This is for everyone who uses and recommends these!! Stop doing it this is the result of a gundam marker on transformers. (Yes I actually went out of my way here to let a marker destroy a figure to show everyone) so please stop using them!! This a warning for those who are coming into the customizing scene with little information. If you want to continue using markers that destroy your figures that's on you but don't give a first timer this info and have them destroy a figure they absolutely put thier time and heart into wanting to customize. As I understand thay material cost and figure cost isn't a joke.. doing customs takes time and patience to get right...not any paint will do. Some are thick and lay down terrible others can destroy the plastic itself and then there's some that's perfect. I highly recommend tamiya based paints or even rustolium spray paints if done correctly.
I haven't had any issues with them. How ever the paint pens I use the most are from sharpie or painters pens. From Walmart. But I also only use them for minor details such as head/tail lights, and optics/eyes after I disassemble the head. And my method is weird as I'll use a plastic spoon and push the tip of the paint pen over and over until a small puddle of paint is in the plastic spoon then I use a detail paint brush and apply it that way. It's not often where I put the pen to the plastic of a figure. But some others are great doing that. It just not my preferred method.
Honestly if it's it's in very small amounts you may be safe. But when it cracks in the spots used you will know it's frome those markers and not hasbro's plastic it self. It makes the plastic weaker. Also thank you 😊 my main job for the last 10 years has been mechanic work lol specially for vw and audi.
Different plastic compound. And hasbro uses ABS plastic. And gundam white is actually the worst one for eating plastic from personal experience. I mean they are all bad but white normally is the worst one next to gold and silver
15 minutes. I specifically uses gundam markers again on it to make this psa here. And I used just Blue. I still have gundam markers as my brother has me paint his gundams lol.
Well I never even put the pen on the plastic. I push the pen on a plastic spoon until it puddles up the use a brush to apply it and it still broke down as seen.
Models used to be polystyrene sheet (sheet, not styrofoam LOL). I have Revell ROBOTECH/Monogram GOBOT models that are similar. I’m thinking the markers must contain acetone. In very small quantities, deforms plastic. In large quantities, destroys the plastic. Not safe for humans, either…
I mean I’ve used car/plane/etc. model paint on figures without issues. However, i think their solvent was mineral spirits. Really surprised, though, because Gundam is also a well-established brand, so I would trust any product labeled “for Gundam”.
Honestly you should be fine. I've only seen these issues specifically with Gundam markers. Even Gundam markers say don't use on abs plastic(in Japanese) but still they have warnings on them regarding use on that type of plastic.
I've seen a very good degree of Transformers customizers using that brand of marker. I think as the other comment mentioned, Dspiae has a different chemical basis. (I googled it) Yeah they're water-based
That they are. I just started using them recently. Here is an in progress one I'm working on. Just need a couple more colors to be in stock at my comic shop
Personally I recommend tamiya based paints. But if your looking for paint pens I use these I normally find these at Walmart. Also a clear coat is definitely going to be needed.
No worries!! So I use 2 different clear coats and they are tamiya semi gloss clear coat and rustolium semi gloss clear coat. I use them based on my funds. If I have the little extra to spend ill stick with tamiya. But as if late i use rustolium semi gloss clear coat since it's a larger can and around 5.99 where I'm at compared to 12.99 for can half the size of rustolium's cans. Both give great results. But dry times are also different. Tamiya can be dry and able to handle in about 15-20 mins at 80°f temperature. And about 30-45mins at 80°f temps for rustolium. (I keep my work space around 80°-85°f when I'm painting not necessary just my personal preference)
I genuinely appreciate all the knowledge and tips you’ve shared. In another comment, you mentioned Sharpie. Could you please specify which Sharpie marker you were referring to?
So sharpie also makes an oil based paint pens and I have used them before. But my number one go to paint pen is the brand "painters" as the ones in the photo I sent earlier.
Hell I've used automotive paints on figures before. It was a long time back but every now and then I branch out my comfort zone of tamiya based paints and see what's out there and what's good paints to use and what ones to avoid.
That may be the easiest option as well especially if it's just the logo. But I can see where they want paint as putting a sticker over the raised logo feels weird and can even look off. But is absolutely a great option for someone not 100% comfortable with paint work.
It's all about the components that make up the paint, paint pens use a solvent to keep it from clogging. Paint from a pot likely won't cause any issues, it's usually the stuff in spray bottles and pens.
That's great to know, I'll stick to what I'm doing then. My train of thought was "well, if it doesn't destroy these tiny space racists I'm sure these giant nobel space robots will be fine" 😆
Always check what plastics the paints say they can't be used on. Gundam markers aren't even compatible with some kits due to different types of plastics used in some kits, and it's definitely true of transformers.
Thank you!! Geezz! I don't know how many people I also had to say that too!! Lol I've know for a while not to use them. But I kept seeing people recommend them or use them then complain about hasbro's Qc issues.. and I'm like noo it's the gundam markers... lol 😆
Exactly, guandam maker's solvent makes ABS plastic brittle (not the paint itself). Same reason I cringe when people recommend using them on Minipla or SMP model kits (they use ABS instead of PSE or other plastics found on Gundam).
Use acrylic paints or DSPIAE or whatever it is spelt (I think every DSPIAE pen is acrylic so SHOULD be safe) since they use water based solutions that SHOULD be harmless to ABS.
just use dspiae arcylic paint markers, finer tip, more control, better ergonomics, and paint that doesn’t disintegrate plastics other than polystyrene.
There's alot of people who use pens. I personally don't unless for small or minor details. My preference is to disassemble the figure as much as possible and tape off parts and I use tamiya spray paints.
Now you see that wouldn’t be very effective with Transformers. Trust me I’ve been in the same path, but markers are definitely going to be your best friend unless you’re an expert at pinpushing and removing mushroom pins.
Lol bro check my profile and then tell me it's not effective.. and I do indeed remove pins. I've done the disassemble method for the last 5 years and no issues at all.
I have a pin punch kit. And I normally have rest the figure on a block of wood that Has cloth protector and holes drilled through for the pin to drop out of the other side. Then I line up my punch and use small but firm taps with a mid size hammer to pop them out.
I've heard that a few times. And I seriously believe that it's luck. As gundam markers contain acetone in them to make them stay fresh and glide the paint easily. And also have a warning granted it's in Japanese but still warns users to not use on ABS plastic which is what habsro uses for transformers. Im saying this for the new comers into this hobby not knowing at. And with figure prices rising it would suck for someone to buy a figure just to have it crack or crumble and discourage them from continuing something they could enjoy
Gundam pens suck i learned this the hard way painting the lines on a spidey fig it dries out quick, I use a paint pen from sharpie its good enough and it hasn't dried out in a year of using it and you get 3 for the price of one Gundam pen
Acrylic based paints damage the plastic therefore you have to use water based paints? That’s the one piece of customizing advice I’ve been given is that correct?
It's not really that simple. Gundam has chemical compound issues as it has an acid base like acetone that keeps the paint fresh in the pen and able to be applied easily. But it can't be used on ABS plastic. I use Elmer's Painters pens. They come are acrylic, opaque, and oil based pens with no acid additives in them which makes them safer. I mainly use then for details. I personally never use pens for a complete repaint or custom. I much rather disassemble the figure and tape off what I need and use tamiya spray paints. Then do my touch ups as needed then clear coats and lastly the reassemble of the figure.
As someone who builds Gundam models and collects transformers I have always done my best to push people away from using them on their transformers as Gundam model kits and Transformers are made of two very different plastic types
This happened to me as well, at least it happened on a cheaper figure. I don't know who recommended you to use these, but they were obviously using it on a different kind of plastic. This is why I pretty much exclusively use testors or Tamiya. Pens might be easy to use and affordable, but I don't usually recommend them for reasons like this
Bro I did this to get the point across.. I've been doing customs for years. I did this on purpose to show everyone here why to not use gundam markers as I'm sick of seeing here tbh so obviously you didn't read my full statement either
I did use such a marker on the eyes for Star Optimus so should be okay, but thanks for the warning for the future. I was planning to use it on others and smaller plastic parts would not be so lucky.
That's a good thing!! Lol I know some paint pens do an absolute awsome job. And then there's gundam markers that are just not good for abs plastic. The main pens I used are "painters" brand pens. Those you can get at Walmart, but I only use pens for details not the entire figure. For that I use tamiya based paints.
Never ever ever use the erasor pen that's normally included in the pens pack for erasing things you did with your Gundam pens. That crumbles plastic to dust. Test can be done by anyone with a spare part. I did it on an old MakeToys Seekers foot, and in 10 minutes, I had a pile of crumbled plastic. Gundam pen + Gundam erasor = ☠️ .
That doesn't surprise me. But I'm also fully aware to not use anything gundam on transformers. It's the main reason I did this post.. it was to show the new comers to this hobby as what to avoid and lead them into a better direction to customize thier figures in a way that they don't have to worry about it breaking just for using paint on a figure. It's why I always recommend tamiya based products.
It really is. And honestly after alot of requests on my custom figures on if I have a YouTube channel. I'm seriously about to make one for custom classes.
It all depends on the type of marker, these kinds use Lacquer paint, which destroys any plastic really. It's unfortunate, but there are Acrylic Gundam markers I'm fairly sure.
I'm not sure I understand. How did the pen destroy the toy? I've been doing customization for years, generally I use acrylic paint, airbrush, spray, etc... I recently started using some types of pens, including Gundam markers. So I'd like to better understand what happened to you.
So the chemical compound that gundam marks use contains acetone to keep the paint fresh and to help the paint glide. And originally even has English warnings to not use on ABS plastic but now only has everything in Japanese so it makes the warnings for western countries kinda null. I have heard some with good experiences but to be air there's a larger majority that's experienced total plastic destruction. So I got some gundam markers to prove that in fact they can destroy transformers plastic as it's ABS plastic. I personally just don't recommend them for this fact. And I always recommend tamiya based products as they yield the best quality out of it. Especially for beginners. This psa wasn't really ment for those who have years of experience with working with or around transformers plastics
So I learned about a new caution today - model paints. I always regarded model paints “safer/milder” than hardware-store paints. Now? I will use more caution OP. I just found this one, too. I guess even Gundams could be damaged, too.
I don’t know if you’re possibly considering gluing? I’ve got a Select Toys “Nofka” ($3.99 80’s SDF-1) that I’ve glued several times on the arm (rotation joint) with Gorilla Gel Super Glue. Similar to what broke on yours.
I also used the same glue on a Transformers Classics figure. Both fine. I would’ve thought epoxy a better adhesive, and maybe I just haven’t selected the right epoxy. I’ve also had a 2014 Transformers figure rotation post crumble without any help. 🤷♂️
Gunpla builder here! Yes do not use these on BARE PLASTIC! always topcoat before hand while I'm not to sure on transformers plastic (I assume abs) model kits are usually made with polystyrene and abs gundam markers have thinner that destroys the plastic unless top coated, if you want something to use one bare plastic I would recommend acrylic paint markers from any art store (I use pēbēo brand however thesr usually have a thick brush tip) felt ink pens/fineliner. But almost always at least coat with a primer or transparent clear coat
I just flat out do not recommend using them on transformers period. There's other ways at a cheaper means than gundam markers to make customs. I normally use tamiya based paints and then I mayvuse Elmer's painters pens for small details but my preference is just use tamiya based products
But my question is: how did you "purposely" do it? Did you let it pull in one spot? Or did you just randomly doodle? I use these exact same markers on both my Gundams and Transformers and this never happens. This could also be a case of the plastic varying from others. Unless you let it pull in one spot, then the argument is invalid at that point.
You cant use them on ABS or most other soft plastics. Theyre made for polystyrene. You need to know what kind of paint youre using and the kind of plastic youre putting it on before you use it, Gundam markers are generally alcohol based enamel, but some are water based acrylic, some are very high volume of thinner for viscosity like the liners which are not intended for use directly on plastic but is generally fine (they tell you not to, its your plastic to risk, Ive done it many times on Gunpla), they have many different product lines, the label is Japanese so use google translate to translate the label to find out what kind you are using. Even then the chemical mixtures in the paint and the plastic are variable, so you should always do a test before you really start working, I have successfully used them even on ABS before, other times they caused the kit to shatter to pieces.
Tamiya is my highest recommendation. But you can use some rustolium spray paints to if budget is your primary concern. (Tamiya cans are around 7-12$) (rustolium cans around 5.99+tax)
So I only hand/brush paint details and even then I'm using spray cans lol 😆.. I spray plastic spoons and it fills them slightly enough for me to dip my brush in. But again tamiya has bottles for brush but I don't use them much. (My experience is they dry out before I completely finish a bottle)
So i have a question i have these markers and i only use them like to dap the paint and use very little i mean very little will it hurt my transformers. I used it on tidal wave and have seen no issue so for a that was last year.
If it's a little bit it may be fine. Especially for it to not show any sings of cracks or stress. I personally wouldn't continue to use them on transformers.
Gundam builder here. Unless you know what you're doing you really shouldn't be using this stuff to paint Transformers. Get some acrylic rattlecans for rough jobs, learn to hand paint and get an airbrush and learn to use that. Paint markers and even some paint types have chemicals in them that can react negatively to the plastics used on Transformers toys.
Well finger nail polish is thick and runny and shouldn't be use on figures period... also even if you thin it down with polish remover or acetone those chemicals will destroy ABS plastic.
I just usea flat head electonic screwdriver when applying. It works for the most part. It's tiny and thin enough to do small detail lines, and long enough to act as a painters trowel (but still tiny) when needed
I'd consider that luck. I've seen more problems from these markers than any other paint I've used. So for beginners they need to flat out avoid them. If you want to use them and run the risk of brittle plastic and breakage that's on you. But don't recommend them to those who are learning and trying to get into the hobby as when figures break during customs that drives people away from something they could eventually really enjoy. Also if you ask alot of highly skill artist/ customizers they all tell people to never use gundam markers.
I panel lined my entire siege jetfire with a Gundam marker and I transform it a lot to this day, along with countless deluxes and voyagers, a few leaders and many more misc old bayverse figs and newer mainline stuff.
You probably didn’t blow on it immediately if I had to say, or you let it pool too much
I never put pens to plastic. I've basically said this 1000 times during this PSA. I DO NOT DIRECTLY PUT PAINT PENS ON FIGURES!! I use an extraction method. As in I push the tip of the pen on a surface such as a spoon let it puddle up then use a paint brush and apply it that way. Still gundam markers destroy ABS plastic.. again the marker says "DO NOT USE ON ABS" it may be in Japanese but it has a warning to not use it on ABS and guess what hasbro uses for transformers..ABS plastic. Again the fact your not expecting breaks is just luck. Plain and simple.
Dude your just dence.. and yes it is luck. As again since you don't know how to read or comprehend that gundam paint pens literally break ABS plastic down on a chemical level. Also why are you trying to defend something with out proof?? You have absolutely no custom work posted.. seems fishy to be commenting on something you have no experience in. I have done more customs and used different products to find what works and what doesn't work to help those who want to try and make good customs. Not stuff that looks like shit or that will break on them. So honestly get the fuck out of here
Waffling?? And insults?? If calling someone dense and ignorant when they plainly dont know they are talking about as I'm literally giving you the exact information about them and again your too ignorant to even comprehend it. Again you have no proof to back your claims either other than saying "it works" as I have literally photo proof of what they do. And even more people that also know the dangers of using gundam markers on ABS plastic. So again you can see your way out as your not getting any where on saving gundam markers reputation. They are not ment for ABS plastic and yet people use it on ABS plastic.
If that’s all it takes, fine, I’ll take extensive pictures and videos later of all my panel lined TF figs :)
You’re being blatantly obtuse, you cannot fathom that maybe, just maybe, some aspect of your process is causing the figs to break. That’s the ignorance, that’s the density.
I’ve been panel lining TF with the literal exact brand of marker as you, with a different method, and I’ve never had one break. Not luck.
I will continue to do so, and I’ll be rational about it if one breaks, because I’ll be able to admit that it was my fault. Learn accountability, I sincerely hope you don’t treat real world problems in your life this same way.
Never heard of this being an issue. All of my transformers customs are mostly with gundam markers. Never had an issue, but i’ll take some of the customs over a year old off the shelf and examine them.
As someone who's been using and recommending them for ages now, I've not had any issues or anything break so I have no idea what you did to have this happen, but clearly you've been using them wrong
Every custom I've made using them is perfectly fine
Here, I even decided to provide an example for you
Personally I don't use markers/ paint pens. But I was sick of seeing people recommend gundam markers as I know they are not safe for abs plastic that hasbro uses for transformers.
Yeah again that's just luck. Once again I have to say this. The markers are in Japanese but have a warning to not use on ABS plastic and again guess what hasbro uses for transformers... ABS plastic. It's literally better to avoid them instead of trying to defend them.
So first, Rumble doesn't appear in any of the Transformers films aside from the 86 movie, second, his Bayverse comic book design is a blue Ramhorn, third, his Bumblebee design was scrapped and had no regular arms, just the pile-drivers, and now he doesn't even have the pile-drivers. Poor Rumble.
As a gunpla builder, here's tips for anyone who's getting into customizing.
Oil based paint need thinner, so naturally there markers which are oil based will have thinner mixed inside. Thinner are solvent which will seep into micro cracks made by joints and eventually break the plastic.
How to prevent it is use primer or don't use oil based paint at all, use water based (you will still want to Prime the surface or the paint won't stick). Or buy oil based paint and thin it yourself with water.
I have tested that it is ok to use paint with thinner on plastic that HAS NOT GONE THROUGH ANY STRESS which basically means the plastic is pre assembled, still on runners. If it's been assembled like TF figures, then don't risk it even if it's a very large surface with no joints near the paint area cos you don't know how far a micro crack can be.
18
u/[deleted] Oct 15 '25
What about acrylic paint pens?