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  • CaptainYamerica posted an update in the group Group logo of Q/A & Help GroupQ/A & Help Group 7 years, 10 months ago

    This has probably been asked/answered before and forgive my laziness for not searching 😛 but, I want to start painting my Gunpla. I am not a novice when it comes to model building or painting in general, I just have not done it in a VERY long time. Like 7 years or so.

    Anyways, what brand/type of paints do most people go with or recommend? I used to advocate Citadel paints as most of my experience comes from Games Workshop tabletop gaming minis and models.

    Also what is the best way to basecoat a gunpla kit? Let’s say I get a kit molded in primarily blue colors, but I want to go with a different shade of blue? I am worried about using paints to heavy and filling in gaps or things becoming undefined or “clumpy.”

    Thanks in advance for any replies I might receive. I am building a new modeling desk and plan to spend a lot more time building and customizing gunpla.

    • Personally, I am an advocate of Vallejo paints (sold by HLJ).

      Since you have experience with acrylic paints, I would suggest Vallejo, Tamiya acrylics, or even Citadel. They key is thinning your paints. What paints you use all depends on what you have available locally. I will say that one advantage Tamiya has is that you can paint in matching spray cans. That way, if you need to touch up spots like gate marks, you can grab a bottle of the matching paint.

      P.S. Many of your miniature painting skills will transfer over to Gunpla.

    • Well, most people use acrylics, Tamiya or Mr.Hobby. And then there are some that use enamels, for either painting the entire kit or for detailing and panel washes.
      I use acrylics, lacquers and enamels (mostly for panel washes and detailing), it depends on the job at hand.
      You could use a combination of all of them, just know what to put on top of what, but I’m assuming that you know, considering you’ve been into Warhammer a long time.

      As for putting on a different shade of the same color, if you go from a lighter shade t a darker, you don’t have to do anything, as some modelers don’t. Except fr washing the runners. Myself I prime no matter what. And the Alclad II primers work really fine for me, but that is a matter of preference.

      I don’t know what tools you have from the past, but I strongly recommend an airbrush. It will give you the best coverage and you almost don’t have to worry laying the coats on too thick that you obscure the panel lines.
      If this is not an option, I suggest diluting the paint and brush on multiple thin layers on.
      And maybe get a panel line carving tool to deepen these so they wont vanish due to a too thick layer of paint.

      Most people mask off the pegs and joints to ensure a good fit and good working of the joints. In some cases you want to do the lather as some kits have too loose joints and this will help stiffen them. A good way to find this out is to “test” build the kit. This helps you to identify stiff joint and parts that need sanding to prevent the paint scratching off due to parts that have too less clearing and rub each other.
      When “test’ building a kit, you could pegs at a 45° angle or enlarge the female connectors so the parts com loose easily when taking it apart for the painting process.

      I hope this helps you out. Should there be anything unclear r you need more information whatsoever, please drop us a post.
      Good luck and happy building

    • Awesome! Thanks for the help!