Filling in Panel Lines

[Cedar]

Not exactly a Gundam question, I actually want to fill in the panel lines on a Zoids Liger Zero that I bought yesterday, but I just know the folks here at the Gundam section here would know best what to use!

So suggestions please! What do I need to buy? Where do I buy it? How much am I looking at here? Is the best method to just have a steady hand? What other techniques, tips and tricks can you reveal to fill in panel lines?
Thanks!

[jwm]

My favorite is the plain old Sanford Sharpie Ultra-Fine Point Permanent Marker available at any supermarket. I've used them on everything from cheap Gundam Wing models, to the face mask on the Perfect Grade Wing Zero. If you really want to get fine, you can shave the point with an X-acto knife. I like to use a piece of lens paper to wipe of any smearing. Tougher smears may take a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol. My only concern is that I'm not sure if your Zoids piece has the same kind of plastic as a model kit. Of course, you have to find an inconspicuous place to test the ink.
JWM

[bbechtold]

I always use Gundam brand markers myself. They work fine too (and come in sizes designed to fill in lines out of the box).

But maybe these cost more, I dunno....

Bill

[Cedar]

Thanks guys! Question about the Gundam markers, can they just be bought? Or do they usually come with the Gundam model kit?

[bbechtold]

You can buy them at any Hobby Shop that sells Gundam Models. I think they are about $3.00/each. Or you can buy a set of assorted colors.

These guys carry cheap gundam models and accessories on the web and on e-bay: www.tisinc99.com/

Bill

[Cedar]

Thanks guys!

[guakus]

I'm a big fan of the Gundam markers for panel-lining. One of the advantages is they go on "wet" which allows for easy cleanup (if you move fast enough). Usually just the tip of my pinky works fine, since my skin is more porous than the plastic...

[Cedar]

Aargh! I'm terrible at this, and the ink from my Gundam marker DOESN'T COME OFF!!! Thank goodness I'm just playing around with a $30 Zoids!

I think my major problem is not knowing when to stop... ah practice makes perfect as they say!

[Otaru Ikari]

Dab some alcohol using a cotton bud that might help, it also might help to make it look weathered if you just let it smear the edges.

[Otaru Ikari]

Another update, you may want to try this method using Chalk Pastel Wash, and the good thing is that you can easily remove it should you make a mistake.

www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/tnt1/001-100/TNT026_Chalk_Washes/tnt026.htm

[lawlacan]

I also would like to say thank you for a wondeful information. I justfinished building my Gundam Wing Zero 1/100 and I am thinking of using a marker over the panel lines.

One thing that I don't like about model kits is the weight. It is just so light, it doesn't feel solid. I know that it is not meant to be a toy at least they should put a metal inside just to make it heavier....

[JohnKane]

lawlacan said:

One thing that I don't like about model kits is the weight. It is just so light, it doesn't feel solid. I know that it is not meant to be a toy at least they should put a metal inside just to make it heavier....

They did add metal to the MG Nu Gundam model...to make it heavier.

the pastel route is effective, but if you paint your models, you're probably better off with a clear coat + wash.

I've never been a big fan of the marker method, since my hands aren't terribly steady (do the DEW!) and the end product looks like a 75 year old did it.

[bootx2]

There is an easy way to get thin panel lines. But only works better on lighter colours (i.e. white, light gray, etc.) I usually do this before I apply paint on the model. Basically, take an X-acto knife and just run it along the panel line. This makes the groove a little thinner than it is. Then take some paint or a gundam marker, and paint over it. Don't worry if you get it all over the place. After that, use thinner to clear off the excess paint and what's left should be a very fine panel line. I'll try to post some pictures when I find the time to get around to it.

One more thing, be careful not to slip and cut into other parts of the model w/ no panel lines, or else you'll have extra panel lines that you don't want.

[lawlacan]

I bought a water soluble Gundam marker....I haven't tried it on yet cause I am just anxious but probably would this September long weekend.

[Ben-Ohki]

Hey that X-Acto cutting trick's a great idea! I'm gonna have to remember to try it on my next kit (not sure when I'll be able to afford a new kit though!).

For those about to try their first Gundam Marker experience, I'd like to also point out that since they're water-soluable, don't worry about overly thick lines. Just rub out the excess with your thumb!

I also like to use a matte clear coat after doing the panel lines. First, it'll protect the stuff I didn't rub out. And secondly, it removes that ridiculous plastic-shine that bare plastic gives. On Gundam kits it works great since the plastic is already coloured... I don't need to paint over everything myself (I'm just lazy that way).

[lawlacan]

benohki said:

Hey that X-Acto cutting trick's a great idea! I'm gonna have to remember to try it on my next kit (not sure when I'll be able to afford a new kit though!).

For those about to try their first Gundam Marker experience, I'd like to also point out that since they're water-soluable, don't worry about overly thick lines. Just rub out the excess with your thumb!

I also like to use a matte clear coat after doing the panel lines. First, it'll protect the stuff I didn't rub out. And secondly, it removes that ridiculous plastic-shine that bare plastic gives. On Gundam kits it works great since the plastic is already coloured... I don't need to paint over everything myself (I'm just lazy that way).

Thanks for the information