How I Build Gunpla!

Ever wondered about how I build efficiently? Now you know!
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Thanks for watching!

[@9thphony]

We build so different, I build step by step by the manual and don’t cut out all the parts at once as I don’t wanna get similar looking parts mixed up.

[@axess707]

Same here. I don't get people who cut out all the parts at once.

[@cabso]

@@axess707 exactly, especially master grade or more complicated kits.

[@bS0up]

@@axess707 my guess is, some people just don't like the clutter caused by having all the runners on the desk as they're building the kit

[@denmarktv6123]

Hahahaha if you already build so many kits the one by one look into the manual then return the runner then get that again is so boring thats why we prefer to cut all at once. Me i cut it per color. See. Imagine how difficult is that separating the frame into armors hahaha but its fun

[@Jaynesslessly]

@@axess707 its easier to clean up nubs if its all cut out already. its a pain in the ass to cut out like 5 pieces for an arm, grab the knife and cut nubs, grab the stick and sand, snap it, then repeat the process for another part. its much easier to snip everything, then cut all the nubs, then sand everything, then you have a perfectly prepared kit that can just be snapped together all in one go without having to worry about further clean up

[@demomanchaos]

One massively useful trick is to get a box of some sort to rest on your lap. The number of times that lap box has caught dropped parts and saved me the trouble of searching around under the desk for small parts is incalculable.

[@angrydrawings3910]

Smart! I’m gonna start doing that

[@ParmMannREBORN]

Oh man this is a great idea, definitely doing this

[@dougblack9638]

Absolutely I use a seed tray

[@walterbonilla8143]

Son of a bitch. This sounds so handy

[@bluex610]

But that's part of the fun of gunpla!

[@xenophagia]

*FOR THOSE WONDERING* (plus some extra tips): When Zaku was speaking about directly applying panel liner to a kit and it possibly leading to breakage in the future, I'm pretty sure he is specifically speaking about liquid panel liner like Tamiya and not the Gundam Marker type panel liners. Gundam Marker panel liners are water based and are perfectly safe to apply directly to a kit (they are not the same as the normal Gundam Markers). They're easy to use, cheap, cleans up super easy (pencil eraser, q-tip, or even your finger), and they work wonders. I always recommend newer Gunpla builders (especially those who aren't interested in painting) to pick up these 3 Gundam Marker panel liners as *must haves:* Black(GM01). Gray(GM02). Brown(GM03). Black(GM01) for your dark colored parts (but can be used on lighter parts if you like that look). Gray(GM02) for your light colored parts. Then brown(GM03) which is almost exclusively used for yellow parts (but you can use black or grey if you like). I very highly recommend *every* Gunpla builder to have these in their kit (at least the black & gray). There are some great Gundam Marker & GM panel liner tips & tricks videos on YT that are worth watching if you haven't used a Gundam Marker or GM panel liner before. Happy building!🤘

[@sslocke]

I like the idea of cutting all the pieces and separating into a container by section. Need to try that on my next hg. Desk gets pretty cluttered with runners and my tools

[@onionring1531]

A cutting mat with sections divided similarly to the containers can work quite well also but that can have its flaws especially if you have something unexpected happen and need to then put the parts into a container anyway.

[@Ryzearn]

Honestly it's gonna take a long time to get used to you without the glasses

[@reijigamer]

Same

[@Astronopolis]

I’ve done this method before with good results, however my favorite way to build is to have a bit of hype built up around the kit, doing some research into the line art, color scheme, and do some visualization of how I want it to turn out. Then I will dig in to the kit, cutting out the parts that need the most work first, such as seam line removal, masking, etc. for example I’m building a HG Ez8. First things I cut out were the feet, shield, antenna, and chest because all of those parts needed primer and masking for the grey paint. Then I proceed to cut out the legs, and plan how I will deal with the seams. This time I opted to use the offset seam as a panel line and created a matching one with a scriber. Then I build feet up, cementing and removing seams first, and building the rest while I wait for cement to cure, filing and sanding as I build. It really increases my enjoyment of the kit because I almost enjoy the process more than the result!

[@vustvaleo8068]

the HG "army builder" kits like the Leo and 30 Minutes Missions spoiled us with how their runners work that sometimes you don't need instructions to build them, technology has advanced indeed.

[@ponderosa1873]

When I worked in a wood factory we made table tops. The plastic sometimes would get scratched so to make it passable for the customer we would rub our finger on our head and rub the scratch. Something about the oil on your face makes the color blend. I use it on the white marks

[@wr1ght939]

Just felt crippling nostalgia watching you build that torso. My first kit was the hguc Zaku I the origin.

[@Moonlighter_TV]

The tip on going through all the nipping and sorting it using a tackle box was 100% worth the whole video. When I only had one or two models to build I had no problem nipping just wh as t I needed for the next step but now that I have the stereotypical backlog shelf I definitely appreciate the idea of assembly line style

[@r-jaymariano1054]

I've been doing this "method" for a while now and it really is more efficient than cutting, cleaning and building per section.

[@kmrl5982]

I’m a beginner and I’ve only built 3 gunplas, thanks for the building tips because my hg wing should arrive today 😃

[@dvdmuckle]

Holy shit! I thought I was being kinda hacky for using the fingernail approach on stressed nub marks, cool to see it's actually a valid technique!

[@RobotJeeg]

I have to say this. I build scale models since when I was a kid and now I'm 49. Well...even if I build a lot of gunpla I never think about cutting nubmarks a little bit from every angle like you do. Nice idea. I will try with my next kit. I want to see it it's better then just sanding the last little bit of nubmark. Thank you.

[@ZakuAurelius]

You never know when you’ll find me ways to do even the simplest steps! 👍

[@oofootoofoo]

So we actually do the exact same thing! :D I'm glad I arrived at this method pretty quickly, I've been building for almost 2 years. I did notice how much more quickly my build went once i got it down. Recently it took only two sittings to build my PG MK II

[@tyronedeasis5055]

I always build from the feet up. I just find it more satisfying seeing it slowly taking form

[@pretzel1313]

I have not yet ever painted a kit, and it was wild seeing you basically describe the same method I use to do straight builds even though we've never even met each other. I hate filing/sanding, so I use a hobby knife, almost the same way you do, except I trim the nubs down with my nippers since I want them to be as invisible as possible. Your tips for getting the final last little bits of the nub marks to disappear were fantastic! I will definitely be using what I've learned from you in the future as I continue to build. Thank you!

[@onionring1531]

I generally just go through the runners needed for the current page in alphabetical order and cut the parts with about 1mm of spare nub straight onto the instructions. Then when I have all the parts for that page I'll grab the knife, file, and/or sand paper to finish and assemble. Though my process is only because I don't like separating parts into containers due to my innate talent of accidentally hitting the corner of the container and sending the parts flying everywhere.

[@mattmakes2743]

Thanks for the tips!

[@cancersticks2048]

I’ll pb always use the masking tape with the runner number on it just cuz I like it buuuut since watching this Ive got the jewelry boxes and I put the runners in order in the box now and I’m gona stop going through the instructions and building in the order it tells me cuz this seems so much better to me. I have about 50+ kits now since I started back in April of last year and most are hg’s with a few rg’s and after building about 5 I dread all the sanding and then messing up the part and having to fix it and I didn’t have paints or anything to use instead of the mass of stickers hg’s come with but now I’ve got the tools and a good method of doing things and since I’ve built and slightly painted 7 kits in a month! I’m gona get a air brush soon and then start customs and I can’t wait so ty for the tips they really did help me get back into actually building and not just collecting lol

[@schtoltheimreinbach]

Been building for only 2 months and started piece by piece through the manual. Now I cut and separate parts by runner. Clean up nubs then separate the parts by section comparing parts with the manual. Seems hard but actually the trick is looking for male and female holes on the similar looking parts. It's also quite relaxing if you clean up nubs first on all the parts then just snap build it like legos. Hardest part for me is doing the stickers for the gundam eyes lol

[@JJTheSpartan_117]

Wow, honestly, I never thought of it like that. I will definitely try it out sometime!

[@guerothepail3526]

Who's the new guy? GundamAerulius?

[@xjohnjoe7219]

Always messed up the nubs on the thruster or rifle barrel when I first started gunpla. Now I just love removing the nubs on it with a fresh sharp blade. Love your building tips Mr Zaku.

[@Squeid]

Respect for the altamont shirt throwback

[@amvemusic]

Thanks! That was a cool look into your process!

[@JakeSweeper]

It's also a good method if your modeling space is rather tight; keep everything together so you don't have a mess.

[@Tripledashhh_]

When organizing I usually do the same where I put them in alphabetical order in the box, but I also find that while building I start to remember the runners without the letters so I just end up bouncing from one to another. Also while cutting I make sure I cut off a lot of mirroring parts especially for arms and legs. I find it cute time than having to do it all in separation.

[@mildsauce8243]

love the setup on the pieces thx for the advice

[@warlord385]

Supper useful video. I like how you gave us a rough estimate on how long this process takes. I’m always like…..am I just slow and inefficient at building lol. Thanks for the tips and the content!

[@MachineMindDesigns]

Me: *[sees Zak without glasses]* Also Me: *[Confused metallic screaming]*

[@TheDeathNoteNear]

2:02 ...that is genius.

[@teejkuntantiado]

Hey thats nice. I'll try that too when i build my kits. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@ozstrider]

So many people don’t build with the next step in mind. That’s why it takes me hours to snap a HG, but I also know when I come to paint that kit it has been sanded and cleaned up way beyond what I see so many other painted kits doing. I think I need to try the tackle box approach though. Messing with runners is such a pain.

[@robinrondo]

Loved this video!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@NickDyers]

a new studio! but wheres my lovely ZUDAH BOX?

[@origamichik3n]

I usually only cut the parts needed for that particular subassembly. I only deviate from instructions in that i assemble legs and waist first so that the model could stand by itself early in the process. I then build torso, head, arms, followed by whatever is left - backpacks, weapons, option parts etc.

[@sidman107]

I’ve been using a single blade nipper to cut nubs off. Dispae or godhand do a decent job. The knife gave me issues when I use to use it. Sanding after will remove the nub completely.

[@PlamoTherapy]

Especially with the thicker nubs like in 8:12, I don't go for the knife immediately. I carefully file it down a bit before I knife it. That way, the nub is easier to remove and lessense the chance of stress marks.

[@Unwinderer]

I'll be using that jewelry box idea from now on.

[@losergamer7282]

I see some experience builders doing puzzle type build. They remove all the parts off the runners and do the build without looking at the manual. Seems very hard but heck some people had their ways and if it works for them and they enjoy building in that process, no complains here.

[@treatea2852]

Nice, I’ll definitely try your technique on the crossbone I just got

[@garrettharder713]

About to start a Crossbones kit to

[@Geekeric]

Wow, this video is a great resource and will surely swell the ranks of beginner gunpla hobbyists.

[@KrytiosSoto]

I use the same exact method, tackle box and all. I thought I was the only neat freak that did this LOL. And I see from the comments there’s a few others who also developed the same method.

[@mightyleg1439]

thx for the tips the zaku 1 looks great

[@Doodlebob563]

So do you still wake up in the morning and reach for glasses that aren't there?

[@KrisHomemadeBaking]

HG Zaku I is a great kit, and despite its age holds up quite well. I also have a lot of sentimental attachment to it because it's the first kit I have airbrushed!

[@Alvincao65]

I’ve been building like this for a little while now and I prefer it to cutting some parts, building, and repeating. It’s nice to just have a time where you’re just building without interruption

[@ZakuAurelius]

Exactly. Going back and fourth isn’t fun

[@Dunwelll]

I've been looking for a fast way to build, I have a huge backlog!

[@coreyjohnson19]

Its different seeing the video start and zaku wearing no glasses. A good different

[@TokyoFilthy]

I loved the video and i’ll definitely start taking pointers from this know lol, also this makes me realize how much a want a true revive zaku I or master grade 2.0

[@monk9803]

These is why I like this channel

[@carlomartinpefianco6710]

I used to cut and build, step by step as per instruction. but now that im familiar with the parts. I just cut everything per body part, clean the nubs and build.

[@alexlap8448]

Appreciate the break down

[@JeikeiLeopoldo18]

I wanna try the box then putting the pieces by section. I usually just build 144th scale so I think this will work for me :D Thanks!

[@fauxvier8519]

This is so helpful!

[@zentran2690]

Sick I just bought this kit too

[@d9_1056]

Man. I really like the part separator.

[@MiniatureMasterClass]

I don't cut pieces off the runner (sprue) unless I am assembling them. I see no need to turn my model kit into a jigsaw puzzle.

[@Phoenix.is.love87]

I've built 4 HG GUNPLA so far (technically 6 but 2 are AG kits soo) and the "3rd" and "4th" kits I cut all the pieces to a body part and line them up alphabetically and numerically by runner then cut nubs and build that part. I keep the instructions on something that’ll hold it standing up.

[@benadrylthundercrotch7144]

I would REALLY suggest trying snipping the nubs off at the part (once you've cut them off the runner of course) The single blade nippers basically just leave a thin strip of flash at the end that you can take off with one or two knife strokes and it looks great. I use the Dspiae nippers but I'm sure the USAGS nips would be just as good.

[@ninjatango]

That always leaves visible marks in the paint.

[@Altarahhn]

Ooh, very nice, I like that! One question, Zack: what size is that separator box you use, because I'm considering getting one, myself, and I'm curious.

[@AvatarofNyx]

Who is this total chad?

[@SOBERABSORBER]

i need to get use seeing Zak without glasses haha

[@michaelbrata5036]

Great video :)

[@BlueAmerican26]

Good stuff. How’s the new eyes treating ya?

[@ZakuAurelius]

Good! Binocular vision! 👀

[@ninjatango]

@@ZakuAurelius 3D vision, even.

[@xdevantx5870]

Double snip then nano glass file method is much faster and a finished pre-paint product.

[@thebeetovenrider1246]

Get some Godhands. You can cut them straight out with no exacto. I see alot of "Pros" using the cheap ones. The expensive ones are worth it. Its clean

[@Dunwelll]

Thanks!

[@gundamnerd9063]

i usually just follow the manual and depend on the kit i either cut it all off the runner or i set my runner in the order(A-B-C-...)then i cut the following pieces for the part i build

[@heyimhy]

hey you should review old kits that you already built and havent reviewed yet. would be awesome to look at some old kits. also see some kits we probably never heard of before or seen

[@OWO56709]

0:41 imma do a RTA any% speedrun with my next gunpla

[@jamavra]

This is how I build, but I use at least 2 tackle.boxes. I also try to get a good straight build out with knifing and sanding. I can't finish a kit in a day now sometimes I am motivated to detail paint right away

[@jonhy8351]

I just chew the runners and they turn out alright

[@VisibleNinja5674]

Always curious what other people's methods are. I think I have been sanding mine for long enough it takes me a WHILE to go through even an hg. I think once I was going to just knife shave the nubs but the perfectionist in me ended up sanding it down, lol.

[@sewhitewolf]

I've found the glass files have been great for helping with removing and helping to hide the white marks left behind from stress in the plastic. Currently using a Gunprimer branded one. Little small but I'll be getting the larger one soon

[@qwertimus]

Yes!! Glass file > fine sanding sponge > buffing/polishing sponge That gives a completely invisible result, matching the original finish without painting. This was a new discovery for me, and it's awesome

[@Phoenix.is.love87]

I might try that, what brand of glass file do y’all use?

[@po_codm]

yes

[@chrisyoung1576]

Getting this zaku I is really hard rn

[@drunkenproductionz8299]

Scrolling and just came across this, I recently just built this kit myself. I loved it, but I was disappointed how it doesn't hold the shield well

[@worf6715]

Great vid. Pretty helpful for people trying to get their backlog uploaded to socials haha. By people I mean me 😶

[@dvamp1854]

I cut out all the parts for each section so I can clean it all up then build it. If it’s a mg or rg I build the frame first then add the armor

[@ITNoetic]

I cut the parts out as I get to them, and cover the labels in the manual with them so I don't get the similar ones mixed up

[@odeg4560]

I usually cut out all the pieces on the page Im on in the manual doing it in chunks

[@MrWTF-cs6jr]

Can you make a video about parts cutting and nub cleaning on chromed kits? I love my chrome kits but I really hate cutting the parts off, the coating always leaves a bump on the nub and when you cut it flat, the chrome gets removed as well.

[@jemster38]

Did... did you paint over those beautiful box art with white paint? O_o

[@ZakuAurelius]

WHAT?! NO!!

[@MrPrrrowr]

I like the organizer case, I think it's very substantial to the efficient process. Could you product link it or share its description, please?

[@EYang-hl6hv]

I'm pretty new to the hobby and I've mainly used sandpaper to smooth things out when I mess up with the knife. I've seen some people say to use sandpaper to remove the nubs, so I was wondering if I should try to get the nub down to the last little bit with the knife and then hit the part's surface with the sandpaper instead of just using the knife all the way? Also if I should be sandpapering the entire part or just the surfaces that have nubs/seams on them in general?

[@jackychen5301]

Got to get myself one of those box! Been hunting for one but I can’t find the exact same one you use :(

[@oofootoofoo]

My bead containers are filled with Gloomhaven token/minis so I've been using take-out containers haha

[@justin2655]

Where did you manage to find that box you keep all of the parts in?

[@1996starter]

Whats your camera and lighting setup for this i mean how did u get that rightly saturated photage

[@OuroborosChoked]

Huh... I've been working more or less the same way as you have this whole time. I always vaguely suspected that I was doing something wrong, but I guess not. :\

[@jeremiahbachmann3901]

Dude, that phone in the background is super dope. What is it?

[@ZakuAurelius]

Lol it’s just the built in phone in our old apartment! 😂

[@rokushou]

Now I don't feel so bad about taking 3-4 hours to build a HG. I guess it's only people that really rush who do sub 1 hour HG builds. I usually cut out all parts of a section, clean all nubs with a godhand + knife/file/sanding, assemble the section, repeat. I've never thought to cut everything out at once since I don't have a separator box and the similar looking parts all get mixed up.

[@philipbeni2332]

What size organizer do you use for a 1/100 MG kit?

[@acidunicorn1225]

I just recently got into gunpla after mainly building war planes having an absolute blast with these. My question as a beginner though is, does the kit have to be painted?

[@ZakuAurelius]

Overall the color molding of Gunpla is great and doesn’t necessarily require much of any painting to be color accurate to the box art. So there’s no requirement per say. But many people do paint and enjoy that aspect of it so it’s totally up to how you want to enjoy the models! Welcome!

[@xenophagia]

Welcome to Gunpla! Pretty much everything Zaku said. Just to add a couple things though: With HGs and older kids of any grade, they tend to come with a lot of stickers to color correct parts. Some of these can be quite large stickers too. Some people prefer to paint those parts of the kit instead even if they're not painting the rest of the kit. Gundam Markers can work very well for some of the small detail stickers. There are Gundam Markers made for exact colors and there is a color guide in the instructions if you need to paint match. Thankfully, Bandai has been getting much better when it comes to color corrector stickers. Most the time, if you prefer not to paint your Gunpla or like the color of the kit as is: Simple panel lining and a matte top-coat (after panel lining & decals) will make a world of difference and make your unpainted kit look great (you don't have to top-coat if you don't want to, panel lining alone goes a long way). Btw, when Zaku was speaking about directly applying panel liner to a kit and it possibly leading to breakage in the future, he is specifically speaking about liquid panel liner like Tamiya and not the Gundam Marker type panel liners. Gundam Marker panel liners are water based and are perfectly safe to apply directly to a kit (they are not the same as the normal Gundam Markers that I mentioned above). They're easy to use, cheap, cleans up super easy (pencil eraser, q-tip, or even your finger), and they work wonders. I always recommend newer Gunpla builders (especially those who aren't interested in painting) to pick up these 3 Gundam Marker panel liners as *must haves:* Black(GM01). Gray(GM02). Brown(GM03). Black(GM01) for your dark colored parts (but can be used on lighter parts if you like that look). Gray(GM02) for your light colored parts. Then brown(GM03) which is almost exclusively used for yellow parts (but you can use black or grey if you like). I very highly recommend *every* Gunpla builder to have these in their kit (at least the black & gray). There are some great Gundam Marker & GM panel liner tips & tricks videos on YT that are worth watching if you haven't used a Gundam Marker or GM panel liner before. I'm sure you've learned all this stuff by now, but thought I'd post anyway just in case. Happy building!🤘

[@UguuYianKutKu]

I understand this video is not for that subject, but do you sand down your surfaces before painting? I know some people say its unneeded but others do the full surface prep and wanted an educated opinion on it and its benefits. ty for reading

[@ZakuAurelius]

Yes I sand most surfaces for painting

[@swakage13x]

I cut out from the frame in the order the manual says and as I'm taking the parts off the runner I then take the knife to clean up the edges

[@Ranma_Leopard]

I'm curious what is your procedure for applying the stickers (I'm really talking about those super tiny stickers that are generally the eyes and the head cameras as I've tried using toothpicks & tweezers but I still end up with lopsided/off-center stickers) what's your recommendation for it (sticker frustration got me hooked onto painting)

[@ZakuAurelius]

Just tweezer and toothpick that’s all!

[@Ranma_Leopard]

@@ZakuAurelius sorry for the late late question but do u have a specific type of tweezer/brand that you use? (Currently using the Pixnor precision tweezers yet I can't can't seem to find the right balance between fingers, tweezers, and toothpicks)

[@petrusdimitrilarantukan7678]

Can you make a tutorial coloring clear part with sharpie

[@tantohalim]

it can take me around 3-4 hours just for HG, I am not sure why I am so slow at building kits. but I do enjoy the process of building kits and it feels like meditation to me, so eh, not bad I guess? *saying that while looking at my 100+ kits backlog. I am not gonna able to build all of these lol