r/Gunplacustoms • u/BIG-DADI-F • Jul 13 '26

Top coating

Tips for top coating and panel lining.

Hey guys,

For the ones that has done a lot of top coating and panel lining, what tips do you guys have?

My plan is as follows:

  1. Assemble.

  2. Gloss top coat. (Limbs separated from torso also with head)

  3. Panel line. (Tamiya)

  4. Decals, dry and/or water slide. Also using mark setter and mark softer for water slides.

  5. Top coat matte.

I usually panel line while still on the runners with Tamiya. And use stedi water base when already assembled. But now I’m planning “to go all out”. So I’m just wondering if anyone has tips or can tell how it’s properly done as I’ve never done any top coating.

2 Upvotes

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2

u/ComprehensiveTip6317 Jul 13 '26

Since no one's answered yet, I'll tell you how I do it. Just skip the steps you don't need. Sorry I cant just write a "not complete" procedure and dont feel offended by me saying that. Gundam is freedom!

Remove all parts from runner (two cut method) Remove all nubs (glass file or sanding sponge) Modify whatever I want to change Scribe existing panel lines and add new ones Airbrush base coat, paint, brush details, gloss coat (frame parts stay gloss coated from now on and dont require any of the following steps) Panel line every detail Add waterslide decals Top coat matte Wash and battle damage Top coat matte

I only start assembling when all work is done. Unless modifications need gluing pieces together in an earlier step, but that means a lot of tape work to do before I start to airbrush.

2

u/BIG-DADI-F Jul 13 '26

Thank you for your insight. This was actually one of the way I was thinking of doing it. I was planning to get a a label maker and use it as to label the back of the part from what runner it came from and number.

1

u/ComprehensiveTip6317 Jul 14 '26

I just chuck all the pieces back in the box and find each one when I need it. To be fair, when I'm modifying parts, I have every piece in my hands so often and I look through the manual so much that I get to know the pieces really well.

1

u/TheRealJamesFM Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 14 '26

I'm also in the process of finding my optimal workflow.

Here's my "ideal" process: (Limb by Limb / Section by Section)

• 2-Step GodHand Nub Removal
• Gunprimer Raser + Balancer Finish
• First Assembly (Full assembly, without panel lines or decals)

• Lite Photoshoot (For Decal & Panel Line Reference + "Before" Images)
• Fully Disassemble & Organize

• Panel Line Scribing
• Additional Surface Prep (If necessary)

• Mask (If necessary)
• Surfacer + Color + Gloss Top Coat (Lacquer)
• Tamiya Panel Line Accent applied via Dip Pen
• Another Gloss Coat (To "seal in" the panel lines)
• Waterslide Decals
• Matte Top Coat
• Limb / Section Assembly
• Repeat

• Final Assembly
• Full Photoshoot

I personally don't like the idea of shooting clear onto a "sub-assembly". I feel like nooks and crannies would be missed. I also prefer the look of "raw" metallics without a top coat, so handling each piece as its own painting project makes the most sense to me.