Teaching Young Gunpla Builders Sanding Techniques

[@Spencer31494]

I’m not a young builder but I’m new to the hobby and it’s nice to have someone explain in detail what to do

[@ironbomb6753]

I've been building models since the 70's. I'm always looking for additional information or techniques. I learned something here too. 👍🙂

[@allenmanapat4015]

Great teacher! You have a gift, sir. Thank you!

[@faster6438]

It's much easier to clean the dust off of sandpaper and files by sticking them to masking tape and taking it off. The dust sticks to masking tape and you get clean sandpaper!

[@hellfire2023]

i watch Dankpod, the man has a pointy rock named 1 grit, whenever i'm confused about the grit value, i remember that rock :)

[@retroa-go-go6888]

"Grit" is how many particles of abrasive (sand/glass/etc.) are on one square inch of the surface of the paper/file/sponge/block. So, the higher the number, the finer it is. Simple to remember.

[@ErikPs]

what a grat teacher man! Keep it going!

[@jeffreymartinez3684]

im getting ready for my first gunpla build since i was in elementary school (i'm 33 now) and this is extremely helpful!

[@jozefrockatansky1588]

I'm in the same boat myself, used to build these a lot when I was younger, I think the last one I put together was the MG Exia kit, and then I stopped for some reason...finally getting back into it and intend to actually have a go at painting them and everything as there's also some customization I want to do too, mainly to the MG Heavyarms, I prefer the TV versions gatling that slips onto the arm itself...been watching Niko's stuff, very good teacher, easy to follow stuff especially for handpainting. 38 myself and probably have a lot more patience now than I did back when i just used to snap them together and call it a day. Though i'll likely practice on an airfix aircraft kit or something first, so I don't bugger up any of the gundam kits in my little pile, some of these are silly prices in the UK so can't afford any majopr mistakes!

[@xxnike0629xx]

I can't wait to see how they react when they first use a glass file.

[@GundamPros]

Maybe an updated video in the future...we'll see

[@knarranz]

Me too! It's a trip!

[@faithless1204]

we need more videos like these to invite younger generation

[@knarranz]

We are trying! It's a fun hobby and I think everyone should at least build one!

[@GundamPros]

Maybe a series of some sort.

[@Marshal976]

Excellent video!

[@Jangmo88]

Cool video thanks

[@xdevantx5870]

Starting at 200 grit, yikes! Blue tack/silly putty is a great way to clean your sanding tools. For what a single pack of sandpaper costs, you can buy a lifetime of glass files. You don't need Raiser tools or Godhand, especially if you're a beginner. Get the similar tool that's less expensive. Sometimes you can clean up the frosting by just 'scratching' back and forth with your fingernail. Nitpicking aside, you're a fantastic mentor.

[@Blurite]

3:59 *same*

[@sakidickerson]

What was that sanding bar where you just easily peeled one side of the sand paper off?

[@12stormy13]

Can you get a list of the tools that the mentor (Niko) uses in his sanding? I saw a couple I was interested in adding to my ever growing tool pile.

[@joealoe2225]

PAPA NEEKS

[@francescodenapoli1555]

Gunprimer. My Savior!!!!

[@stephentaylor1030]

I'm currently getting in the Gunpla scene and pretty much know the basic's. I know these are different from the automotive side but, I'm having problems with sanding the edges on certain parts. The details are so precise that I'm sanding some of them away ( Not good ). Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

[@wawalol2729]

Changing the size of your sandpaper and angle can have a huge impact. Avoid putting too much pressure as you'll take away fine details. Essentially glide it over the area you're sanding. It is a bit similar to doing body work on a car except you have ridge and fine lines everywhere rather than a generally smooth/ round surface. Specialty tools go a long way in this hobby but most of all build the way you enjoy the most!

[@stephentaylor1030]

@@wawalol2729 Thanks for the info. I'm getting better as i go but, I think my problem is that I'm getting in a hurry. Would the sanding sticks be better for the angles compared to the foam sanding pads?

[@SamRK-1000]

Also, you may be going ham fisted and scratching back and forth really fast and with a lot of pressure. It looks that way in Gunpla builder videos, they seem like they are fast and using lots of force, but that’s not the case IRL. What you wanna do is gently, slowly swipe in one direction, don’t swipe back and forth changing directions constantly, I find that adds way too much heat, pressure, and more gouges into the surface of the kit. It really tires the hand to do it in this new, slower, gentler way, but you will get a nicer result that way, it’s how I do it. The main way to improve Gundam modeling is to breathe, take it slow, don’t try to rush. For example, if you gotta glue soemthing, instead of slathering cement between parts, you can just dab a couple dots of glue, put the parts together, and use a clamp. It will be a few hours before the glue has bonded and cured, but the result will be much nicer because you are taking your time, appreciating your model. Give your kits time, I know it’s easy to just rush through and hope for the best, I am going thru college and have limited time for Gunpla, and in that case it’s ok to rush to enjoy. But I am aiming to get to a level of modeling beyond my previous experience. Feel free to reply if you have any other questions! I’m not as skilled as say, EA Gunpla, but I do have a good amount of experience and knowledge. Just take things slow and enjoy the process :D

[@SamRK-1000]

ALSO another thing I wanna add, using adhesive back sandpaper with a sanding board (whether you wanna use metal or plastic board is up to you!) will help keep things nice and even. Also clean sandpapers often. I’ve not really found a method I like for cleaning, I usually just blot with some water on a rag to the grit, then let the paper sit out for an hour and then get back to using it.

[@ZooKeePla]

dont ask why I'm here I'm trying to learn too

[@itsme_6023]

Teaching my friends on how to build gunplas,any tips?

[@wawalol2729]

Everyone builds a different way, some people just want to reach the end and have a finished product and not spend so much time on fine details. Others are obsessive and will freak out about tiny imperfections. When teaching them give them the general idea of how to cut and maybe a little bit of sanding and go from there! If they want to learn more of go above and beyond they'll do it on their own.

[@ianfleetwood8804]

Sadly if this was me, I would be put off building when others are scruiting what I do. I build my own enjoyment, not for it to be ripped apart.

[@wawalol2729]

Gundam Pro's guys are great to be around and its a pretty judgement free environment. Everyone has a different building style and experience level! It's all about meeting like minded people at events like these :)