Mobile Suit Gundam. Discuss..

[gqlmao]

I use the pen, I think inking by the brush only works once you have a top coat on since the the white will be stained by the black ink. I find to do it right you need a good top coat since the wash usually consists of rubbing diluted lacquer thinner with a q tip. Top coats usually are pretty good against diluted lacquer thinner, however there is always that chance just like paint that it could thin out and mess your paint job. Even with the pen you can stain the white painted surface, the best way is to see how the pros do it and there should be tips online on inking. Nothing drives me more nuts than having a slightly stained white piece. People use white erasers to clean the pen and it works to a degree, however for the coloured pieces don't use the eraser or it will streak your paint job. Inking is the most frustrating part for sure.

Primer is really up to you, sometimes I skip the primer all together like you said. However I do prime the skeleton pieces, it gets rid of that cheap grey shine and creates a matte finish which will match the paints, looks a lot better this way. For my gundams, I use the dull coats sold in PM hobby, its made by the guys that make those american plastic cars. Comes in a black can.

Originally Posted by kien

That's nice! Do you use a pen or do you wash the panel lines? And I think you said you prime ? Typically I don't prime if I'm painting the pieces the same colour as they already are. The paint I find holds onto the plastic pretty good. If intend to paint a piece a completely different colour then I'll prime.

As for finishing, I was hoping to get started with painting tonight but wasn't able to get out to pick up any paint due to the weather. Maybe tomorrow. My goals. I usually like to paint at least a base coat on all the pieces before assembly.

Do you top coat? I've never top coated any of my gundams but I'm thinking about trying a top coat when I'm done.

[kien]

Originally Posted by gqlmao

I use the pen, I think inking by the brush only works once you have a top coat on since the the white will be stained by the black ink. I find to do it right you need a good top coat since the wash usually consists of rubbing diluted lacquer thinner with a q tip. Top coats usually are pretty good against diluted lacquer thinner, however there is always that chance just like paint that it could thin out and mess your paint job. Even with the pen you can stain the white painted surface, the best way is to see how the pros do it and there should be tips online on inking. Nothing drives me more nuts than having a slightly stained white piece. People use white erasers to clean the pen and it works to a degree, however for the coloured pieces don't use the eraser or it will streak your paint job. Inking is the most frustrating part for sure.

Primer is really up to you, sometimes I skip the primer all together like you said. However I do prime the skeleton pieces, it gets rid of that cheap grey shine and creates a matte finish which will match the paints, looks a lot better this way. For my gundams, I use the dull coats sold in PM hobby, its made by the guys that make those american plastic cars. Comes in a black can.

Ya I prefer the flatter finish. Sometimes even a Matte finish depending on the part. Do you spray paint the larger pieces then? I use a cheap air brush but I'm having troubles locating it. Debating whether or not to get a new air brush or just rattle can the damn thing.

[gqlmao]

Lol depends on how meticulous you want, air brush takes a long time. Are you going to be sanding all then nibs off as well? If so you might as well go the full mile. Organize and cut all the pieces out, sand off all the nibs and imperfections, primer all of the pieces, sand them, air brush paint them, top coat them, ink and decal them and voila you will have a gundam worthy of a magazine.

Originally Posted by kien

Ya I prefer the flatter finish. Sometimes even a Matte finish depending on the part. Do you spray paint the larger pieces then? I use a cheap air brush but I'm having troubles locating it. Debating whether or not to get a new air brush or just rattle can the damn thing.

[paddyob]

It looks like the sleeve to a 12" vinyl.....

[Marz]

Ok, I have been out of this for a long time. Do they now come with the stands? May have to start up again great pics of the kids btw, wonder if my girls would be interested.

[gqlmao]

Some come with stands, some don't usually you can find out by looking at the box pictures. If there is a unique stand rather than the standard octagon stand chances are it comes with it. You should start up and join the Kien in the dark side . You should buy your girls the pink strike/ nobel gundam, they might like it. Nobel looks like sailor moon ahahaha.

Originally Posted by Marz

Ok, I have been out of this for a long time. Do they now come with the stands? May have to start up again great pics of the kids btw, wonder if my girls would be interested.

[kien]

Holy crap! I want that Sinanju ! I have no idea where is put it though.

I kinda don't mind that they don't include stands because there are many different varieties. My Wing Zero came with a stand but It kinda sucks and is rather buy a new one for it. Also, some Gundams are fine just standing by themselves without a stand.

[Marz]

Originally Posted by gqlmao

Some come with stands, some don't usually you can find out by looking at the box pictures. If there is a unique stand rather than the standard octagon stand chances are it comes with it. You should start up and join the Kien in the dark side . You should buy your girls the pink strike/ nobel gundam, they might like it. Nobel looks like sailor moon ahahaha.

Thanks! I am going to talk to the girls and see what they think. This is in fact a series which is kind of cool.