Introduction to Mr. Hobby Products for Gundam Model Builders (2024)

Mr. Hobby, a brand under GSI Creos, offers an extensive range of products tailored to the needs of Gundam model builders. Here’s a comprehensive introduction to their product lines, categorized into tools, paints, and accessories, followed by the detailed steps to build a Gundam model using these products.

TOOLS

Cutters

• Description: Precision tools designed for cutting parts from sprues with minimal effort and maximum accuracy.
• Application: Essential for cleanly removing parts from the sprue without damaging them. High-quality cutters ensure smooth cuts, reducing the need for additional sanding or trimming.

Sanding / Grinding

• Description: Includes a variety of sanding papers, sponges, files, and electric grinding tools.
• Application: Used to smooth out rough edges, remove mold lines, and prepare surfaces for painting. These tools help achieve a polished finish by eliminating imperfections.

Airbrushing

• Description: Airbrushes and compressors designed for precise and controlled paint application.
• Application: Ideal for smooth, even paint coverage on large surfaces and intricate details. Airbrushing allows for gradient effects, fine lines, and a professional finish that’s difficult to achieve with brushes.

Masking

• Description: High-quality masking tapes and liquid masks that protect areas from unwanted paint.
• Application: Essential for creating sharp paint lines and intricate designs. Masking products are used to cover parts of the model during airbrushing or spray painting to prevent overspray and ensure clean separations between different colors.

Part Clips

• Description: Clips and holders for securing small parts during painting and assembly.
• Application: Useful for holding parts without direct contact, preventing fingerprints and smudges. Part clips ensure stability and accessibility, making the painting process more efficient.

Brushes

• Description: A range of brushes from fine detail brushes to larger flat brushes.
• Application: Used for hand painting details, panel lining, and applying weathering effects. Different brush types and sizes are suited for various tasks, such as fine details or broad strokes.

Glues & Cement

• Description: Various adhesives including liquid cement, plastic glue, and super glue.
• Application: Designed to securely bond plastic parts. Liquid cement melts the plastic slightly to create a strong bond, while super glue offers a quick-drying alternative for more delicate parts.

Putty

• Description: Fillers used to fill gaps, seams, and imperfections.
• Application: Applied to areas where parts don’t fit perfectly or where there are gaps. Once dried, putty can be sanded down to create a smooth, seamless surface.

PAINTS

Markers

• Description: Specialized markers for detailing, panel lining, and touch-ups.
• Application: Easy-to-use for adding fine lines, details, and touch-ups. Gundam markers are particularly popular for panel lining, which enhances the model's details.

Ms Hobby-Gundam Color

• Description: Colors specifically formulated to match the official Gundam series.
• Application: Perfect for achieving an authentic look that replicates the exact colors seen in Gundam anime. These paints ensure that your model looks true to the original designs.

Ms Hobby-Metal Color

• Description: High-quality metallic paints that provide a realistic metal finish.
• Application: Ideal for mechanical parts, joints, and weapons, giving them a realistic metal sheen. These paints are often used to simulate the appearance of metal on plastic parts.

Ms Hobby-C Color

• Description: A broad range of standard colors for various applications.
• Application: Versatile for general use across different parts of the model. C Color paints are known for their ease of use and excellent coverage.

Ms Hobby-Mr. Color GX

• Description: Advanced lacquer paints with enhanced properties like higher gloss and better coverage.
• Application: Suitable for achieving a professional finish with vibrant colors and durability. Mr. Color GX paints are ideal for experienced modelers looking for high-quality results.

Ms Hobby-Mr. Color Super Metallic

• Description: Premium metallic paints known for their strong adhesion and durability.
• Application: Used for parts that require a tough, metallic finish. These paints offer a brilliant shine and are often used for accentuating details.

Ms Hobby-Mr. Crystal Color

• Description: Transparent colors for creating special effects.
• Application: Can be layered over other colors to create unique looks. Mr. Crystal Color paints are excellent for adding depth and visual interest to clear parts and special effects.

Ms Hobby-H Color

• Description: Water-based acrylic paints that are easy to use and clean up.
• Application: Suitable for beginners and those who prefer a less toxic painting environment. H Color paints offer vibrant hues and are easy to work with.

Ms Hobby-N Color

• Description: Natural colors designed for realistic finishes.
• Application: Often used for dioramas, bases, and natural elements. N Color paints help create realistic terrain and backgrounds.

Sprays

• Description: Spray paints for large surface coverage and ease of application.
• Application: Convenient for evenly painting large sections of models. Sprays are ideal for base coats and large parts where a smooth finish is desired.

Surfacer / Coating

• Description: Primers and base coatings that prepare surfaces for painting.
• Application: Ensure paint adhesion and smooth out imperfections on model surfaces. Surfacer products are crucial for a flawless paint job.

Effects

• Description: Special effect paints and materials used to create weathering, shading, and other visual effects.
• Application: Used to simulate wear and tear, dirt, rust, and other realistic effects on models. These products enhance the overall realism and depth of the model.

ACCESSORIES

Display

• Description: Items for showcasing completed models, including stands, bases, and display cases.
• Application: Enhance the presentation of finished models, protecting them from dust and damage. Display accessories help create impressive exhibitions of your work.

Decals

• Description: High-quality decals for adding markings, symbols, and details to models.
• Application: Used to apply intricate details that would be difficult to paint by hand. Decals add authenticity and completeness to the model.

Builder Parts

• Description: Additional parts and accessories for customizing and enhancing models.
• Application: Allow modelers to personalize and improve their Gundam kits with extra details and modifications. Builder parts expand the possibilities for customization and creativity.

Steps for Building a Gundam Model Using Mr. Hobby Products

Step 1: Prepare Tools and Materials

• Required Tools: Cutters, sanding/grinding tools, airbrush, masking tape, part clips, brushes, glues & cement, and putty.
• Required Paints: Gundam Color, Metal Color, C Color, Mr. Color GX, Mr. Color Super Metallic, Mr. Crystal Color, H Color, and N Color.
• Required Accessories: Display stands, decals, and builder parts.

Step 2: Cut and Clean Parts

• Use Cutters to carefully cut parts from the sprues.
• Use Sanding or Grinding Tools to clean the edges and remove any mold lines or imperfections on the parts.

Step 3: Assembly

• Dry Fit: Assemble the parts without glue to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
• Glue and Cement: Use appropriate adhesives to bond parts securely. For small and detailed parts, use liquid cement for a strong bond.
• Putty: Fill any gaps or seams with putty. Once dried, sand the putty to achieve a smooth surface.

Step 4: Priming

• Prime the Parts: Use a primer from the surfacer/coating range to prepare the parts for painting. Priming ensures better paint adhesion and a smoother finish.

Step 5: Painting

• Base Coats: Apply base colors using airbrushes or spray paints. Multiple thin layers work better than a single thick layer.
• Detail Painting: Use brushes and Gundam markers for fine details, panel lines, and small parts.
• Special Effects: Apply special effect paints like Mr. Crystal Color for unique finishes.

Step 6: Masking

• Masking Tape: Use masking tape to cover areas that should remain unpainted or need a different color.
• Liquid Masks: For complex shapes, liquid masks can be applied and later peeled off.

Step 7: Decals

• Apply Decals: Cut out the decals and apply them to the model using a setting solution to help them conform to the surface details.
• Seal Decals: Use a clear coat to seal the decals and protect them from damage.

Step 8: Weathering

• Weathering Effects: Use weathering paints and techniques to add realistic wear and tear. This can include dirt, rust, and battle damage effects.

Step 9: Final Assembly

• Assemble the Painted Parts: Carefully put together all the painted parts. Use glue where necessary to secure them.
• Check Fit and Finish: Ensure all parts fit well and the paint job is even and smooth.

Step 10: Display

• Use Display Stands: Mount the finished model on a display stand to showcase your work.
• Add Builder Parts: Customize your display with additional builder parts for a unique look.

Tips for Using Mr. Hobby Products

• Priming: Always prime your model before painting to ensure better paint adhesion and a smoother finish.
• Thinning Paints: Use the appropriate thinner for the type of paint you are using to achieve smooth application and avoid clogging airbrushes.
• Layering: Apply multiple thin layers of paint rather than one thick layer to prevent runs and achieve even coverage.
• Cleaning Tools: Clean your brushes and airbrush thoroughly after each use to prolong their lifespan and maintain performance.
• Weathering: Use weathering techniques and products to add realism and depth to your models, simulating wear and tear.

Q&A

Q1: How do I prevent paint from chipping off my model?

• A1: To prevent chipping, make sure to prime your model before painting and use a top coat to seal and protect the paint.

Q2: What is the best way to apply decals?

• A2: For best results, apply decals on a glossy surface. Use a setting solution to help the decal conform to the surface details and a top coat to seal it.

Q3: Can I mix different types of Mr. Hobby paints?

• A3: It’s best to avoid mixing different types of paints (e.g., lacquer with acrylic) as they have different chemical properties. However, you can layer them if you allow each layer to fully cure.

Q4: What should I do if my airbrush gets clogged?

• A4: Disassemble the airbrush and clean each part thoroughly with the appropriate cleaner. Regular maintenance and proper thinning of paints can prevent clogging.

Q5: How can I achieve a smooth finish with spray paints?

• A5: Apply thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Hold the can at a consistent distance from the model and use smooth, sweeping motions.

By familiarizing yourself with these product lines and tips, you can enhance your Gundam building projects with the right tools and paints, ensuring professional-quality results and an enjoyable modeling experience.

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