to paint or not to paint

[gnw001]

Hi all. As we all know, Gunpla modeling is one artwork to really consider. I'd say I'm a noob in this field, in fact, I only knew how to really cut the parts from the plastic trays (yeah, I'm sad, I know). But one thing is, I apply marker linings to my babies, but I don't know if I should really paint them. I'm afraid I might damage it more. Any takes on these guys? The model kits I have are the ones from the first season of Gundam 00.

P.S. I also don't have the budget for buying model paints.. Someone help..

[Gane]

If you don't like to do any painting I would suggest any 1/100 scale Gundam kit since most of which will require minimal or no painting. If you can get a MG kit then you'll partially eliminate the need to paint. Although it is advisable to have some handy for those small/tiny parts that need a specific color.

If you do want to try painting then I would suggest using fakes or any cheap plastic toys for starters since ruining a good kit is a wallet buster.

Modeling paints are best since they are finer in texture than your average hardware paints, and if you can get some practice with spray paints. Hardware versions like Bosny and RJ London are worth the money but there is the fact on limitations of available color.

I haven't tried this yet, but it was mentioned that you can use ordinary acrylic paint (like those in National Bookstore) for painting and this would probably be the cheaper alternative.

Good Luck though.

[tri3dge]

Yup painting is highly recommended to increase the model's accuracy and lifespan of the fun factor (added time invested in painting = more bang for your buck).

No worries on damaging models, just use either enamel or acrylic based paints. And they aren't expensive also, a bottle of acrylic paint at National Bookstore only cost around PHP 30 or 40, while Tamiya Enamel Paints usually sell PHP 80 per bottle.

Seeing you have the 1st Season lineup of 00 Gundam kits, they are in fact very tolerable to paints since their plastics are much thicker.


By the way, no need to practice on bootlegs. Just put on your "man pants" and paint the kit, if you don't like the results strip the paint or coat it with Primer then repaint.

[gnw001]

Thanks for the tips guys... I'd look into your suggestions and give them a try..

[niel]

Since this topic also concerns me....
I would like to ask the PROs and others like me...

A bit of introduction... I just returned to collecting Gundams last Dec 2007 since I can now buy my kits...

My collection is still growing but I'm a bit concerned about painting my kits or not, since I have less time for painting or sometimes the weather is just to inviting for me to have a nap (cold and rainy days) or go mall hopping (extremely hot weather) ...

I just snap built my kits and display them on glass. Is this okay?
Since I thnk in time the white colored parts will turn yellowish ( like my SD wing zero and SD G gundam set way back then...)

[V2]

as long as the kits are away from direct sunlight and harsh environments (no dust, pollution, acidity, etc.) then its all right.

this would only slow down the aging (yellowing) process of the plastics but not prevent them. painting not only would improve the looks of the kit, but give them a protective coating as well.

[niel]

Thanks for the quick reply!

So it is always better if the kits are painted/top coated rather than leave it snap-built?
Does it also cover the rubber parts?
For me I want to restore my old SD G-Gundam collection but the stickers (like the King of Hearts logo, etc.) are already applied and turns out to be yellowish... I think its around 10 years ago...

[V2]

it depends - as a preventive/preservation measure yes.

rubber parts. i dont know.

[tri3dge]

Regarding if paints sticks to rubber parts, nope they usually don't since the paint just chips off after drying. Although there are some other methods to make them stick (priming the parts, or covering the rubber part's exterior with a thin amount of putty)

[paulrivera03]

+1 on tri3edge's tips..

and about the rubber parts..yes, it is possible to make paint stick to them. Although it would really require you to clean the part(to remove dust, dirt and oil) and apply a coating of primer or putty as mentioned above.

as for spray cans, personally i prefer pylox since it gives a thinner coating compared to bosny paints. also it is more desirable to use spray cans when covering large surfaces.