Top Coat for Gunpla: Matte, Gloss and How to Spray It

A top coat is a clear spray, matte, semi-gloss or gloss, applied over a finished Gunpla to even out the plastic shine and protect stickers, decals and panel lines. For most kits, a water-based matte top coat in a spray can is the safe first choice, because Bandai names water-based top coat as safe on its kits.

Mr. Hobby, the maker of Gundam Markers, sells top coats in gloss, semi-gloss and matte, in a water-based (Aqueous) range and in its Mr. Super Clear range, as its product list shows.

Matte, semi-gloss or gloss?

Gloss has a second job. Microscale’s decal instructions say the surface must be clean, smooth and glossy before decals go on, and recommend a finish coat afterwards. So builders who use water slide decals often spray gloss first, apply decals, then finish in matte.

Water-based or lacquer?

Bandai’s notes on tools and paints set the rule for Gunpla: water-based top coat is fine, but for any other spray you should check the paint type, because some cannot be used on ABS plastic. It also warns that lacquer paints can crack ABS. Gunpla runners marked “ABS” hold those parts.

• Water-based top coat: Mr. Hobby’s Aqueous Top Coat and Aqueous Premium Top Coat ranges. The safe default.
• Any other clear spray, including Mr. Hobby’s Mr. Super Clear range: read the label for the paint type, keep solvent-based sprays off ABS parts, and test on a spare runner first.

Mr. Hobby also sells Gundam Marker clear gloss and matte markers for touching up small areas.

Top coats for model kits

Shop top coat for model kits→

Opens eBay in a new tab. Check condition, seller feedback and returns.

• Matte (flat) top coatBrowse →
• Water-based top coatBrowse →

How to spray a top coat

1. Finish everything else first: panel lines, decals and stickers, fully dry.
2. Take the kit apart into major parts, or mount parts on sticks so you can reach every side.
3. Mask clear parts such as eyes and sensors.
4. Shake the can well and spray a test on a spare runner.
5. Spray light coats from a steady distance, moving past the part before you stop. Revell’s advice for spray work applies: several thin layers, never one heavy coat.
6. Let each coat dry before the next, and let the last coat cure before you reassemble.

Where to spray

Bandai asks builders to use spray cans somewhere well ventilated and where the spray will not mark the surroundings. A garage with the door open, a covered balcony or a hobby spray booth all work. Mr. Hobby sells painting booths in its product range, and Revell recommends an extraction system that removes paint mist where it forms. Lay down newspaper or cardboard, hold parts on sticks or clips so your fingers stay out of the spray, and set them somewhere dust-free to dry.

Common top coat problems

• White, cloudy patches. Stop, let the part dry, and go back to thinner coats in a dry room.
• Shiny spots on a matte coat. Let it dry and mist on another light coat.
• Decal edges still visible. Gloss coat before the decals, matte coat after.

Where top coat fits in the build

Top coat is the last step. Build the kit, panel line it, apply water slide decals, then spray. If you plan to paint, the top coat goes over the paint. For the full order, see the build guide.