paint scheme in mind. This will help you organize the parts and ensure that the colors come together harmoniously. For my RGM-79 from Thunderbolt, I used the instruction manual to sort the parts into their different color categories.
Once I had my plan in place, I went ahead and painted the entire kit. If you're new to airbrushing, I recommend checking out a guide on how to do it properly. After painting, all that's left is assembly!
Panel Lining
One of the most challenging parts of customizing your Gundam is creating clean panel lines after airbrushing. In my experience, using Mr Hobby Accent Color can be tricky, as it can wipe off the painted surface. Instead, I opted for a panel marker.
There are two basic methods for panel lining:
- Dropper/Applicator: This method requires a steady hand and some practice to get right.
- Panel Marker: Copic's Multiliner SP 0.03 is my go-to tool for this job, as it provides a thin line and minimal ink run.
When drawing panel lines, focus on the recessed or broken-up areas of the kit. A little filing and scribing can also help create the illusion of panel lines where there aren't any.
Decals/Water Slides
Decals come in three forms: Clear Stickers, Dry Transfer, and Water Slides. While all are effective, I prefer Water Slides for their superior look and ease of use.
My client provided me with water slides for this job, which were easy to apply using Mr. Mark Softer and Setter. These products help the decals conform to the edges of the kit and ensure maximum durability.
When applying water slides, be sure to have a few Q-tips handy to help move the decal around and soak up excess water.
Final Thoughts, customizing your Gundam kit requires patience, attention to detail, and practice. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can create stunning pieces that showcase your creativity and skills.
Remember to always give credit where it's due – in this case, to Bandai for creating such great kits! With a little effort and dedication, you'll be able to achieve amazing results and join the ranks of seasoned Gunpla enthusiasts. Happy building!