Gunpla Tutorial : Panel Line Washes with Lighter Fluid

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Yes. The lighter fluid is used as a thinning agent for the enamels only.

[@Tigrillo]

very good tutorial I wonder if it works well with alcohol instead of lighter fluid

[@TheGhostofZeon]

It can but the lighter fluid is less likely to damage any paint underneath the wash. Thinners can effect the painted surfaces if too much is applied.

[@Salinea]

Finally I got it to work! Turns out I wasn't using enough paint. I'm so glad I have a different solution to the enamel thinner wash because the testors thinner was eating through everything, even my acrylic gloss layer.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

The RG kits are the same plastics as the other grades so you should have no problems but if in doubt, test it on a piece of scrap runner that that parts came off just to make sure.

[@stumyu]

so, it's okay to use enamel/lighter fluid on top of an acrylic paint?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Depends on the clear coat. If it is lacquer or acrylic, then no - if enamel, then yes.

[@StrawHatLaw13]

Awesome tutorial! Good to know what it works on (acrylic).

[@TheGhostofZeon]

If your paint is a gloss, then yes, you should be able to providing it is over an acrylic or lacquer. The idea behind the clear coat is to give the piece a smooth surface for the wash to flow along and to protect the colours underneath. If it was a flat paint, then the wash would absorb into the paint rather than sit on top and flow.

[@Banzai431]

I've been a fan of your site and I'm glad to see you've actually started the youtube thing!

[@ardhi108]

Thanks for your response. I have tried it on my RG Freedom. Looks fine, however, do the linings more carefully, especially because RG has many thin plastics and they are more fragile than other kits. If the parts get too wet, the fluid will make the RG plastic weaker from inside.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

An alternative is to use Artist Oil paints that can be purchased at any art store. Thin the paint with low odour Turpentine for a similar effect.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

I've never experienced that before. I've used Tamiya and Humbrol enamels and never come across that. Maybe the Testors stuff was too old. Not sure but all I can suggest is try more lighter fluid and see if it improves the quality.

[@choasloard97]

If I have a clear gloss coat of Future shine, will the enamel wash affect the acrylic gloss coat?

[@austinmitchell2652]

Would light panel lines on dark plastic look good?

[@CarsnStuff]

i can also imagine tho that that fluid or any thinner would forsure effect the clear coat but maybe it wont hurt it.. usually after i paint my kits i just use gundam pen but just thinking about trying different processes

[@CarsnStuff]

im actually not used to panel washing.. i usually do the pen but i plan on trying this on my next kit.... BUT im still second guessing this method when it comes to painted kits .. i would imagine trying this on an air brushed kit the thinned paint would not be as easy to get the excess off as it would be for an unpainted part... any ideas on how to approach this delema ?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

The song is listed in the credits at the very end of the video.

[@neonnwave1]

Wouldn't paint thinner work too with this method?

[@J4Tie]

Just got a question. Can you use acrylic paint with lighter fluid or will the lighter fluid eat the paint? Also nice to see a fellow Australian into Gunpla as well.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Providing you give your kit a good clear coat, removing the excess wash is the same as bare plastic.

[@richard1701able]

Wow, I'm painting with glossy acrylics and i'm having trouble panel lining with a real touch marker! I going to Poundland tomorrow and getting lighter fluid!! Thanks.

[@felixleiter455]

Nice! Thanks for sharing this. I've never seen this technique used before and I'll have to give it a try. I've used enamels with thinner and turpenoid (a turpentine derivative) and the results can be a hit or miss. Your example here seeems a bit less laborious.

[@blazanumba1]

If I painted with enamel spray paint and then coated it with a gloss, would the lighter fluid still eat through the paint?

[@77refined]

so if i brushed my gundam with enamel paints , i can't use this method ? do i can do it on acrrylic layers?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

The lighter fluid will not effect the clear coat as long as it is acrylic or lacquer. As long as your kit is painted with acrylic or lacquer and you use enamel for the panel line wash, it should work fine.

[@ledenko]

Hi, I've tried this technique today with some success but had a pretty big issue - the lighter fluid (not zippo, but some other brand) eats through my acrylics, both the clear coat and and the layer of paint beneath it. I've been using Emsal Glänzer, a substance not unlike Future as a cheap alternative, but if I'll be doing it with lighter fluid, it's out of the game. Any work arounds you can think of?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Geez you were quick! I use Artist oils to do washes as well (especially on my Dino builds) and it is pretty much the same thing just with artist oils and turpentine.

[@StonyRabbit]

hay did you already paint the blue frame and top coat it befor you did your wash? i always do. i cant stand it when people spend all that money on a kit and not put in the work.

[@J4Tie]

Correct me if I'm wrong but don't most acrylic paints come with matt finishes or is that just the primers?

[@sgraff1]

hello, I didn't apply a gloss coat before I started to panel line (as I didn't do enough research) but I used this method to panel line and it worked great. However, I am wondering if paneling lining with enamel (without gloss coat beforehand), and then top coating with an acrylic based top coat is safe?

[@cartoonetworkseries]

can i apply topcoat(spraycan) after i panel washed?

[@Yepyepgaming]

Can zippo lighter fluid remove paints on gunpla

[@Salinea]

Have you tried this using testors enamel? I have an old bottle of zippo lighter fluid (the premium formula kind..dunno if there's anything different) and it seems to be clumping the paint up terribly. I don't know if that's a result of the lighter fluid (being old or not the right kind) or testors enamel uses a different formula.

[@davidtran2731]

Thanks a lot mate. I just recently done my very first custom painted MG and didn't know how to panel line because the gaps were so small for the inking pen. I painted the model with Tamiya TS synthetic lacquer paints. Can I panel line with a top coat of gloss? In your tutorial you had a X-1 Tamiya paint which is acrylic on their site and not enamel as you say in the video.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Tamiya codes are sometimes confusing as they use XF for acrylics and X for enamels but recently just went to using X for all pot paints. The labels have acrylic and enamel written on them, but generally, if it's in a square jar, then it's enamel. And yes, you can certainly panel line over TS gloss paints. I always recommend doing a clear coat over the colour layer just to add some further protection to the colour layer as sometimes the panel line wash can remove the layer below. With an extra clear gloss layer, the chance of that happening is reduced.

[@77Avadon77]

What do you think about xylene? does it work as well? seems like it's a very hot evaporative thinner as well.

[@TeamFlazh]

why lighter fluid? not thinner? are there any differences?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Lighter fluid isn't as harsh on the paint as thinners are. Thinners can cause problems with the paint layers below if too much is used. Plus, it evaporates quickly meaning faster drying times.

[@TeamFlazh]

TheGhostofZeon thank you for the reply

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Try a different clear. Try a dedicated hobby acrylic or lacquer from Mr Hobby or Tamiya and see if that makes a difference.

[@hcchin77]

Hi, I did the panel lining and wash off the excess using the zippo lighter fluid, but I experienced parts crack, you experience it before, may I know what's the cause and how to prevent it?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Too much wash applied. Enamel and oil paints do not like Bandai plastics and tend to become brittle if too much is applied over bare plastic. I always recommend to at least do a clear coat before applying a wash to your model

[@Ammers10]

Question: After I use this method, I have some subtle residue leftover after cleanup on either side of the line which dulls the plastic. What is it and how do I get rid of it?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Yes, as long as it is nice and glossy.

[@noahharlock1567]

sir what can u suggest a substitute for an enamel paint? is a regular enamel paint will do? or should i use a hobby enamel paint? im just starting to do paneling sorry for the noob question

[@ardhi108]

Nice tutorial. Have you already tried it with real grade gunplas ? I have the lighter fluid, but I worry it would damage the plastic :-)

[@jedimasterham2]

What is that song you're listening to?

[@circaboy]

yes it is. The bottle says: Light petroleum distillate...highly flammable....Harmful or fatal if swallowed or inhaled with the 24h emergency number at bottom of it.

[@Stringbean421]

Why use lighter fluid and not proper enamel thinners? I've read on modelling forums that lighter fluid can make the plastic become brittle.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Enamel Thinner is what actually makes the plastic brittle, not the lighter fluid. Lighter fluid evaporates very quickly, meaning that the plastic has less time exposed to it so doesn't get effected

[@azaleadearche7208]

will the paint sticks? like i saw you scrubbing the access with cottonbud. won't the paint on the panel be cleaned? and will it work on flat bases?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

There needs to be a clear coat between the paint colour and the wash to prevent paint being removed. It must be glossy for the paint to flow correctly otherwise the paint will just soak into the area around if it is used on flat paint. Once the panel lining is done, you can spray on a flat clear coat to get the look you want.

[@Hikuro2pnt0]

TheGhostofZeon I've used a matte spray before the wash, it worked just fine. The only issue I had was that if the lines are not deep enough it will have an easier time of being wiped away with the lighter fluid and a cotton swab.

[@azaleadearche7208]

so basically you have to coat it first? sorry i'm so slow getting this :'D

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Azalea De Arche Ideally, as long as the surface is glossy so the wash can flow easily it will be OK. Adding a clear coat adds a protective layer and also ensures that the piece is glossy (sometimes paint is flat or overspray can cause raised bumps and dust that can effect the wash).

[@azaleadearche7208]

i see.. thanks so much dude! :D

[@77Avadon77]

instead of a cotton bud, what about the little rubber nub they use for finger nails. That might work better to erase the drop of paint.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

No problems. Glad it has helped you out.

[@jelaienfinue]

I use lighter fluid to thin my enamels (Testors and Master Models) and it works great for hand brushing and cleaning, but will it work in an airbrush? Thinning the paint for airbrushing is necessary, but I only have access to lighter fluid and some people say that it will clog the airbrush, what do you think?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

+jelaienfinue Lighter fluid evaporates quickly, so you will most likely using more than if you used enamel thinners. I personally haven't used them to thin for air brushing so I can't comment on causing blockages, but at a guess, I'd say the lighter fluid is evaporating and causing the paint to thicken up.

[@jelaienfinue]

+TheGhostofZeon Thanks for the tip. I've done some research and found that Mr Color Thinner also works for enamels. It's a lacquer thinner, but it works OKAY. It's not amzing and you have to stir the paint once in a while, but it works. I have only access to Mr. Color lacquer thinner so I'll switch to lacquers gradually and use my enamels for detailing and sometimes airbrushing. It's fine to thin enamels with lacquer if you MUST , but I don't recommend it.

[@kevinjosephcapistrano4315]

This is quite brilliant! Thanks for sharing the tip/info.

[@djduu08]

Hi I used a enamel gloss coat before i begin panel lining with enamel paint as well is this going to be ok?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

If you used the same type of paint (oil based enamel), then you will have issues if you apply this wash over the top. An acrylic or lacquer clear gloss is best to use for this type of wash.

[@Kammmm]

Great to see a new video from you Ghost! awesome tutorial and very useful. Im hoping to move into using Oil Paint with Mineral Spirits for my panel lines. Just havent done it on a model yet ^^! Thanks for the tips!

[@jacay]

Can I ask if this process has to be with lighter fluid? because I have just been trying to do the exact thing you done, same steps, acrylic base paint, enamel paint for wash, the ONLY difference is I was using Humbrol enamel thinner instead of the lighter fluid, but the enamel thinner removed the acrylic paint (Tamiya acrylic chrome silver) too while I was cleaning off the excess. is the enamel thinner the reason? the enamel thinner even removed the pledge wax! i'll go grabe a bottle of lighter fluid straight away if that's the case. thanks

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Yes, the enamel thinners are too harsh on the acrylic paint. The lighter fluid thins enamel paint the same way, but has the added benefit of not being too harsh and will evaporate, leaving the paint in place. Another option is low odour turpentine, but that can also remove the paint. Lighter fluid is the best option in this case.

[@jacay]

TheGhostofZeon thank you for replying. I've walking around my area checking all shops to look for the zippo lighter fluid, couldn't find zippo brand so I just grabbed a random brand. about to try it now. hope it works. thanks again

[@jacay]

Hi, sorry to bother you again. Bought a bottle of lighter fluid and tried the technique with it. The lighter fluid eats through both pledge klear and tamiya acrylic chrome silver. Helpless...

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Try not to apply too much and when you remove it, just wipe away gently. Sometimes if the paint isn't cured fully, too much force when removing the wash can result in the layers below lifting.

[@mokanaman]

I was hoping to never see that evil kit again. On the bright nice tutorial...

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Enamel thinners but they don't work nearly as good.

[@randelabratique2978]

Can I use alcohol instead of lighter fluid? They evaporate quickly too

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Isopropyl Alcohol will only mix with acrylics. If you are using enamels as the base, then lighter fluid is best and Isopropyl most likely will not mix with the paint well enough.

[@BennyCFD]

+Randel Abratique For black wash's a lot of people use alcohol and India ink.

[@BennyCFD]

+TheGhostofZeon Also, alcohol and water mix makes a great acrylic thinner

[@TheGhostofZeon]

No problems! Glad you enjoyed it. :D

[@DIOBRANDO-fw5ly]

Can you just a tamiya thinner instead of a lighter fluid?

[@TheBlackShinigami]

Lindow no. unless it's thr enamel thinner than yeah. any enamel paint thinner can be used to wash or panel line kits

[@lolxd9981]

I know this comment have been ask a lot of times but I just want to make sure does the lighter fluid you use able to remove gundam marker paint and I will like to make sure does it make the plastic brittle like what thinner will do to a gunpla? will be happy if you are able to reply me soon ^^

[@TheGhostofZeon]

+Gunpla Builder The plastic will be fine as the lighter fluid isn't as harsh on plastic as thinners are. It evaporates much quicker, which means less time on the plastic.

[@TarlZaralka]

+TheGhostofZeon What about if you have painted a model with pre-thinned paint like createx and have applied a gloss coat? I am planning to paint an MG Turn A in pearl colors and I still want to panel line the kit but I don't want to mess up the paint I plan to apply nor the gloss coat.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Always add a clear coat on top of your paint before doing a panel line wash. It will both ensure that the surface is indeed smooth and also it will protect your paint work from possible damage.

[@TarlZaralka]

TheGhostofZeon Thanks man, I was planning to airbrush a Turn A gundam in pearl colors and for a while debated airbrushing the panel lines then adding the pearl colors over it but figured doing a wash would look better. Do you recommend a certain clear gloss coat? A bunch of other people I know said to use Future Floor Polish as a gloss coat but I don't know how it would affect the paint I plan to use or if it would mess up the plastic.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

I find Future OK, but it can be hit and miss depending on environmental issues (heat/humidity etc). Any other acrylic (Mr Hobby etc) or lacquer (Mr Color etc) will be fine. I don't recommend Vallejo personally as I have had lots issues with that paint. As long as it's not an enamel, the wash will work fine.

[@OtakuBuilder]

Thank you dude for making this video. This was extremely helpful.

[@nuzulbawono5786]

what if I used a flat black enamel?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Then the panel lines would look flat black. The gloss or flat of the panel lining paint doesn't matter at all except on how it looks when it dries. A smooth surface of bare plastic or clear gloss is more important to this method.

[@kamikaiguy]

Why did you choose lighter fluid over mineral spirits or white spirits?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Lighter fluid evaporates quickly, meaning that there is less chance of any issues with the plastic like melting etc.

[@jlara96]

can I use this if I paint with enamels?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Proving you use a clear coat that is not enamel, then yes otherwise the liklihood of the lighter fluid damaging the enamel below will increase.

[@jlara96]

why will it damage the enamel and not acrylic?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

jlara96 Because the lighter fluid acts like a thinner to the enamel and not the acrylic, which will mean that the enamel paint will be effectively 'thinned' by the lighter fluid.

[@irampage007]

where can we find lighter fluids?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

+Marco Rodan Usually at a Tobacconist store.

[@irampage007]

nice. thanks!

[@BennyCFD]

+Marco Rodan Price per fluid oz lighter fluid is pretty expensive. A quart of paint thinner is way cheaper and does exactly the same thing, and if you have a lighter that uses lighter fluid you can use the paint thinner. Always work cheaper and smarter.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

The part that I use is bare plastic which I took from my junk box which I have used for demonstration purposes. I explain this in the video. I always paint my kits.

[@etiennelordeau8512]

Can I use acrylic paint instead of enamel? pls reply thanks :D

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Etienne Lordéau Not with this method. It's possible to do an acrylic wash if the base layer is enamel but it is not recommended. Enamel is easier to work with when it comes to washes - even the already mixed washes by Tamiya, AK and MiG are enamels. An acrylic alternative would be to use an ink from Vallejo or Citadel.

[@etiennelordeau8512]

Guess i'll stick with them gundam markers for the mean time, thanks man!

[@raidan3123]

TheGhostofZeon For the gloss topcoat to protect the enamel painting i've done beforehand. Will Mr.Hobby gloss topcoat work?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

BarryMcCockiner Yes. Mr Top Coat will be fine.

[@raidan3123]

TheGhostofZeon Thanks. Do I need to add 2 layers or just 1 layer will be fine? like how thick should it be? or as long as it covers the areas it'll be okay?

[@J4Tie]

Alright, cheers for the heads up

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Future is a tough product. Enamel washes will not effect it at all but when in doubt, test on some scrap plastic first before ruining your paint work.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

No you can't unfortunately. The lighter fluid will only work like this if used with enamels. If you want to join the online Australian Gunpla community, there are two forums - GundamAustralia and Gundam-Forum. I'm one of the older statesmen when it comes to Gunpla over here but those forums are chock full of the best Australia has to offer in the Gunpla community.

[@CodyChu]

yes it is

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Isopropyl Alcohol will not work as it wont mix with the enamel paint correctly.

[@miguelangelsanchezrivera8780]

Thanks bro really helpful tutorial!!

[@danielfaiz1]

good method .. thanks!

[@livewiresrus]

Make sure its not naptha based it makes the paint gel up and clot ...I found out the hard way

[@jayeshhoho]

Does anyone know if lighter fluid is toxic to humans?

[@BennyCFD]

Good technique. However the price per volume lighter fluid is very expensive. I would be cheaper to buy a quart is paint thinner. Does exactly the same thing. Also you have a larger amount to thin enamels and lacquer paints as well you can use it to cleat your brushes and airbrushes.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

I can see what you are saying but the whole point of using lighter fluid is so the washes don't damage the paint or plastic. Using enamel thinner can be hit and miss. Sometimes you can get away with it fine but other times the plastic becomes brittle and falls apart. Lighter fluid evaporates extemely quickly, meaning it doesn't stay on the model for long and not cause damage to the paint etc.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

If your paint layers are enamels, then no you can't. The lighter fluid will effect you paint. This must be done over acrylics only.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

You sure can.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Yes I am. :D

[@psajmonpl]

R U Australian?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Yeah, I know what you mean. Still, at least it served a purpose..... :D

[@cathoderayguns]

Or you could just buy a wash. Looking on the internet, it seems like Gundam modelers will do anything but buy a wash made by Citadel, Vallejo, Reaper, Secret Weapon, etc. They'll make videos about how you can make a wash with Tamiya paint and unicorn tears, but buying a $4 pot of Nuln Oil, that's just ridiculous.

[@donuteddie]

using an acrylic wash dries really quick and it's a lot more difficult to clean up. a lot of mini painters use oil washes instead of acrylic washes for this reason. there really isn't a reason to use acrylic washes especially when they are more expensive then buying enemals which are around 1 dollar and a lot of people have enemals and lighter fluid laying around.

[@BennyCFD]

+SykoFox Price per fluid oz for pre-made wash's are pretty expensive. Most of the stuff you get from the big name model suppliers like Tamiya, Vallejo, AV, Mig etc you can use general cheaper stuff that works as well. Work cheaper. A good modeler can make most anything work. That's why they are good

[@fazarazad5334]

SykoFox there are many ways to achieve these results. Not by buying pre made washes only.

[@henshinplex]

nohomo LOVE YOUR ACCENT

[@ChukFlanagan]

This style of wash deteriorated the plastic and made the plastic brittle to the point that some of the joints broke.....BEWARE LIGHTER FLUID. I'm going to look into buying a pre-made wash.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

fakelife12 Lighter Fluid does not effect the plastic. The enamel paint would have more effect than the lighter fluid. I have yet to have a piece weaken with lighter fluid but I have had many weaken using premade washes like the Tamiya or MiG washes which are made using enamel thinners like low odour turpentine. That's what causes issues with the plastic. The trick is to apply too much and then let it sit. Apply in small amounts and let dry before adding more. Too much means there will be too much thinner sitting on the plastic which causes it to become brittle.

[@ChukFlanagan]

i used oil based paint and l fluid? was it the oil paint or the lighter fluid that made it brittle?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

fakelife12 Oil paint will be the culprit. Try not to apply too much at one time.

[@StonyRabbit]

ps i didnt get far in the video u did say someting never mind lol

[@michaelhalbert9264]

NO FLAMES!!!!!

[@ichanordonez1219]

I'm planning to do this in a ready to use tight sealed mini glass jar like my own tamiya accent panel wash, what is the best ratio for it? Will the lighter fluid evaporate overtime inside?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

If it is sealed properly, it wont evaporate. Ratio wise, a good wash usually is around 1 part paint to 9 parts thinners (lighter fluid in this case)

[@raizaki12]

can i top coat it with a acrylic topcoat spray paint?

[@TheGhostofZeon]

Yes. Top coating is fine.

[@WiseOldDudee]

TheGhostofZeon Does enamel paint eat trough plastic?(for the panel lining that/I plan to mix it with some zippo lighter fuel)? I'm only doing panel lining and decals+ matte finish,all on bare plastic.

[@TheGhostofZeon]

WiseOldDudee No, enamels are fine with plastic.