1893 - How To Paint Sleeves! Reverse Wash Technique

Here's how to use the reverse wash technique to paint the Sleeves markings on your Gunpla!
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Thanks for watching!

[@ZakuAurelius]

A few people have pointed out that you CAN get enamel paint in spray can form, Testors being one example. Good news for those who aren’t airbrushing! 👍

[@michelfanda2030]

Well you didn't know though. And they aren't widely spread to where you live (or anyone else's) I think people should less freak out to point it out

[@josephjoestar5444]

Ewww enamel paint

[@NetScourge]

@@josephjoestar5444 it's a necessary evil sometimes

[@kghyeah9032]

Rustoleum 12 oz can for $4 at all Walmart’s for those on a budget. Krylon acrylic spray paint is also cheap like $4.50 for 11oz

[@niko2454]

Me: **watches the full tutorial** Also me: *applies foil stickers*

[@kimsterP]

Also me 🖐

[@ZakuAurelius]

Honestly the foil stickers work perfectly fine for this kit if you aren’t painting it and just wanna have it look cool up on the shelf

[@roadkillraker]

@@ZakuAurelius I use foil stickers first, telling myself Im going to paint it later. Sometimes I get around to it.

[@niko2454]

roadkillraker same here mate

[@comms9038]

@@ZakuAurelius I mean, you gotta not put them on like shit. They look fine if they're on the exact spot they are supposed to be

[@mrZavior]

> Quick video > ZakuAurelius Press "X" to doubt

[@ZakuAurelius]

Yeah 😅

[@mrZavior]

@@ZakuAurelius can I get a heart? lol

[@StaBond]

>reddit spacing

[@flamestoyershadowkill6400]

laugh x4 speed

[@ixa_gaming9350]

A tip i watched on a japanese hobby channel painting with reverse wash is to use the foil sticker when doing the final step (using cotton swab to reveal the white color) as a guide so that u won't accidentally erase other parts color.

[@RoyOrbisonsElvisTape]

I see a lot of questions, and I would like to throw my 2 cents in. One of the key things to make this work is that on the whole, Lacquer is "hotter" than enamel, that is "hotter" than acrylic, you can put "cooler" paint over "hotter" paint, but not "hot" over "cool" as it most likely will damage the under coat. "Hot" and "cool" is in reference to the strength of the solvent base. The black comes off and the gold shows through because the solvent is strong enough tho remove the black, but not affect the sub layer gold. Just remember the hot and cold guideline and you can do wonderful things with different types of paint. Note always try on a test subject before attempting, paint formulas may differ from general standards dependent on manufacturer, and intended paint use, for example, the paint John Deere uses is acrylic but is full of hardener, and chemicals for long term strength and to prevent farm chemicals and fuel / oil from damaging the paint. It would shrug off any attempt to do any of this paint trickery, and would probably melt a model kit anyway. Happy painting.

[@MrKuncol]

That's not true. You can put enamel paints over acrylics. That's how enamel washes are popular. You can even remove that paint later without damaging layer of acrylic under it. You can also use lacquer paints and varnishes over acrylics, but that have some small risk of damaging base paint with to thick layer of lacquer.

[@RoyOrbisonsElvisTape]

@@MrKuncol Fair enough, I have not had said luck, but I'll try it sometime. Maybe my older paints I used are different than newer better ones.

[@kaoru288]

"this is gonna be a quick video" *is 12 minutes long* I,for one am 100% game with this "quick" videos. especially in tutorials for minute gunpla detailing like this

[@j.s8660]

Haha, you must be new,12 minutes is pretty short on Zaku's standard

[@vincemadarang1446]

Watched full video …doesn’t have an airbrush

[@ZakuAurelius]

You don’t necessarily need one, you can still do it!

[@BGLoscar]

@@ZakuAurelius please show us! ✌

[@hrgaming4plebs570]

handpainting works, I just never able to get smooth finish

[@cordellfrank1798]

@@hrgaming4plebs570 same

[@cocobill0077]

This technique depends of the budget you have, if you own an airbrush the result is obviously very good but if you don't and don't usually paint kits and aren't planning to paint anything other than the sleeves from the sinanju/sinanju stein/rebawoo and other sleeves kits a gundam marker can do the job, althought its a bit less spectacular (i got a airbrush for my birthday last year so my original sinanju i used the gold marker 2years ago and by being carefull it looks good, and used this for my sinanju stein this year) so it depends how much you're ready to pay to paint the sleeves, for an hardcore builder this method is perfect and its a really good and complete tutorial, for beginners get a gundam marker and be carefull (still sand tho)

[@KunaiKrazy]

FYI there is enamel spray paint but from what I've seen explicitly on the can, is reserved for the likes of modelling. IDK if normal spray paint like Rustoleum' s Painter's Touch is considered enamel. I want to say yes.

[@EDX2308]

Here's what you do, once you cleaned out the pieces etc. you spray the parts in gold (use Tamiya TS lacquer colors gold or silver). Let parts dry for a 1-2 days. Then spray the parts with an airbrush using Vallejo Model Air black. Use hobby swabs instead of regular swabs and dip the tip into Testors enamel paint thinner. Rub the parts you want off color and it should work really well. If you screw up you can always just respray with more airbrush black.

[@MICROmor]

masking tape also helps when swabbing to protect areas or make straight lines

[@skyevmiller]

Really great video. This is the kind of techniques that I need to know and this will really help me. Your videos just keep getting better and better and I love the evolution of your channel. Great work and I hope to see more

[@cazcy11]

Thanks for the vid! I like your “How To” segments they help a lot!

[@ZakuAurelius]

I’d love to make loads more but they take time

[@MedskiPurnamski]

Interesting choice with Mr. Metal Color. You're supposed to be able to buff it, so it has a powder-y texture and smears easily.

[@jieqiiii]

I've been trying out the gloss black base and no gloss black base a lot over the last few weeks. Basically if you have a gloss black surface, the metallic color will reflect clearer. If you don't use a gloss black surface and instead paint the metallic paint straight onto your primed surface, just paint thick and wet enough for the metallic paint to self level. The difference is extremely negligible if the metallic paint is your final layer. If however you're aiming for a candy finish, the gloss black base helps a ton.

[@ZakuAurelius]

Exactly!

[@thatgreenfur6584]

It's funny how the first two examples I saw when I looked up this method used the kit I'm trying to paint as the example. I guess I'm not the only one who hates the stickers on this particular kit lmao

[@REmasteredSEED911]

As much as I want to try this, I don't have enamels on me. I use polyurethane acrylics from Zurc Scale Paints. To paint such Sleeves details on my Sinanju Stein, I just used a toothpick and sharpen the tip. Then a Gundam Marker White for a couple of times and then use lacquer thinner for wiping off any excess. Though, I might try doing what you did here. It looks so much better.

[@MrKennyWilliams]

This technique can also be used VERY Well for Gunpla eyes, I found.

[@ZakuAurelius]

Indeed!

[@bigbear4120]

Good to know. I just hand painted mine. Not as crisp, but that's what weathering is for.

[@fariday96]

1000% really wanting this tutorial video zack, i was thinking on how to do reverse wash on mg sinanju stein nt ver, and u made this its really helpful thank you a lot man👍👍👍

[@ZakuAurelius]

my pleasure!

[@DudeRetro]

Always loved your tutorials

[@carljavier2560]

that thumbnail at first glance made me think they're underpants...

[@10cboi63]

Great tutorial Zak! Hope to see more in the future! More power!

[@garrettvenn9022]

I was wondering how JENIC managed to do the chain mine for his Kampfer video, and now I see this is the process he used. Thank you for the info.

[@johnchristian9933]

Thanks for all the tricks and tips

[@lackinroda]

I'm gonna go ahead and keep this video saved for when I eventually get a Sinanju Ver Ka. Major reason why I haven't yet is the use of stickers for the sleeve markings and I'd honestly prefer doing this than fiddle with a bunch of marking decals. Still haven't finished the HG because of this x.x

[@lovecchio420]

Good luck doing this on the sinanju's shield. It was a pita

[@lackinroda]

@@lovecchio420 The icon I'm just gonna use the sticker because I can't be arsed to freehand that

[@MereDustOnEarth]

more of this type of video. great job

[@mobileandhostile7895]

⭐️ very well presented and really helpful 😎 ⭐️ thanks 👍

[@MoPoTime]

Very good tutorials man, helps a lot.

[@KasperAura]

That's crazy, how did I never know about this before!?

[@shadowedsnipa]

Loved this video. I hope you can make more tutorials like this in the future!

[@ZakuAurelius]

I do to! They just take more time...

[@KarfontaAlec]

I love you Zaku

[@neonnwave1]

Another way to get rid of the excess from the glue in small spots is with a toothpick. Less likely going to damage the plastic than you would with a knife.

[@ricepicker562]

Can you do a panel scribing tutorial?

[@FeddyGrunt]

Hey, good video as always ZakuAurelius! Can you do a short video on what airbrush compressor system to buy? There's so many out there I don't know whats good and what to avoid..

[@exiaaaalirez2344]

Can you use acrylic paint in place of enamel during reverse wash process?

[@yourview8159]

Is it possible to do reverse wash using handbrush?

[@bagonmyhead69]

yourview Yes. You will just handbrush the same paints instead of airbrushing them

[@ZakuAurelius]

Theoretically yes but it would take practice to get your hand painting skills smooth first

[@cfbush2000]

Thank you ! This is very helpful .

[@davidhovik7176]

This was amazing thank you so much!

[@jotunros]

Great tutorial. You're showing enamel after laquer. How about using water based acrylics like vallejo after tamiya spray cans? I'm waiting for my Sinanju to arrive and I want to spray gold from the can and then hand paint a "weaker" water based acrylic so I can just remove it with a slightly wet cotton swab.

[@Gun-EZ]

Well, that technique is good, but in my opinion it's overcomplicated. Wouldn't be better to prime this sleeve, paint it black and, using brush, pick up this pattern with white or other color? Two or three thin coats would make a strong color, which would look awesome as well, but chance to screw paint with earstick is lesser than with this method.

[@Fadeing]

Looking at this when doing the seam line; have you ever tried making plastic filler? It might help hit your speed itch a bit compared to putty for larger jobs. Toss some sprue bits into a Tamiya extra thin cement to melt down the filler to the consistency you like. Then spread for filling.

[@kiewzhengwei7641]

Thank you so muchhhh its so helpful

[@plasmofandwedge7142]

Great vid

[@airwolf558]

Thank you!

[@radlee0123]

Thank you, very nice.

[@dhanangprawiranugraha8257]

What thinner are you used for enamel airbrush?

[@ZakuAurelius]

Tamiya enamel thinner

[@dhanangprawiranugraha8257]

@@ZakuAurelius thanks for the answer, very helpfull

[@grip3939]

im just wondering whats the recomended grit used for sanding kits before painting

[@itsmesaiph]

Zack said 800 or higher

[@grip3939]

@@itsmesaiph thx man

[@itsmesaiph]

@@grip3939 no prob, fam

[@SugarJesus]

Can you make a video about how to use an airbrush and what you need for it?

[@kellerharris2593]

I'm trying to paint the detailed parts on the HG Kshatriya, and I've used this guide up until the step of applying the enamel. When picking out a paint to use for the enamel, I saw a bunch of people warn against using enamel paints on gunpla due to the damage that enamel paints can cause to the plastic, but I've also seen just as many people recommend using this technique, including using enamel for the wash. Is using enamel in this specific way safe on the plastic? I've also seen a few people mention using acryllic paint instead of enamel for the wash, and I was also curious if you have any experience with that as well

[@shadow306k]

Great timing, I got my Stein NT ver yesterday... But can you do this for me? xD I'll pay!

[@Vezon2121]

Well I guess I gotta try this out

[@vustvaleo8068]

this compared to applying waterslide decals on the details.

[@jonathangarza1656]

I mean you could prolly just use the gold gundam marker. I think that would be the cheapest easiest way. Thats how I did mine. Anyone else use those markers for small details like this

[@nearzero1555]

Good video

[@kennieva5269]

How long does curing/drying of the primer, color white enamel paint, color black enamel paint, color gold enamel paint. And at what time interval is it to put another coat or layer of paint on top of the previously applied paint or primer? Thank you

[@dragoonzen]

awesome

[@catalyst_hobbies]

Can you used acrylic paints for this?

[@executor46]

so this is how it's done.

[@apoclypse]

For an mg of the sinstein it’s kind of disappointing this wasn’t done already. The RG sin has better “sleeves”.

[@TijiSan]

technique is really great for me just tape up the area by cut tape close to the shape then paint the whole thing lol

[@dtejada1988]

Zup Zaku, love this video, like to see your techniques on the more recent Gundams, since that is what I have 😬, again thanks very helpful, although I used the “toothpick’ technique for my HG Sinanju Stein, And I’m not ready for “airbrush”, its more of a space where to rather than myself assurance, but Gonna try it with some TS, are all Tamiya spray can Lacquer paint? Hummm!

[@ZakuAurelius]

Yes all Tamiya spray cans are lacquer

[@BlueAmerican26]

Can this work the same way for acrylic as the laquer substitute?

[@seiya880]

I believe it can work. After you've applied the first coat of acrylic paint, in this case white or gold, you airbrush some Pledge floor finish. Then you apply the black paint. With the lighter fluid, you should be able to remove only the black paint, cause the Pledge layer should protect the white/gold paint underneath.

[@RuneTrips]

seiya880 that sounds crazy enough to work! i’m gonna try it on my airbrush

[@RuneTrips]

JormungandR very informative ty

[@tarakinwu1246]

hey quick vid suggestion can you release a video showing how to do with Sazabi

[@Thebrokenrobot273]

Couldn’t a Gundam marker work just as good? I’m not skilled or have the patience for this lol

[@viceroyal_]

Do you wait for the "black" to dry before you spray the gold on top?

[@ZakuAurelius]

Yeah, but it’s lacquer so it dries really fast

[@Sharkey007x]

wouldn't this be just as quick, if not quicker, to paint the raised areas by hand after a base black, and not have to do the wiping away then? Just learned about this, and trying to understand the use-case for it

[@ZakuAurelius]

This is easier imo. Painting the raised bits by hand and getting results as good as this would be quite difficult

[@oooppiikkk]

Damn I just got a brush and started painting the raised parts lol

[@ZakuAurelius]

That works but it takes a steady hand!

[@warwickgresswell278]

The only issue I have with this technique, is that the sides of the filigree or whatever are still black. So whilst this is a quick technique, it's not boss level.

[@danirose9276]

I've read so much conflicting information about this. My head hurts haha. If I use Mr Color gold and spray enamel black - can I use Mr Color GXII Clear over everything after? Will it attack the enamel in the recesses? Edit - turns out it likely will! So what are people using to airbrush top coat over all the lacquer and enamel paints to protect it all? An enamel top coat? Or some sort of Acrylic??

[@niceace2000]

Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t tamiya XF paint acrylic? Because I just bought tamiya XF-1 flat black and it says acrylic on the jar.

[@MinyNeo]

Does it also work when using aqua colors and enamel colors, or does it have to be lacker and enamel?

[@Mustangman03gt]

Hopefully someone here who has a better memory and/or the sense to favorite super useful videos can help me out. I watched a video maybe a few years ago now for removing seam lines in parts with details smack in the middle of the seam that needed to be preserved. The person doing the video used putty made from excess sprue and tamiya cement (and also did a part with regular putty IIRC). He then used something to trove the excess/beaded up putty and poof seam line gone, detail preserved, next to no sanding or cleanup required. Problem is I can't remember who did the video and my searches to find it again have resulted in no luck. I'm really trying to figure out what was used - paint thinner maybe? To get rid of the excess. If anyone is familiar with the technique or who made the video I would really appreciate the assist

[@iusetheinternet0]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnrdlqeKnKqbpKs 39-40 Minute mark, it probably isn't the exact video since the guy didn't use putty (I skimmed can't be certain)

[@venomvaping3883]

I odered the stien narritive ver.ka. so i was looking into how to do this lol thanks

[@JGrove303]

You can apply this same technique with an enamel base and acrylic wash, right?

[@HungNguyen-ek9hk]

Hello Zack, thank you for upload this video tutorial. I got a question about your ratio for mixing the enamel for airbrush Is it 1 paint: 1.5 thinner like the lacquer?

[@GNLockonStratos]

@ZakuAurelius can you replace enamel paint with normal acrylic or lacquer paint with a layer of top coat before painting it over the gold? And then reverse wash it?

[@spee9dy457]

I’m curious, will spraying gold over silver make any difference?

[@radxl711_ruffiesstreams8]

I for one like sanding!^^

[@RiskPlays]

Can I Mask the other part to avoid washing the other surface by accident?

[@Ashfield122]

I don't see why you cant use acrylic paint instead of enamel paint on top of the lacquer base. If you use acrylic instead of enamel just use ammonia to wipe the acrylic layer to reveal the lacquer underneath, Right? Or am I stupid?

[@MedskiPurnamski]

You can, but in my experience if you're not careful ammonia and alcohol can rub off on lacquer as well though not as strong as actual lacquer thinner. Much safer for the underlying lacquer coat to use white spirit and enamel paint.

[@YeshuaAlchemist]

Nice, I will use the sticker.

[@vampireslayera]

Is it possible to do this with Acrylics? ex. Tamiya for gold (since is a alcohol based acrylic, and Vallejo for the black?

[@acerock013]

would this same process be possible if you were using acryllic paints? i came to Gunpla from painting Citadel minis so all of my paint right now is acryllic based.

[@lilruss15]

is there any tips for people who use water paints with a brush?(not air brush I mean an actual brush)

[@yak8786]

Instead of black paint, can we use black primer?

[@bagonmyhead69]

Testors makes enamel sprays!

[@ZakuAurelius]

Oh really! Well alright!

[@jack9296]

You really want me to buy the sinanju stein huh

[@robymargata5330]

Hi! If i'll be brush painting the enamel paint, do i have to thin it out first or do i apply it directly? Sorry. Just a newb with paiting

[@TheDiamondChrisProductions]

Is there a way to use white or gold gundam marker without rubbing away other white

[@kevintianzon3246]

Is this applicable with Acrylic paints? Cuz i only have Acrylic spray cans with me.

[@TheFrayedBrush]

This is a great video. Glad I found the video and your channel. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your vids. Sub’d.

[@tonideryanto1244]

Can you substitute the enamel paint with acrylic?

[@chassegallerie2910]

Just asking. in the middle of those wrists, was that a polycap part? If so, that mean it's safe for that kind of plastic to be painted on?

[@KingClickMusic]

ChasseGallerie Acrylic would be safe. Idk about enamel. And NO lacquer on bare plastic.

[@caseyjones8246]

What about th4 glue that overflowed around the leaf onto to the plastic? You didn't clean that up

[@ZakuAurelius]

On the black plastic the glue is really easy to see because of it’s shine, but I knew around that area it was really thin and wouldn’t show once it was painted

[@jyates1007]

Has anyone tested “Testors enamel spray” BAC?

[@chacrawarrior]

Good tutorial but I saw you leave the line on the back side, is it fine to leave the lines that are hard to see or it is better to take them off?

[@Plasmarx]

Personal preference I say, sometimes you don't even need to do anything because they get covered, sometimes you can put some work and make them into panel lines for extra detail

[@ZakuAurelius]

The seam line on the back of the part will be covered so it doesn’t matter ;)

[@Nixonslovechild]

Hey Zach quick question. Do you recomend top coating at all before spraying the enamel paint?

[@ZakuAurelius]

Yeah you could! It wouldn’t hurt

[@merwyncruz4543]

Can you use acrylic paint in reverse washing?

[@Niche_YT]

Late comment, but what thinning ratio do you use for Primer and Enamel?