Page 3 - A4 - Gundam Book

The runners provide a code used to differentiate each part • from another. By following the manual, cut out the according parts needed from the runner and proceed to snap the parts together. These steps will become a repetitive process as there are several parts needed to be cut and snapped together. Another step that many builders also do is to remove "nub-marks", which are leftover piece of plastic from the runners. Tools used to remove the excess plastic are sandpaper and a hobby knife. Overdoing this process could result in damaging the whole part. The provided decals and stickers are used to display extra details, colors and markings
as seen in the show, movies, manga or video games. Smaller or lower grade kits often require paint to give the model a finished appearance.
Tools
A list of tools commonly used to build Gunpla kits:
• Side Cutters / Nippers - The most essential tool. They are used to cut parts out from the runners without damaging the plastic. Some beginners use nail cutters as a cheap alternative to side cutters.
• Hobby Knife - Used to carefully remove the nubs or shave off the mold lines of the kit's parts. Popular brands include Olfa and X-Acto.
• Metal File - Like the hobby knife, this is used to remove nub marks, but is more widely used on flat surfaces.
• Sandpaper / Sandstick - Used to sand away remaining nubs not removed by the knife or metal file.
• Paint - Comes in acrylic (water-based), lacquer, or enamel. Mr. Color manufactures paint colors specifically matched for Gunpla. Other popular brands include Tamiya, Testors, and Citadel.
Gundam Markers - Alcohol-based paint markers that are a quick and easy substitute for paint to cover up any damage caused by removing nubs.
• Panel Lining Markers - Used to highlight the plastic edges and creases in the Gunpla kit. Excess ink can be removed with a cotton swab or an eraser.
• Oil Wash - A more professional alternative to panel lining markers, this is a mix of enamel paint diluted in thinner. The paint is then lightly dipped on a line before it spreads to other intersecting panel lines. Excess paint is then cleaned up with a cotton swab dipped in lighter fluid.