How to Use Gundam Markers

Working with Gundam plastic models or Gunpla is more than just assembling the parts and pieces together. It is all about the detailed and realistic features to present your kit in the most impressive way.

And that is what Gundam markers are for.

Using Gundam markers is one of the best ways to modify and design your Gundam models. Perhaps, you have started curating your Gunpla tool kit with these markers, especially if you are a hobbyist, a collector, an artist, or simply an ultimate Gundam fan.

There are different types and colors of Gundam markers. But if you have just gotten into this hobby, you are probably wondering how to use Gundam markers.

Do you simply draw with it? How can you exactly use these markers? This article unravels an in-depth guide and practical tips and points to help you out.

1st Technique: Using Liner Type Gundam Markers for Gunpla Panel Lining

Gunpla Panel Lining is among the primary uses of Gundam markers. If you delve into every piece and part of a Gunpla, they have accents, grooves, or molded sides where you can add details and intricate lines.

Panel lining or paneling is a popular and common technique to create precise lines and add depth to the grooves. This allows you to express shadows, highlight distinct features, and present a 3D effect on your Gunpla to make them look more realistic.

In this technique, we are going to use a Liner Type Gundam marker (easily distinguished with its blue body) that has a hard felt tip and uses oil-based ink. This type of marker has the ability to create consistent and solid lines onto a model’s surface.

Things You Will Need:

• A Liner Type Gundam Marker
• A rubber eraser

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Take a part of your Gunpla. A wing piece, for example.
2. Check the mold of the piece as you will be creating panel lines along this side.
3. Shake the Gundam marker rigorously before using it. Make sure to keep the lid tightly closed and secure.
4. Afterward, use the marker to carefully draw a line from one side of the wing and let it glide across or run through the panel line.
5. As the marker runs through the groove, make sure that the ink seeps into it. This allows you to draw precise lines and accentuate details as well.
6. If there are any mistakes or excess ink, use a rubber eraser to remove them. Do this gently and perpendicular to the line to avoid any smudges. This will also keep the panel lines thin and intricate.
7. If you want to keep the lines thick, you do not need to erase the panel lines for any ink residues.
8. Let it dry completely. Much better to leave it overnight.

What are Liner Type Gundam Markers for?

This type of marker is ideal for consistent and clean line widths and basic or straightforward line paneling. This also works on designing small details such as air vents. Skip this if your goal is to produce complex lines and details. Liner Type Gundam markers are available in black, gray, and brown.

2nd Technique: Adding Extra Details Using a Brush Type Gundam Marker

Gundam markers are available in different tip sizes. Aside from fine tips, Gundam markers also come in flexible brush tips, which are relatively softer and larger than Liner Type markers.

Moreover, many hobbyists and artists prefer Brush Type markers because of their acrylic-based ink that can fill hollows or molds on Gundam parts and pieces without hassle.

Mind you, you may need to build the colors to achieve the consistency and pigment you need. However, it guarantees to fill in hollows or molds of Gunpla parts beautifully. You can also wipe off any excess ink or mistakes easily with just a tissue or rubbing alcohol.

Things You Will Need:

• A Brush Type Gundam Marker
• Tissue
• Rubbing alcohol
• A rubber eraser

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. The process of using this marker is quite similar to how you use a Liner Type marker. Using the same piece, you can improve the panel lines with solid lines and details.
2. Fill in the hollows or mold parts. As the ink is runny and diluted, you can see that it will seep into panel lines very well.
3. You may have to do the lines more than once to achieve solid and consistent widths.
4. Since the brush tips are larger, it tends to leave messy lines. In this case, you can easily wipe them off or any excess ink using tissue paper, rubbing alcohol, or a rubber eraser. This will create clean and sharp lines.
5. Let it dry.

What are Brush Type Gundam Markers for?

These markers are ideal for a straight build and painted build alike. They are easy to control and use, making them suitable for users and artists of all levels.

Since they are designed with flexible brush tips and formulated with acrylic-based ink, you can effortlessly fill in molds on plastic models whether they are painted or not.

Fortunately, they do not damage and stain lacquer or enamel paints and most likely all types of paints. These markers are available in black and brown colors.

3rd Technique: Using Pour Type Gundam Markers for Panel Lining

Pour Type Gundam Markers are oil-based markers that are distinguishable by their hard plastic tips, which are quite different from Liner and Brush type markers.

As the name suggests, these markers pour out or provide smooth ink flow as you work on panel lines. You do not actually use it the same way you would with the other types of Gundam markers.

Typically, you apply the penpoint to the hollows or mold, just like pushing the pen down, letting the runny ink run through. It utilizes capillary action to effortlessly produce panel accents and mimic shadows of metal plates, grime, dirt, and other details.

Things You Will Need:

• A Pour Type Gundam Marker
• Rubbing alcohol

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Push the marker gently into the mold of the piece. When doing this, you will notice that the narrow channel or hollow draws the ink out of the pen through capillary action. This allows you to fill in the space more quickly.
2. The best way to exhibit clean and sharp lines is with the use of rubbing alcohol. Use it to wipe off any messy ink blotches or excess ink.
3. Let it dry.

What are Pour Type Gundam Markers for?

These markers customize Gunpla parts like actual panel lining when you are using paint. Therefore, you can use this for actual panel lining or to get some practice if you want to work with paint.

Keep in mind that it is strictly for straight builds only as it can damage and eat into painted builds. Nevertheless, the ink flow is superb with this type of marker, allowing you to customize panel lines through capillary action.

These markers have a wider color range other than black, gray, and brown. They also come in orange, blue, and olive green.

Can You Use Gundam Markers Other than Gundam Plastic Models?

Yes, you can. It is doable. However, it is imperative to consider the type of surface you are planning to paint and modify. Preferably, these Gundam markers provide the best results on unpainted plastic models or surfaces that are prepped with a nice gloss coat.

Conclusion

You can elevate your passion and hobby for customizing and designing Gunpla or Gundam models with the use of Gundam markers. There are different types of Gundam markers to try to highlight their details and showcase realistic and amazing builds.

It may seem intimidating to work with these markers at first. Luckily, the comprehensive guide in this article will help you learn how to use Gundam markers, identify their types, and maximize their proper uses.