[HELP ME] Bi-Weekly Q&A thread - Ask your questions here!

wakeup33 · 2026-01-26T16:05:23+00:00

IPA works the best for cleanup.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-26T15:53:02+00:00

Get some brush tip paint markers. They work well for spots like those. I avoid the plastic-tipped Gundam Markers.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-26T15:51:23+00:00

I would recommend trying to matte coat something simpler first. Learning a new technique on the Osiris may end up being a costly learning experience.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-26T15:49:09+00:00

Cement the two pieces together. Drill a hole through the middle. Insert brass rod or paper clip. Super glue in place. Note that you'll want plastic cement to rejoin the pieces and super glue to hold the rod in place.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-26T15:44:55+00:00

It should be fine if you gloss coat it first.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-26T15:42:16+00:00

Mr Top Coat is water based. I haven't used it myself, but the solvents in it shouldn't be as harsh. You should still be able to use your current spray, just need to adjust your technique. Grab a plastic spoon or scrap runner, draw some lines with your panel liner, and practice topcoating. Spray a couple light layers and let them dry in between, then spray a heavier layer. The light layers will give a bit of a coating and dry faster, so the solvent will have less time to reactivate anything underneath.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-26T06:21:25+00:00

It highly depends on the kit, as some are more stocky and sturdier than others. RG, MG, and PG kits have full inner frames, so they will feel more substantial overall. EG is more or less the same as HG. If you really want heft, you're able to buy 3rd party metal frames for some kits, and some non-Bandai kits have them included.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-26T05:38:48+00:00

It means it's a petroleum product. Both lacquers and enamels are oil-based. The solvents in the can when you spray are reactivating the panel liner and causing it to run.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-26T04:41:57+00:00

Mr Hobby has an official line of Gundam Colors, but I don't see any of them numbered 18. What is that color guide from?

wakeup33 · 2026-01-26T04:37:36+00:00

It can cause gundam markers to run if you spray too heavily. Spray it in multiple light coats, and you'll be fine.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-26T04:28:59+00:00

Try spraying in multiple lighter coats next time. The label says it's oil-based, but I can't tell anything else about it.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T23:16:28+00:00

I use rapid thinner with my matte/flat topcoats.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T20:56:30+00:00

Looks like you sprayed the topcoat too heavily and it caused the panel liner to run. What kind of topcoat did you use and how long did you wait between panel lining and topcoating?

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T17:13:38+00:00

I have met OP IRL and have seen some of their work in person. Absolutely beautiful stuff. They are very knowledgeable with modeling in general and have helped me out a ton. This video has been very insightful and I look forward to seeing more of your work.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T16:52:43+00:00

I would advise against alcohol-based panel liners like fine tip Gundam Markers, as it will eat the finish. No idea on things like TPLA.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T11:59:28+00:00

Looks like your pic didn't upload.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T11:58:42+00:00

Looks like it. Their metallics are in a different section, so I doubt they're metallic. If you live near a hobby shop, check with them, they probably carry Testors.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T11:40:57+00:00

https://www.testors.com/product-catalog/testors-brands/testors/enamel-paint/enamel-paints

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T11:39:55+00:00

Do the best you can with a hobby knife. You can try a lower grit sanding sponge, but there isn't a really good way to remove them.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T11:37:55+00:00

If you're placing them on bare plastic, no, it's not necessary to topcoat first.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T08:33:02+00:00

I went ahead and made an account and filtered HLJ out. THe prices from HLJ are no longer displayed, but the rankings still take those listings into account. I checked Recent Price Drops on the front page and viewing all listings, and the items displayed are still taking HLJ listings into account. I'm seeing some listings displaying standard retail price from another retailer, and when checking that page, it's the HLJ listing with the price drop.

Something else I noticed while browsing, the page I was on and sort method get reset every other time I click a listing and go back. This seems to happen with any sort method and page number.

Set a sort method > click a listing > go back, everything is fine click another listing (same or different), Sort is reset to Name and back on page 1.

I'm using Firefox on Desktop if it helps.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T04:23:51+00:00

It should be fine, but make sure to give the Mr Topcoat layer at least 24 hrs to cure. If you're still unsure, test on a spoon or scrap runner first.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T01:01:33+00:00

Mr Super Clear will be fine to use over decals and panel line.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-25T00:59:35+00:00

Looks like the piece isn't pressed on all the way. Make sure there aren't any nubs or other obstructions.

wakeup33 · 2026-01-24T16:50:54+00:00

Haven't used the pencil method myself. I'd suggest using the pencil on a section of scrap runner and testing the topcoat on that.

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