From Screen to Shelf: The Craft of Building and Painting Gundam Models

Gundam, a very popular Japanese franchise that started in 1979, has become increasingly well-known and beloved around the world since its debut. With movies, anime, manga, video games and - of course - Gunpla models, there’s something for everyone with this action-packed franchise. 

Building Your Gundam Model Kit

What should you do?

Step 1: Find And Acquire Your Gundam Kit. The first step is to get the kit you want to build. Gundam kits are ranked by grade. Choose a kit that fits your experience level. HG is a great pick for anyone because it’s intricate enough to be a fun challenge and accessible enough for beginners. If you’re an experienced Gunpla builder, then a higher-grade MG kit could be a good choice. No matter what you pick, you’ll end up with an amazing figure that’ll go great with your display shelf.

Step 2: Ready Your Setup. Gundam kits have plenty of tiny parts and easy-to-lose bits. Ready your setup by cleaning off your workspace and having plenty of room for your tools, manual, parts and runners.

Step 3: Empty Out The Box. Open your box and take out the plastic runners (the frames that contain all the moulded plastic parts for your mech), the decal sheet (detail stickers to spruce up your Gundam) and the instruction manual. Don’t stress if you lose your manual - you can find any manual for any Gundam kit at this site as long as you have the model's name.

Step 4: Gather Your Tools. Get nippers or hobby knives to ensure precision cuts. Avoid trying to twist or bend the parts out of their runners with only your hands, because this could damage the parts and it could leave bits of plastic on the parts themselves. Tweezers can be used to expertly place decal stickers.

To clean up your parts, consider getting 400# and 800# grit sanding sticks to sand away bits of plastic from the runners.

Gundam kits don’t need glue; the parts can be pressed together. However, having some plastic glue on hand can be helpful if your pieces accidentally break.

Step 5: Choose Your Paint Job And Details. This is where you can really let your creativity shine. It might seem odd to paint your mech before your mech is done, but it’s important to do this before your figure is fully assembled. This is because trying to paint, add decals or panel line your mech after it’s completely put together can be difficult. 

Instead, you should do this when your Gundam is still in pieces so you can reach every spot that you want to work with. Your manual will give you instructions on where and when to add decal stickers if you choose to use them. Many people are satisfied with just using their decal stickers to add to their mechs, but if you plan on painting your figure, you can choose to either still use stickers or to use paint instead.

A few ways you can customise your mech are:

• Panel Lining. Panel lining is one of the simpler extra touches you can do because you can purchase specialised panel lining markers specifically made for Gundam kits. Use the fine panel lining marker to line the details of your mech’s parts, making them stand out.  

• Painting. Grab some paint and change your Gundam’s look. Small details can have a big impact, but you could also completely change your mech’s appearance.

• Battle Damage. Scars, scuffs and other signs of battle damage can make your mech look like it just got back from a fierce battle.

• Rust Spots. Give your Gundam an authentic metal look by using brown, black and orange paint to add rust spots. Consider using small brushes and sponges to make realistic rusty spots. 

• New Paint Jobs. What if you want to give your Gundam an entirely new look? Design your paint job and transform your mech. After this step, you can apply panel lines, battle damage, rust spots and other details. 

• Clear Coating. Clear coating should be the final step because it adds a nice top coat over the rest of the paint. This will protect your mech and give it a nice finish. 

Step 6: Build Your Kit, Step By Step. Follow the instructions in your manual. Remember to stick to the order that you’re given because putting parts together in the wrong order can make it impossible to put your full Gundam model together as intended. Stay organised, and make sure you keep track of limbs as you create them. Accidentally dropping a piece can be a nightmare - especially if it’s small! - so be careful when handling your parts.

Apply your paint, panel lining and extra steps when appropriate.

Step 7: Pose And Enjoy! Once your Gundam is put together, you can pose it and find a good place for it. Use figure display stands with arms to prop your Gundam up in a dynamic pose, or have it standing for a more stoic vibe. Gundam models are incredibly articulated, so hundreds of poses are possible.

Adding To Your Mech Collection With Gundam Model Kits In NZ

Are you searching for your next Gundam kit? Check out our online selection at Totara Hobbies and pick your new favourite.

If you’d like to reach us, you can message us online or call +64 21438727.

Totara Hobbies: Bring the incredible world of Gundam to your shelf.