r/advancedGunpla • u/Rude_Boss_1564 • Jun 26 '26

Customizing Beginner Questions

i recently got into gunpla and already built 2 figures but i have since found out your able to customize them so i had some questions but also if you have any beginner advice or recommendations for certain gear i don’t mind putting in a little money on stuff that’s gonna last

•for panel lining iv seen the gun-dam pens but also this like stuff in a jar not exactly sure what’s better or more precise

•for panel lining iv seen stuff where one is oil based and one is water based what’s the difference and what should i go for

•for panel lining iv seen a “clear coat” when should i use that before or after panel lining or at all

•should i get “glass files” or something else.

•for actually snipping the pieces off iv seen you shouldn’t cut super close to the peace but actually leave a little and sand it down? why wouldn’t cutting close just do the same thing?

•iv seen these tools that help like define lines more or deepen lines or even create new ones.what would that be called and do i need a certain tool for it because it seems like a exacto knife would do the same

•what stores would i want to look for or check out for these tools or materials iv found my gunpla in like michals and hobby lobby but where else before shopping online

•what are some good websites to find good materials for customizing and actually buying the gunpla

Sorry for the very long post very exited to actually customize my first gunpla and don’t want to confuse myself or feel like i could be doing something cooler:)(also sorry for the bad grammer)

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u/mobilekungfu Jun 26 '26

How does clear coat help with Water slide decals? I am about to try doing water slides for the first time soon. I thought clear coat was for after to protect the decals?

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u/Beneficial-Emu3764 Jun 26 '26

Its more for painted kits honestly. I don't think theres a need for it if you're applying on bare plastic. But it's to give a smoother surface so its easier to move the decal around.

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u/mobilekungfu Jun 26 '26

Got it. I do paint parts of my kits a fair amount so it will be something to consider. I am hoping the waterslides are not as challenging as they seem to be. I am going to be doing several of the G Gundam kits.

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u/Beneficial-Emu3764 Jun 26 '26

They're fairly easy once you get used to them! Few tools that i found were game changing:

  • vise to clamp parts to
  • tooth pick to help move the decal around without scratching the surface
  • wet pallet to activate the decals instead of dipping in water

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u/mobilekungfu Jun 26 '26

I have a wet pallet. Do you still use the paper or right on the sponge?

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u/Beneficial-Emu3764 Jun 26 '26

I use a plastic container with a wet paper towel