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.

[kien]

I usually always sand my nibs. My typical work flow has been:

1. Base coat all pieces right on the runner.
2. Cut off runners, sand nibs.
3. Assemble.
4. Paint detailing, second coat, etc.
5. Decals.

Done. I'm going to try adding a step 6 for the top coat this time.

[gqlmao]

That sounds good! I would test the top coat on a painted runner first before using it on your gundam to see if you like the finish. The dull coat changes the surface color A LOT, I've sprayed non painted gundams with dull coat and they look like they have been painted after another benefit is that the top hides the decal edges of the stickers so it blends in more.

All this talk makes me want to get another one, oh the ich.

[kien]

Originally Posted by gqlmao

That sounds good! I would test the top coat on a painted runner first before using it on your gundam to see if you like the finish. The dull coat changes the surface color A LOT, I've sprayed non painted gundams with dull coat and they look like they have been painted after another benefit is that the top hides the decal edges of the stickers so it blends in more.

All this talk makes me want to get another one, oh the ich.

Ya, that's what got me interested in the top coat, to hide the decals and to maybe top coat a couple of gundams that I hadn't painted yet. I saw a top coat of an unpainted gundam and it actually looked really good! I'll use them as guinnea pigs. I also have a bunch of starships (star trek) that I can test top coats on to see if I like it.

[kien]

Originally Posted by gqlmao

All this talk makes me want to get another one, oh the ich.

You know you want PG Astray Red Frame.

[kien]

Originally Posted by kien

You know you want PG Astray Red Frame.

Actually, yes.. yes I do. :drool: