Panel lines

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Alright, so there’s this model I’m thinking of getting, but it needs a ton of lines that need to be blackened. Anybody got some advice of how to do it. I heard somebody say they used a “gundam marker”, what exactly is this? Some kind of fine tip marker? Maybe a wash? I’ve never done one before, anybody got some advice.(I did a search on it, but couldn’t find an exact answer). Any help is appreciated

Here’s some pics to prove what I mean:

Here’s without the lines done, very toy like.

This is after, clearly better:

2

Gundam markers are fine line markers from bandai, 3rd party makers call them panel markers. They come in a variety of colors. A fine point marker will also work, but I’ve noticed that the Gundam markers dry quicker than regular fine point markers.

3

Someone say wash?

http://www.gamerabaenre.com/panel_line_wash.htm

Read through that and watch some of the videos, let me know if you have questions or any thing that needs to be clarified.

4

So I could get away with using something like a fine point sharpie? That would make it much easier.

5

I should probably try that. Would it work over the colored plastic or would I need to use a clearcoat

6

The reason for the clear coat is to protect the underlying paint from harm while using the technique. It also allows for the paint to flow easier. But these issues shouldn’t matter on bare plastic, so long as the lines and areas around the lines are smooth. The clear gloss coat helps keep the wash from bleeding outside of the lines, and clean up is very easy.

I have not personally used the technique over bare plastic, but I’d recommend you give it a try on a small piece, and if successful, continue.

7

Alright, thanks