Quick Question 2010

[qb]

try checking out the no paint technique thread here on the boards.

[spardaman]

Can't seem to find it on the search function.

[kasmichan]

@spardman
kotobukiya kits are high lvl kits that needs high lvl skill for building..if you're planning to get dyzengar and doesn't have much idea on how kotobukiya's kits look like..try getting the initial SRW first (gespenst,huckbein) and see first if you're really ready for it..

HG(bandai) vs Non-grade(kotobukiya)..well you can't compare them really well since kotobukiya give much more parts than bandai..and kotobukiya kits has tons of tiny places to paint btw..here's a little comparison I came up from building both sides..

**building lvl**
Bandai: 1-4 (very easy to build in HG but really hard to build in higher grades like PG^^)
Kotobukiya: 4 above (the numerous parts will kill you if you don't handle it well and it took time to build)

**Model accuracy lvl**
Bandai: 2 (since most of thier kits in HG doesn't contain much detail and are anime-based)
Kotobukiya: 5 (from color and everything koto will give you what you actually need)

**painting/detailing lvl**
Bandai:2 (it's pretty easy even a kid that knows how to hold a paintbrush can paint a HG..other grades will require a much experienced modeller)
Kotobukiya: 5 (for almost pro modelers only since there are tons of small places to paint and if you're not carefull enough, you'll screw up big time)

**repaint lvl**
bandai: 4 (it's a little hard to do repaints in bandai's kits since you need wide imagination for them but sanding them for repainting is not a problem)
kotobukiya: 5 higher (you'll be needing tons of experience if you wanna repaint their kits..plastic is different from bandai also)

[spardaman]

Oh my. And I thought it was something easy as HGs or No Grade 1/100s. I'll probably have to check its contents first since GT lets you see the stuff inside, I think. Then make my decision afterwards.

Thanks for the tip!

BTW, what would you suggest from either kits? Gespy or Huck?

[kasmichan]

spardaman
gespy has the 1 color treatment and few details..hucky ones have more weapons and more small paint applications..look at my thread from page 1 at the gundam review..I have a huckbein there and some SRW kits..just browse my page for them..sir Vic also has SRW's with a much detailed paint-job..you may check his thread too^^

regaring gundam..go for the HG Universal Century for a much epic kits..00 kits for less painting and detailing

[spardaman]

Just saw your gallery Kasmi. Pretty impressive, I must say. How much did you pay for your Hucky? I'm thinking of getting that Ryoto version. I just hope I'll have the guts to paint it to Elzam's Trombe Color Scheme.

[kasmichan]

spardaman
the boxer is hard to find..ask sir malvs of GT if the branch near you has the kit..or if the other branches has it..ask him if he can send it to the branch near you..

the boxer costs 4-5k nowadays..if you wanna repaint it, it's your call..be carefull though..the plastic is smooth so sanding may ruin the kit..

[spardaman]

What kind of brushes do I need if I were to paint HG 1/144 models, considering that they are tad smaller than MGs. And do files work like sandpaper when smoothening those nubs? I just acquired one recently.

[kasmichan]

spardaman
use tamiya brushes..fine ones as much as possible to avoid scattering some paint..I'm using goat fur brushes to do the trick but it's very pricey and not so abundant here in the philippines..

regarding files..make sure it's around 1200 type or so but I don't remember quite well since I don't use mine often...

[spardaman]

I thought of using toothpicks or finely-sharpened pencils and dipping them into the paints for going around those thin, tricky areas. Any thoughts?

[kasmichan]

well..some modelers use those..I just use my small fine brushes for those..be sure to put masking tape around the area you'll paint to avoid miss paints..

[spardaman]

Since I'm using acrylics, can I easily remove miss paints by rubbing it with cotton + water?

[kasmichan]

no...that's acrylic so you need acrylic thinner which destroys plastics..if you wanna remove using water, you need water-based paints like Hobby Color..

[qb]

spardaman
doing a few extra steps like browsing the modelling tips and tricks section here helps. i found the threads in less than a min.
To Paint or not to Paint
No Paint Sanding Technique
Gundam No Paint Technique

there's a lot of info there to at least get you started on some common practices. there're also a lot of tutorials online youtube etc that i found really helpful when i was still building gunpla. feel free to explore.

@kasmischan
acrylics are technically water-based and can be dissolved by water as long as not dry. while acrylic thinner is best, you can also use something cheaper like alcohol (i used brands that you can buy off mercury drug) to remove or thin acrylics.

[kasmichan]

@qb
oooh..that's anothing thing I learned from you..hehe thanks..I only learn by myself so yeah..I'm not very used to such things...