Customize Your Gundam: Painting and Weathering Tips Without Turning It Into a Disaster

So you’ve built your Gundam. It’s sitting there in all its glory, looking clean and pristine—but deep down, you know it could be better. It needs something extra. Maybe it’s time to add a little color, some battle scars, or that worn-out look that says, “Yeah, I’ve been through a war.”

Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Here’s a guide to making your Gundam look like it just stepped out of the battlefield without turning it into a hot mess.

Step 1: Choose Your Colors, But Don’t Go Overboard

First things first—decide what color scheme you’re going for. It’s easy to get excited and grab every bottle of paint on the shelf, but trust me, your Gundam doesn’t need to look like a rainbow threw up on it. Pick a few key colors that enhance its design, but don’t go crazy. You want to enhance its look, not confuse it with a box of crayons.

A good rule of thumb: Stick to the main colors from the original design, then maybe tweak a few areas. You’re aiming for “cool customization,” not “what was I thinking?”

Pro tip: If you’re working with an iconic Gundam, don’t stray too far from the original color scheme. You don’t want to offend the purists, or worse—confuse your friends who want to know which kit you just ruined.

Step 2: Primer—The Magic Base Coat

Listen up, you can’t just slap paint on plastic like it’s a canvas. Without a primer, your paint job will look like a child’s finger painting after a few days of handling. Priming helps the paint stick and gives it a nice, smooth finish.

Get a can of gray or white primer—it’s a safe bet for most colors. If you’re feeling fancy, a black primer can give your Gundam a deeper, more dramatic look. But remember, primer isn’t the fun part—it’s the part you need to do to avoid future regret.

Step 3: Airbrushing vs. Hand-Painting—Pick Your Poison

Now comes the fun part: applying the paint. You’ve got two options here: airbrushing or hand-painting.

Airbrushing is the dream for smooth, even coats, but it’s also the dream that requires an air compressor, time, and patience. If you’re going pro-level, this is the way to go. But if you’re just looking to add a bit of color without turning your house into a mini spray-painting disaster zone, hand-painting with a good ol’ paintbrush is a perfectly acceptable choice.

Pro tip: For hand-painting, use acrylic paints—they’re quick-drying, easy to clean, and won’t stink up the place like enamel paints.

Step 4: Panel Lining—Because Details Matter

Panel lining is what separates the “meh” builds from the wow builds. This is where you add dark lines to the crevices and joints of your Gundam to make it pop. It adds depth and makes those little details stand out.

You can use panel liner pens or thinned-out acrylic paint for this. The key is not to overdo it—just add a little to bring out the lines, not drown them in a sea of black ink. Your Gundam isn’t auditioning for a role as a shadowy figure in a film noir.

Step 5: Weathering—Give It Some Battle Scars

Now let’s make it look like your Gundam has been through the wars (literally). Weathering is the art of making your kit look worn—a little dirt, some scratches, maybe a bit of rust if you’re feeling extra gritty.

To do this, you’ll need a few things:

• Pastel chalks (to dust on grime and dirt)

• Rust-colored paint (for that industrial feel)

• Acrylic wash (for adding some aged look to the edges)

Weathering is all about subtlety. You don’t want your Gundam to look like it was run over by a truck; just a bit of dirt here, a tiny chip there. It’s like giving your Gundam a cool, weathered backstory without actually sending it through an actual battle.

Step 6: Topcoat—Seal the Deal

Once your masterpiece is ready to go, don’t forget the topcoat. You’ve done all this work, and now you need to seal it in. A clear matte topcoat is perfect for a non-glossy, realistic finish. If you want some extra shine, you can go for a glossy topcoat, but be careful—it can make your Gundam look like it’s been dunked in plastic.

Step 7: Display It Like a Proud Parent

Alright, your Gundam is now a fully customized, battle-hardened beauty. Don’t just hide it in a drawer—show it off. Place it somewhere it can bask in its glory and make all your friends jealous. If you’re feeling extra, you could even put it on a fancy stand and pretend it’s an award-winning sculpture (because, let’s be real, it basically is).

TL;DR: Paint, Don’t Overdo It, Weather a Little, Topcoat for Protection

• Choose a color scheme that makes sense (don’t get wild)

• Don’t skip primer—it’s a necessary evil

• Airbrush for smoothness, hand-paint if you’re lazy (no judgment)

• Panel line for depth and cool factor

• Weather a bit, but don’t make it look like it was dragged through the mud

• Seal the deal with a topcoat, then show it off like the masterpiece it is
  

Ready to give your Gundam a makeover? Browse our paint and weathering supplies [here] and start customizing like a pro. Just don’t blame me if you end up with an entire shelf of customized kits.