Tutorial to Improve Your Gunpla! One-Point Technique Guide

New to building Gunpla or just want to improve the look of your models? Follow these simple steps for fantastic results!
Thanks to USA Gundam Store for making this tutorial possible! Shop online and use coupon code ZAKUAURELIUS10
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Blog: zakuaurelius.blogspot.com
Thanks for watching!

[@shinsegi5697]

Can you make this an ongoing series where you gradually introduce intermediate to advanced techniques? Love it!

[@bchaosrath2313]

Exactly! That would be very cool

[@elmiraman]

This. Even though I have been building a while it was both informative and relaxing to watch. Loved it.

[@AstreaGT]

Yea, even as someone who's intermediate/advanced, there's always something that we could pick up or maybe make our lives a little easier.

[@pedalfr3ak265]

I could use more tips and tricks from better builders as well

[@Ldad27]

There is a series of videos on gundaminfo KZbin channel by Meiji Kawaguchi that is exactly what you’re looking for.

[@TheDeathNoteNear]

No matter how many nub removal/sanding tutorials I watch, it always feels like witchcraft.

[@kennethvillanueva4353]

Practice makes progress tho!

[@JangoTheBlueFox]

the trick is a glass nail file and a finger nail buffing block. Zack did a video all about it.

[@cheetoritos]

I feel like it's almost impossible to avoid stress marks on more brittle/dark plastic... A good coat of paint will cover it all up though (just takes a lot more work/time)

[@cheetoritos]

@Straw Berry I do most bare plastic with panel lines/painted in details, then top coat. I have done a few fully painted ones with my airbrush too, but it takes too long and my backlog is too big lol, so airbrush is mostly for topcoat and shiny chrome for thrusters.

[@cheetoritos]

@Straw Berry It's totally doable! I would check out PaintOnPlastic with Lincoln Wright if you haven't already of you are interested in hand painting

[@ZakuAurelius]

EDIT: I thought I'd done a review video of this Hobby Japan mook but apparently I didn't! Sorry! If you'd like to see a full review of the mook let me know!

[@RvLeshrac]

Would love it here. I hate to say that most of these mooks aren't *worth* it, because work goes into them, but the reality is that they're frequently "open once then never again" or just common things that you can get from a 30 second video (or just a gunpla's one-point-technique infobox) with no real elaboration or guidance.

[@alexloudenslager4224]

I would like to see more. I'm having trouble finding a lot of tutorials that go more in depth about more advanced modeling techniques.

[@user-vp4ko9sn3k]

Mr zaku Aurelius how much that one

[@bransen2099]

In my 20 years of building… I never thought of making camera stickers with tape. That’s why you never assume you know everything, you’re always gonna learn something. Great video

[@ZakuAurelius]

Exactly why I enjoy and never overlook “beginner” books! There’s always new things to learn at any skill level!

[@benadrylthundercrotch7144]

Making your own foil stickers out of masking tape is a really neat trick.

[@mcrxviii7456]

I really like this video format, it is chill and relaxing while learning simple modeling techniques.

[@BLAZE084]

Agreed. It's nice to go over the basics every now and then.

[@Anon-yl7dl]

You should have applied a white base coat 1st for the yellow scope on the beam riffle. That way when you apply the 2nd coat with the yellow it will be more opaque. Yellow is a weak pigment but if you apply white first it will have more luster.

[@ZakuAurelius]

I personally would have yes, but I was sticking to making a video version of what’s in the book

[@zombie8hunters]

Thank you so much, getting my first kit today!! Got the hg aerial rebuild, can't wait to use these tips and get to work!! Very nervous on nub removal though... I know some will show on my first kit but, it's ok❤❤❤

[@MSGSlayer1]

This takes me back to when I built my first kit, the original HGUC Gundam. I used nail scissors to separate parts, canvas paint for minor coloring, and a toothpick dipped in ink for the panel lines. The Gunpla also had a blue sheen to it from building it on a newspaper. Once done, though, I couldn't stop staring at it.

[@thomfyoufool]

No matter how many “flaws” a first kit might have, it’s always still beautiful to look at.

[@handcannonart]

They sell this kit and a few others at TARGET stores in the U.S.

[@Tripledashhh_]

Yeah gundam is becoming globally available again. Which is why there’s that new figure line Gundam universe for the U.S. audience demographic.

[@Bobert2020]

Common ones are the zaku ii revive and eg rx-78-2.

[@nedinnis6752]

And that's amazing, considering the past when I could only find Gundam and Barnes and Noble and online stores

[@Tripledashhh_]

Ned Innis gundam being at Barnes and nobles is still fairly new honestly just started happening a year ago. But it was a surprise when that happened

[@PauloMagno0203]

Awesome vid as always. Loved how you used different markers as there are a lot of em out there and it gets quite confusing for beginners like me. Thanks Zaku.

[@wentle1985]

Great basics video. I haven't built a kit in maybe four years and hadn't built many before that even so I was looking for a refresher to give me a little confidence to start a build and this was exactly what I needed to see so thank you for that.

[@aurorainfinite2292]

2 years later and I’m finding this video extremely helpful! Very pleasantly presented too. Thanks for this.

[@zetsugami00]

Thanks for putting this video out! I've been building for years, but I'm always happy to see and learn from other builders.

[@RedCometNurse]

I have been building Gunpla for 20 years and there were still things in here I have never tried before. Awesome video!

[@ZakuAurelius]

Same! Amazing how that happens hey

[@TildAbuse]

Beautiful work as always, sir~ If I may add a little bit, those sanding sticks/ sponges are also a handy way to take down the plastic sheen on your models, giving them a matte finish without the need for top coat. As for panel lining, I personally like to use the Gundam Marker "Pen" on white and lighter neutral colors. I use the quotation marks 'cause that's how it's advertised, but it's really just a mechanical pencil with extremely fine graphite. The graphite breaks very easily, but it gets in the narrow spots nicely, and wipes away just as easily as the panel lining markers. You can also use an average mechanical pencil, but I suggest using a knife to cut the graphite to a thin chisel-tip.

[@MCMXCI42]

This was great!! I've been using gundam markers to do little paint apps and panel lining already, but there are a lot of techniques in this I hadn't got to yet. Thanks for this!

[@towelboi]

Thanks for the great tips, Zak! Looking forward to seeing more of these kinds of videos. Cheers!

[@brian728]

I would love instructional videos like this. I've been building gundams for decades but I still learned some stuff from this video.

[@evoiii8]

Fantastic as always, Zach. Your guides are the best around. Solid advice delivered in an addictively easy to watch format.

[@ZakuAurelius]

Thanks bro 🙏

[@MrAzrael94]

this is exactly what to was looking for! I just recently got into building, and these tips helped immensely and gave me a fantastic point of reference for tools that I still need to get. thank you!

[@ilhamdipura6304]

looking forward for the follow up video, thank you for making this video!

[@unibeamx20a31]

Dude keep this up! These were some great tips and techniques. Learned a few new tricks for sure.

[@Michiho.]

love this kind of beginner tutorial vids, i have bought dozens of gunpla, kotobukiya other eastern model kits, bought enough of tools and lots of gundam paint marker, still keep buying new plastic models especially those new eastern model line but never rlly have time to build them at all, only ever build 1 sd kit and 2 rg so far few years back with simple snap fit after clearing seam lines, so watching this kind of fresh beginner trick is fun

[@natalebabbo-gunplaanddioramas]

Very nice video. A really useful couple of tips I never thought of before. Thanks! I look forward to part 2.

[@dhamongrimwulfe5401]

Looks awesome! Waiting on my shenlong figure preorder and I’ve started to build entry kits. Definitely going to have to get markers and such ordered now.

[@RatedPR]

this looks so good! I never done any custom other than basic panel liner and wow

[@usinor2104]

Thanks for the Tip to split the Waist part. From now on I will use it for sure

[@noodlestrings9852]

I just got started in building gunplas. I'm gonna try these methods you've shown soon. Everytime I finish a kit it just looks lacking in some aspects, thank you for showing me these techniques.

[@thiagovercosa8478]

Thx! This was so much useful! Hope you do more of this kind of video on the future

[@EcnoTheNeato]

Painting a piece of tape and then applying it to a recessed area is...absolutely GENIUS! Thanks!

[@shutz7894]

Bruh, thanks a lot your channel really full of information for beginner to start gunpla especially when you wanted to start to custom or modify but didn't know where or how to begin.

[@Tripledashhh_]

I would have never watched this zack but I’m glad I did lol it really brought me back to my first days of building gundam

[@comicguy8912]

This is an amazing beginner’s tutorial, one of the best!

[@bloodraven4812]

Great video! It really shows that you put a good deal of effort into the planing and editing of the video. It makes for an immensely pleasant viewing experience! I hope this video does well and that it inspires you to go about more of your videos in this manner, when it is warranted. Again, great work and I hope your are proud of this video.

[@ZakuAurelius]

Thank you man 🙏

[@forklift8362]

Please make part 2, I really liked this!

[@BlueAmerican26]

Greattttt tutorial on how a little love and effort can really make something shine.

[@diestage2026]

Surely more of this, Zach!

[@coreyjohnson19]

Deff a great video. Would love to see more!

[@astorre3212]

Great video, really appreciate your tips and the way you deliver them :)

[@PloyBoy]

Amazing guide thank you. I think everyone would like to se more of Tutorial type videos. Ps I would also like to see more product reviews like markers you used in this tutorial Keep up with good work : )

[@fantastiCkiLler92]

Watching this video remind me when I getting my first gundam markers and try to paint straight away 10+ years ago. Not too long after that I bought couple bottles of mr color paint and paint it straight out of bottle using brush, then wash the brush using tap water....yeah I didn't even know about the thinner XD Good old days, we were once a beginner.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

Thank you for making this useful guide for beginners!

[@markandrewvelascocastelo9391]

This really help me because I don't costom paint my gunpla just paint the sticker because we all know sticker suck so thank you

[@mattmakes2743]

Super helpful, thank you!

[@lorenzretiro]

15:15 crocodiles be hating on alligators for getting a tool named after them

[@ZakuAurelius]

Crocodile clip even has a nice ring to it!

[@tyler-xo3rb]

wonderful cozy little video! :)

[@2t0nrhianwilliams21]

I used nail clippers to knock the rounded parts off of the horns of my RX-78-2, I’m gonna get a lining n art kit to do more to it

[@lordofworldz]

This is the kind of tutorial I needed :D

[@brandonchaplin9782]

I used the flow Grey flow pen on my RX-78 GPO1 and for a first time I don't mind it, everything has definition which is nice now. But I know after a I get better at doing that I'll be able to get it a lot cleaner. The slightly dirty look to the model is nice too so that's always a plus

[@hobbydabs7962]

Learned a lot from this video. Thank you sir!

[@d9_1056]

I learned a lot, and thoroughly enjoyed the video. Just assembled my first gunpla (saw it at Target), and really want to dive in. KZbin has been cramming all kinds of info into my head.

[@ZakuAurelius]

Welcome! Enjoy gunpla and feel free to reach out if you have questions

[@Mr.QT_3.14]

I loved this! So helpful!!

[@jaycerolls106]

I really enjoy these types of videos. I've been building Gunpla for over 20 years, and I still really enjoy seeing other techniques in detail. The possibility of learning more or different ways of doing things is really great!

[@maioungarden]

I really loved this tutorial!!

[@muzammermalik2668]

Nice tutorial man! Keep it up

[@greymelton3466]

Great tips, gonna try some on the HGACs I just got

[@HaloDJumper]

Hell, bought an EG for testing different techniques for panel lining/nub removal/ painting etc. and I was actually surprised by how good the articulation is.

[@yousafmehmet]

This is very useful for beginners. Thank you.

[@tjbach8213]

This is great content very comfy, very good:)

[@nathanaudet8271]

ive got the same kit (but the red parts are clear on mine) , i just put it together yesterday as my very first gunpla, it was really fun to build and your vid gave me tons of ideas to make it look better thanks!!

[@ZakuAurelius]

Glad to hear it! Thanks!

[@johnny_boi5456]

This was also my first kit I built

[@generalwoe359]

Painting Warhammer taught me to base your yellows/reds with a brown layer first Works wonders for helping it hold pigment without a dozen coats

[@marquise8094]

Love this kind of videos!

[@naruchif1995]

this video is very helpful for everyone! i would really like to see the rest of the book

[@maioungarden]

Thanks, man! I really liked the video

[@beminking7686]

Looking forward to the second video

[@christopher1989ish]

Thanks for the vid!

[@tomat4t4]

Waiting for the 2nd part!!

[@joadarium9605]

Very great tutorial!

[@BLAZE084]

I once used a candy wrapper with a silvery looking backing. It wasn't wrinkled or anything. I just painted the reflective surface in clear paint, cut a piece, a little dab of glue and stuck it onto my model. But if you have metallic paints the masking tape method is way easier.

[@tylerschuler6853]

More tutorial vids like this please!

[@cabso]

This is amazing thanks!!!

[@roynobody]

my friend is just getting into plamo, this is a good video i can send her so she can learn the basics! thanks!

[@ZakuAurelius]

Hell yeah! Just who it’s for 👍

[@xXSevanmoXxv]

Ah man ! even when I use simular tools and Technics I still learned new things whatching this video got my hand on a MG Fenice Rinascita ALBA I make sure I apply what I learned in to that kit !

[@heyzahid]

Loving it!

[@brandonkillmen1007]

Helped alot

[@albertko1]

One thing I like to do if I'm trying to cover a part without primer is to scuff/lightly sand it with 1000 grit and wipe clean so that the paint (even EX Gundam Marker) has a better hold on the plastic surface without primer. Most paints self level enough for smaller surfaces so you'll still get a nice smooth finish even if the surface wasn't before.

[@ElBestDelWorld]

Super helpful after years since the last time that I have even tried to do a Gunpla

[@ZakuAurelius]

Glad to hear it!

[@CaimZheit]

When I have to paint details on a gunpla I usually start with one or two coats of white waterbased acrylic paint on the interested parts. It doesn't need to be a perfect cover, but it helps a lotb light colours like yellow.

[@vustvaleo8068]

this video will be handy for my younger cousins, thanks!

[@markgivler9381]

This was an awesome video for a beginner like me.

[@justindavisphotography]

Enjoyed this video

[@captain_zed]

Thanks for this, I think I will give some Gundam Markers a go :)

[@SOBERABSORBER]

best. gunpla. youtubers. ever.

[@aerynmusick4548]

If you get a kneaded rubber eraser you can mold it into shapes to fit into tight places.

[@zkc8]

Fun tutorial!

[@nilus2k]

If you are in the US, Target sells the entry grade kit for $10(on sale sometimes for as low as $6)

[@bee-beargaming]

This video was helpful.

[@zakhaevshub4735]

What a nostalgia when I see this video ❤️

[@AirshipFury]

man, my arthritis is acting up just seeing you do all those things that require fine motor skills. Great video, can't wait to try em out!

[@ZakuAurelius]

You’ll love it!

[@AirshipFury]

@@ZakuAurelius No doubt! BTW, do I need to polish a piece I intend on spraying top coat on, or does that come after? Cheers!

[@fardzleyruslan5554]

do second part pls, very helpful

[@KageNoTora74]

Hobby knives can often inflict accidental injuries, so cap it between uses. Finger cots can mitigate nicks and cuts by providing a barrier betwixt your fingertips and the finely honed blade. Also be aware of the tip of your nippers and scribing tools if used. Keep Band-Aids on hand just in case. If you're going to use spray products like primer, paint or top coat make sure you have ample ventilation and, ideally, use a paint booth to prevent overspray getting onto surfaces you don't intend to paint. Wear a respirator rated for spray painting if you do. A dust mask won't work.

[@mikewazowski9412]

Lovely video Zack!!! Gotta try my luck with topcoating now lol. Any particular brand of matte coat that you'd recommend?

[@ZakuAurelius]

Mr.Hobby!

[@kuzy4847]

Great video! How are you mounting your camera to get that angel of view? Arm stand with a clamp? Cheers!

[@lifesbetteronaboard]

Amazing content thsnk you 👏

[@captain_random_senpai7608]

I didn't know this front flap could be cut lol I have this kit with the one that additionally has the full weapon Loud out. I also have two rx hg I was planning on making one the prototype more akin to the anime or atleast hybrid of a rg and anime look. But looking at a break down of techniques I've stumbled upon myself this was very handy

[@xer0vi]

Using masking tape for a camera is genius. Though I just paint inside that tiny square. But thats still an awesome idea.

[@gamerfan1135]

Until now, I didn't realize that I could separate the front skirts on gunpla. 10/10 made my HG Master gundam better.

[@ZakuAurelius]

awesome!

[@thomasglaze255]

I didn't use any masking tape for my 1/144 entry grade Gundam kit. I used MS Gundam Red paint and I used my Astray Gundam gold paint marker for the eyes. And I'm even thinking of doing some weathered battle damage to it, to make it look even MORE real. Oh, and I have 21 1/100's and probably 19 1/144's and every single one is FULLY completed. Paint markers, detail markers and pins along with both the Gundam and Char's Zaku 2 weathering marker sets.

[@goliath63079]

I really liked this video, do you have the list of marker sets to recommend?