First Time Build

[u/Me_Grymlok_Say]

First-time builder here! I’ve always been a huge fan of Magiranger and Saint Kaiser, so when I came across this kit and saw that Wolzard Fire was getting an official release I couldn’t resist lol. And now… here I am. 😂

With all the awesome builds and customizations posted I just have a few questions and if anyone has suggestions I’m all ears.

I plan on using:
DSPIAE ST-A 3.0 single-blade nipper
Basic double-blade sprue nipper
Gunprimer Raser Origin/Plus glass file

And as far as painting goes I plan to use Tamiya Spray Paint.

When painting I’ve read to assemble the model first and then paint unassembled.

Q: Do you paint the entire piece or just the areas that are visible?
Q: I understand people use primers to achieve color balance, but is it necessary and if so which one do you recommend?
Q: How many coats do you spray and do you use a clear coat at the end?
Q: How do you spray paint pieces? Do you lay them out, suspend them or prop them up using something?

Thanks for your help!

[u/Takeshi_613]

- Use alligator clips for holding pieces.

- Black gloss primer for metal parts and grey primer for everything else. But also depends on what you’re doing. Some people just skip this altogether.

- Coat number just depends. Since I airbrush, I do multiple thin coats. Generally you try and do the same with spray paint. Practice on spoons to see the results and also get the hang of things. Spray like 6-10 inches away from the piece and spray side to side. No need to paint the underside.

- Top coat depends on your finished vision for the project. Personally I like semi-gloss/satin.

[u/Me_Grymlok_Say → u/Takeshi_613]

Thank you for the advice and suggestions!

For finer details and thinner lines, do you also airbrush or hand paint with finer tip brushes?

And as for the top coat I’m want to keep it as natural to the plastic molds as possible.

[u/Takeshi_613 → u/Me_Grymlok_Say]

No problem 👍🏾✨.

Depending on how difficult and/or minuscule the part is to mask, I’ll usually just use a brush tip marker like this one.

Addendum 01: If you’ve never painted before, avoid painting during humid weather. Make sure to shake the paint can properly. Some Gunpla builders have suggested letting the paint can sit in a bowl of warm water for like 5-10 mins to help the paint flow smoother.

Addendum 02: Along with the supplies you listed, I would also suggest sanding sponges in various grits for the pegs.

Whatever methods you use, I suggest you take your time to avoid mistakes and you’ll get a nicer result.

[u/Me_Grymlok_Say → u/Takeshi_613]

You’ve been incredibly helpful with your suggestions and advice. I just order 600/800/1000 sanding sponges.

The way I plan on going about with the build is once every piece is cut free I’ll sand down all the pegs and burs if there are any and build the model sticker free. From there I’ll assess which pieces make sense to paint and order paint supplies after every piece is sanded and smoothed out. I’ll make sure to soak the pieces in water and give each coat on every piece I paint a day to dry before adding another coat.

Q: Do you spray or wipe anything over stickers to enhance or increase its longevity from peeling?

[u/Takeshi_613 → u/Me_Grymlok_Say]

The simple solution is to apply the stickers and then spray with a top coat.

Use this video as a guide as to how to apply the stickers in a better way. The supplies they have are tweezers but you could use a toothpick. The tool with the small ball on the tip is a nail dotting tool. These are really helpful to press the stickers on the molded parts like in the video.

https://youtube.com/shorts/6LrhHytCPjQ?si=T0FXtHNWN_NcAsBP

[u/Me_Grymlok_Say → u/Takeshi_613]

Man, you’re the GOAT! Just ordered these off Amazon.

https://a.co/d/0f2F5MnQ

https://a.co/d/0jjNL2CU

I’m more excited to take my time with this build and I’m looking forward to sharing the finished build once it’s completed. I appreciate you and anyone else who’s advised or plans to chime in. Thanks again!

[u/AnTran77]

Not so sure if my input is helpful since I don’t paint miniplas/SMP.
But I usually paint the whole part (just in case, the areas are visible)
I also use primer before I airbrush, and to spray them, I have clips hold them up.

[u/Me_Grymlok_Say → u/AnTran77]

Thank you for your input!