Elena Rossi
Gundam markers are an alternative to painting and can be used to fill in small details on a model kit. They come in two types: a fine tip in black or grey, and broad felt tips in Gundam colours. The fine-tipped markers are meant for detail lines, while the broad tips are for those who don't want to invest in paints. Gundam markers can be used to touch up small spots and clean up nub marks, but they are not recommended for painting an entire kit. Instead, the paint can be let out into a small dish and used with a paintbrush for a better finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of marker | Paint pen |
| Use | Touching up small spots, filling in small details, cleaning up nub marks, panel lining |
| Colors | Black, grey, gold, green, yellow, dark blue, red |
| Tips | Fine tip, broad felt tip |
| Surfaces | Unpainted plastic, surfaces prepared with gloss |
| Advantages | Easier to clean up than traditional fine-tipped Gundam markers, can be used to hide nub marks |
| Disadvantages | Limited color selection, may leave streaks, too narrow for painting |
| Alternatives | Sakura's Pigma Micron pens, air brush, spray cans, hobby paints, thinner, acrylic paints |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Gundam markers are not recommended for painting an entire kit
Gundam markers are essentially paint pens that come in the most common Gundam colours. They are meant for touching up small spots on a kit, not for line details. While they can be used for painting an entire kit, there are several reasons why this is not recommended.
Firstly, Gundam markers are not ideal for creating line details. Their limited colour selection might not match the specific colours needed for line details. Sakura's Pigma Micron pens, for instance, offer a wider range of colours and tip sizes that are more suitable for line details.
Secondly, using Gundam markers as regular markers will likely result in streaks, similar to using markers in a colouring book. To avoid this, some modellers have suggested squeezing the ink out into a small dish and using a paintbrush to apply it to the kit. However, this method is not unique to Gundam markers, and other paints can be applied in the same way with better results.
Thirdly, Gundam markers may not provide the desired finish, especially for those seeking a smooth, even coat. Spray cans, for instance, offer a smoother finish than Gundam markers, although they require practice to perfect the technique.
Lastly, Gundam markers may not be cost-effective for painting an entire kit. They may not contain enough ink to cover a large surface area, and the cost of purchasing multiple markers to paint a kit may exceed the cost of buying a larger volume of paint in a bottle.
In summary, while Gundam markers can be used for painting an entire kit, their intended purpose is for small touch-ups. Other tools, such as paintbrushes, spray cans, and alternative markers, offer a wider range of colours, smoother finishes, and better value for painting an entire kit.
Touch-Up Paint: Easy Steps to Refresh Your Motorcycle's Look
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![[MS105] Gundam Marker Basic Set](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71mHX-6zl8L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Mr. Hobby - Pour Type Gundam Marker [Black], GSI Creos Gundam Marker (GM301P)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/616pYM0t9AL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
They are best used for filling in small details and panel lines
Gundam markers are essentially paint pens that come in the most common Gundam colours. They are ideal for touching up small spots on a kit, not for line details. For line details, it is recommended to use the ink from the marker with a small paintbrush, which allows for closer attention to small details.
The fine-tip Gundam markers are meant for detail lines. They are great for beginners and can be cleaned up with an eraser. The Sakura Pigma Micron pens are a great alternative to Gundam markers, available in various colours and sizes. The 0.25mm tip will work fine for most details, but for smaller details, the 0.20mm tip is better.
When applying paint to small details and panel lines, it is best to use a strong, fine-tipped brush. This allows you to get into the small details without brushing against other sections. Choose a brush with a fine tip that won't fray or pull easily.
If you are panel lining, you must cover your paint job with a gloss coat. If using a Gundam panel lining marker, use a lacquer gloss coat so that you can erase mistakes with alcohol without damaging your paint job. For an anime look, use a black Gundam marker, and for a more realistic look, use a grey Gundam marker.
Wet Palette: The Secret to Perfectly Thin Paint
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gundam markers are not suitable for all kits
Gundam markers are a great way to get into the process of painting kits. They are simple, inexpensive, and require no extra chemicals. However, they are not suitable for all kits.
Gundam markers are essentially paint pens that come in the most common Gundam colours. They are meant for touching up small spots and detail lines, not for covering large surfaces. The finish on large surfaces can turn out uneven and thick due to the fast-drying solvent. Therefore, they are not suitable for kits that require large areas to be painted.
Gundam markers are also limited in their colour selection. While they come in basic colours like white, red, blue, yellow, grey, and black, as well as metallic shades, they may not have the specific colour you need for your kit. In such cases, you may need to use paint instead.
Additionally, Gundam markers may not be suitable for those seeking a smooth finish. While they can be used for handpainting by pouring the ink into a small dish and using a brush, the finish may not be as good as that achieved with spray cans or traditional paint.
Furthermore, Gundam markers may not be the best option for those seeking a perfect finish. While they are easy to use and can make kits look better with minimal skill or effort, the results may not be as good as those achieved with panel liner paints, which are faster, easier, and give better results.
Overall, while Gundam markers are a great introduction to the process of painting kits, they may not be suitable for all kits due to their limited colour selection, difficulty in achieving a smooth or perfect finish, and unsuitability for large surfaces.
Creating Texture: Painting Realistic Reborn Hair
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![[Set of 3] Gundam Marker Sumi-ire Black Ultra Fine Type GM01 GSI Creos](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61-0QkkV1XL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
They can be used to clean up nub marks and hide assembly errors
Gundam markers are essentially paint pens that come in the most common Gundam colours. They are meant for touching up small spots on a kit, not for line details.
Nub marks, also known as sprue marks, are whitish, raised chips of leftover sprue that can be left behind when you cut out a part of your Gundam kit. They are one of the biggest distractors when it comes to the overall presentation of the kit, and can even create gaps between parts.
To remove nub marks, you can use a variety of tools, including side cutters, nail clippers, nippers, scissors, diagonal cutters, and hobby knives. It is recommended to make the cut closer to the sprue tree than the piece itself, leaving most of the nub behind. Then, you can use sandpaper or a sanding sponge to sand away the remaining mark. Start with a coarser grit and gradually move to a finer grit to polish the area. You can also use a nail buffer to restore the finish to regular plastic.
Gundam markers can be used to touch up and hide any remaining imperfections after removing nub marks. They can help to blend the affected area with the rest of the kit, creating a more seamless look. It is recommended to use a small paintbrush to apply the paint from the marker for better precision and to avoid streaks.
Additionally, Sakura's Pigma Micron pens can be used for panel lining, along with Q-tips and alcohol to remove any excess. For a super clean look, you can also detail your lines with paint and use a thinner appropriate for the paint you're using.
Creating Transparent Backgrounds in Paint Tool Sai
You may want to see also
Explore related products
For beginners, Gundam markers are a good introduction to painting
Gundam markers are a great introduction to painting for beginners. They are an alternative to painting and can be used to fill in small details on a model kit. They come in two types: a fine tip in black or grey, and broad felt tips in Gundam colours. The fine tips are meant for detail work, while the broad tips are for modellers who want to add a little colour without investing in paints.
Gundam markers are meant for touching up small spots on a kit, not for line details. However, they can be used for panel lining, and there are also Gundam Real Touch Marker sets that come with a cleaning marker. If you are panel lining, you must cover your paint job with a gloss coat. You can then erase mistakes from the marker with alcohol without damaging your paint job.
Gundam markers can also be used to clean up nub marks. For example, if there is a noticeable nub on the foot of a Gundam, you can use a Gundam marker to colour in the white stress mark. You can then wipe off the excess using your fingers or a cotton bud.
If you are new to modelling, it is recommended to learn all the techniques and invest in an air brusher for painting Gundam models. However, Gundam markers are a good way to get started with the hobby without having to buy a lot of supplies. They are also useful if you want to avoid the mess that can come with using paint.
Paint Efficiency: Understanding Shots per Ounce
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Gundam Markers are an alternative to painting and can be used to fill in small details on a model kit. However, they are not a replacement for painting.
Gundam Markers come in two types: fine tips in black or grey, and broad felt tips in Gundam colours. The fine tips are meant for detail work, while the broad tips are for modellers who want to add a little colour without investing in paints.
Before painting, use a hobby knife to scratch around the area you want to paint to prevent the paint from spreading. Shake the marker a few times, then fill in the details.
It is not recommended to use Gundam Markers to paint the entire model kit as they are too narrow, and you risk deforming the tip. They are better suited for panel lines and small details.
Yes, Gundam Markers can be used on models other than Gundams. They work best on unpainted plastic or surfaces prepared with a coat of gloss.
