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How to Paint Gunpla: Markers, Brushes and Spray Cans

How to paint a Gunpla kit as a beginner: start with markers or pencil shading, then brushes and spray cans, which paints are safe on ABS, and ventilation.

By Gundam Models editorial teamUpdated October 5, 20263 min readHow we research

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A blue model airplane next to paint bottles and brushes on a workbench

To paint Gunpla as a beginner, start small: shade with pencil dust or color details with Gundam Markers, then move to brushes for small areas and spray cans for whole parts. Paint is optional, since Bandai molds parts in color. Use water-based paints near ABS parts, because Bandai warns lacquer and enamel products can crack or damage them.

Bandai’s painting tips present paint as a way to step up a finished kit. They cover spray cans, brushes and even a pencil, and suggest the pencil route for anyone uncomfortable with paint.

Four ways to add color, easiest first

Method	What you need	Good for
Pencil shading	A pencil, a cotton swab	Soft grime and depth, no paint
Gundam Markers	Markers in the colors you need	Small details, eyes, vents
Brush painting	Hobby paint, fine brushes	Details and small parts
Spray cans	A can per color, masking tape	Whole parts in one color

Pencil shading. Bandai’s method: shave the pencil core into powder and apply it across the kit with a cotton swab. It adds realistic grime and, Bandai notes, looks much better in photos.

Gundam Markers. Mr. Hobby sells Gundam Markers in sets, including metallic colors, and a Gundam Marker airbrush system that sprays from a marker. See the Gundam Marker guide.

Brush painting. Airfix lists acrylic or enamel paints and a range of fine to medium brushes as basic tools. For Gunpla, keep to water-based acrylics near ABS parts.

Spray cans. Good for a whole part in one color. Mask anything that should stay unpainted.

Paint and plastic: what Bandai warns about

Safety

Bandai’s notes on tools and paints: lacquer paints can crack ABS plastic, and surfacer is a lacquer paint; enamel paints can damage parts; and enamel, lacquer and alcohol solvents can damage ABS. Only water-based top coat is named as safe among spray cans; check the paint type of any other spray. Gunpla is mostly polystyrene with some ABS parts, according to Wikipedia, and runners holding ABS parts are marked “ABS”.

Fumes matter too. Bandai says to use spray cans in a well-ventilated place. Revell advises ventilation and a respirator with an activated carbon filter for enamel and solvent-based acrylic paints, and a particle mask even with water-based acrylics, because fine droplets can reach the lungs.

Hobby paints for model kits

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A simple first paint job

Pick one detail, such as the eyes, vents or a weapon, rather than the whole kit.
Clean the part so the paint sticks.
Paint thin coats with a fine brush or marker; two thin coats look better than one thick one.
Let it dry fully, then panel line and add decals.
Seal it with a water-based top coat.

Masking for clean color lines

To paint one area of a part a different color, mask the rest. Airfix recommends low-tack masking tape for sharp paint lines and for protecting areas while you paint.

Press the tape edge down firmly along the line you want.
Paint thin coats over the edge, not thick ones that seep underneath.
Remove the tape slowly once the paint is touch-dry, pulling back over itself.

Many Gunpla parts already change color at a molded edge or panel line, which makes a natural place to stop the tape.

When to think about an airbrush

If you start painting whole kits, an airbrush gives the thinnest, smoothest layers. Revell notes that airbrushed layers are thin enough to keep a model’s detail and dry fast, but it is a step up in cost and practice. Our airbrush kits guide covers what a first setup needs. For the order of all the finishing steps, see the build guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to paint Gunpla?

No. Bandai molds the parts in color, so a kit looks right straight from the box. Painting is an optional step for changing colors, adding detail or giving a realistic finish.

What paint is safe for Gunpla?

Water-based products are the safer start. Bandai warns that lacquer paints and surfacer can crack ABS parts, enamel paints can damage parts, and lacquer, enamel and alcohol solvents can damage ABS. Check the runner for an ABS marking and test on a spare piece.

What is the easiest way to paint Gunpla?

Bandai suggests pencil shading for builders not ready for brushes: shave pencil lead into powder and rub it on with a cotton swab. Gundam Markers, such as a Gundam Marker metallic set, are the next easy step.

Do I need an airbrush to paint Gunpla?

No. Bandai's own painting tips cover spray cans, brushes and pencils. An airbrush gives smoother results on large areas but costs more; our airbrush guide explains what a starter setup needs.