No, if you have a Michael's or hobby lobby nearby, or any hobby shop that deals with model kits, they should have panel lining markers, outside of that you can order some off amazon
Gundam Marker Value Set -GM01&02&03- (Black, Gray, Brown) by TAIYO Corporation
I don’t really work with transformers, I’m more of a gundam guy, but I would’ve done him with a grey. Don’t worry my first attempt (was a wing zero custom I lined with a black sharpie) looked very similar. You’ll get there. I’ll suggest these markers for lining, they work great until you decide to upgrade to a paint. https://www.amazon.com/GSI-Creos-Gundam-Marker-Value/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=gundam+marker&qid=1603313823&sprefix=gundam+&sr=8-4
Oh my I didn’t even know there was a difference between the markers. Can I link it and can you let me know what it is? Right now, I’ve just been tracing the lines, but I’m not sure if it’s that type of marker. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HY93GHY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
https://www.amazon.com/GSI-Creos-Gundam-Marker-Value/dp/B00HY93GHY This set is your most basic panel liners. They fit in most of the panel lines and you can just clean them up with a qtip and some water (or rubbing alcohol if you want the cleanup to go easier).
That's what I got. I've used the black one to fill in some of the details on Shadow Ranger's helmet.
Goddamn I can’t get over how good this kit looks. If I didn’t have an unbuilt Sturm Tyrann sitting on my desk right now, I’d be so tempted to track one down. Actually, scratch that - I am still really tempted to pick one up, but I’m saving up to put in preorders for a couple of P-Bandai kits, Nataku and Deathsycthe Roussette.
I think you did a great job; panel lining looks really solid. It’s one of those things that I was kinda reticent about trying at first because I was worried about screwing up one of my babies, not realising how easy it would be. If I could offer one little tip (because I started out exactly the same way): get yourself a set of different-coloured markers, aside from just black. Use black on dark/cool colours, brown on light/warm colours, and grey on white/neutral colours. Like plain black still looks really good, but having the different colours lends it even more depth and makes it look even better. I’d recommend grabbing a 3-piece set of GSI Creos markers off of amazon, should be about $7-$8. But, that said, I still think you did a fantastic job for your first effort. It looks helluva lot better than my first try, haha!
I used gundam panel lining markers. Brown for the reds and gray for everything else. I ran over all my lines with some alcohol on a qtip to makes them less heavy.
Gundam markers are usually a good way to go.
This pack here is relatively cheap and gives you all of the basic panel lining colors that you need.
Black is best for darker shades while grey is good for light shades and brown is good on yellow based colors (like red and yellow). Gundam markers also make it so the panel lines are thinner so they match up tighter with the panels themselves.
They're also pretty easy to use and pretty forgiving for mistakes (though less so on a painted kit). Have fun.
Pretty big entrance.
PG Banshee only comes with sticker decals, therefore no decal binding solution is required.
As your first kit, I would recommend against painting. Without any planning, painting can cause several problems such as joints being too tight (can break off), pegs become too thick, paint pooling, etc. A straight assemble with basic detailing techniques is recommended (clean nub, panel line, decals and top coat).
Fine point Gundam Markers are great for panel lining. No fuzz, easy clean up and fairly cheap. Pretty beginner friendly. I recommend mixing your own solution when you become more familiar with the hobby.
As for top coat, below are the two most popular choices:
Gloss - shiny, thicker and will darken the overall tone.
Matte - remove a lot of shine and will slightly brighten the tone of your kit.
Gundam Marker Value Set -GM01&02&03- (Black, Gray, Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_y0ZqxbBYCHNCM
Three pack of the two pens you have to $9 with Amazon Prime vs the ~$11 for just the grey and black. Saves a buck or two with an extra pen.
Using these for my first build, easy for panel lining. Just have some Q-tips ready for removing excess ink that you don't want, and some IPA for redos.
I bought the same mat and I have no issues with it!
EDIT: I also have the same cutters, works great for me. For the Xacto knife, just want to point out that that one does NOT come with a cap (I made the same issue). There is a version with a cap, then you can just add an extra blade set. Make sure you get the right blade size. That there is a #1.
EDIT2: I got the same sandpaper too lol. I wish I had gotten files since I didn't have something hard to attach the sandpaper too. But that's my preference. Well I don't mean I would want files specifically, but holding a flimsy piece of sand paper to sand hasn't been fun. I need to get some sort of small block to tape it too or something.
Which nippers and tweezers would you recommend? I already have an exacto knife.
Are these gundam markers the fine tip ones?:
For this kit (and almost any kit) I’d recommend getting the set of black, gray and brown gundam panel line markers to start off with. Black for the blue parts, grey for the white parts and brown for the red and yellow parts. Using the three different colors will give you a nice subtle look.
Here’s an amazon link: Gundam Marker Value Set -GM01&02&03- (Black, Gray, Brown) by TAIYO Corporation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bqdxAbKZ551P9
For top coat, I like to use a matte coat and I’ve found that a light coat of Krylon Color Master clear flat works pretty well and isn’t too expensive or hard to find.
Amazon link: Krylon K05353002 Crystal Clear Protective Finsh, Flat, 11 ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001C42OXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IudxAbFH7NZ48
Hope this helps. Keep at it and most of all, have fun!
I’m still fairly new to the hobby. My first like 10 kits weren’t panel lined but I’ve started doing it and it makes a huge difference. Check out Gundam Markers GSI Creos Gundam Marker Value Set -GM01&02&03- (Black, Gray, Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ESYJ5AG5AEWJTS90Y3ZK
A panel lining marker is the cheapest way to make your kit pop! Grab a set of basic colors like this:
https://www.amazon.com/GSI-Creos-Gundam-Marker-Value/dp/B00HY93GHY/
They're super easy to clean up, even if you make mistakes!
Gundam marker: specifically the finer-tipped ones that are meant for panel lining: Relatively easy to use, the excess can be cleaned up with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab (they're alcohol-based).
You can also use pencil lead, but that won't last very long with any handling.
Panel liner paint: This is meant for plastic models, it's extremely diluted enamel paint. Enough so that if you dab it into a seam, it'll spread out along the seam on its own from capillary action. More surface-durable and will get into smaller details more easily than the Gundam marker will. You'll need enamel thinner to clean it up, though.
Avoiding an absolute nasty mess: Practice. If you have toys or old model kits that you don't care about anymore, they would be good for testing this out on.
Nope just lining markers. This is the set I used, I used the black the most since its mostly a red suit.
​
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HY93GHY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Panel lining is basically where you come in with either a marker or actual paint and fill in the gaps around a kit to give it detail that would other wise be missing with just the bare plastic. Think of it as shadowing or almost like a cell shaded look.
here is a link to a YT video that explains the basics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhqJhz--yMo&t=426s
I personally just use gundam markers such as this (Black/Grey/Brown) https://www.amazon.com/GSI-Creos-Gundam-Marker-Value/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3FNXIG59WASXI&keywords=gundam+markers&qid=1669444807&sprefix=gundam+markers+%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-3
You can also get paint such as this and just dab it in (I would try the markers first to get an idea) https://www.amazon.com/TAMIYA-87131-Panel-Accent-Plastic/dp/B01HDJ7BR0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Y4YPU7X2R2PK&keywords=panel+lining+paint&qid=1669444886&sprefix=panel+lining+paint%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1
Everyone has their own preference and theories on where and how to panel line on a kit. I prefer to go everywhere and even probably go places others wouldn't just to bring more life to a kit. Here's an example of how I panel lined the same kit https://imgur.com/atE2f4R (Grey marker on the while parts and black marker on the blue parts)
GSI Creos Gundam Marker Value Set -GM01&02&03- (Black, Gray, Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_C1ENSWH9R6JH132EK0N1
I’ll link you a set of good starter panel lining markers. You just fill in all the lines and empty details. If you mess up you can just wipe off the excess with your thumb. After words you use top coat which is just matte clear coat spray. I use the Tamiya one.
GSI Creos Gundam Marker Value Set -GM01&02&03- (Black, Gray, Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DA1VE8524ZQZGDFB8237
Tamiya America, Inc Polycarbonate PS-55 Flat Clear, Spray 100 ml, TAM86055 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0034ZBK98/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N7WKXHE2M7WJ68SXA237
GSI Creos Gundam Marker Value Set -GM01&02&03- (Black, Gray, Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_F9SWH4V2D0M21D7XJFWS
Oh cool.
Is it something like this?
GSI Creos Gundam Marker Value Set -GM01&02&03- (Black, Gray, Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BHP21GH3K65MP38Q4PTV
Hahaha. No problem (Hobby Link Japan Marker Black) https://hlj.com/gundam-marker-black-fine-tip-for-panel-lines-gnzgm01 (Hobby Link Japan marker Grey) https://hlj.com/gundam-marker-gray-fine-tip-for-panel-lines-gnzgm02 (Amazon set of 3) https://www.amazon.com/GSI-Creos-Gundam-Marker-Value/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=panel+line&qid=1569935250&sr=8-2 (Amazon Tamiya Panel Wash Black) https://www.amazon.com/TAMIYA-87131-Panel-Accent-Plastic/dp/B01HDJ7BR0/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=panel+line&qid=1569935250&sr=8-4 (Amazon Tamiya Panel Wash Grey) https://www.amazon.com/Panel-Line-Accent-Color-Light/dp/B07CMSBDCB/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?keywords=panel+line&qid=1569935250&sr=8-8 I put links from Hobby link Japan because thats what people here recommend using, bit I also put Amazon because it might be easier for you. Unfortunately I couldn't find the wash on Hobby link. Happy Building 😁
I have found that the easiest (and cheapest) way to up your model kit game is to panel line them. It makes the color separation pop way more, and helps define the proportions of a kit much better. A three pack of the panel linking markers are on Amazon for 5-7$ usa (link below). I recommend using the gray marker for white parts, brown for red orange gold and yellow parts, and black for blue gray and silver parts. The markers last a very long tine as well.
Another way is to buy some sanding sticks (10$ roughly for a 4 pack) and work on carefully removing nub marks. It will really improve the final presentation on the finished model. Start with a lower grit stick to remove the nub, and then increase the grit to polish away the scratches. If done correctly (I'm still working on this too) it will look like the nub was never there.
I Hope this helps, from one modeler to another.
Panel lining markers:
GSI Creos Gundam Marker Value Set -GM01&02&03- (Black, Gray, Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xt-2DbKF7CZZR
Sanding sticks:
Squadron Products Value Pack Sanding Stick https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CDR5K8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_AC-2Db3ZFSJ3K
Thank you so much, and of course I would share my process! I used the official gundam markers: https://www.amazon.com/GSI-Creos-Gundam-Marker-Value/dp/B00HY93GHY. I used multiple markers depending on the parts, and since this set is mostly light gray I used the gray marker instead. For blue parts I used black and for brown parts I used brown. After every time I drew a line, I used a cotton swab to make the line more natural and less jarring. Here’s the article I used for information: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.gunpla101.com/panel-lining-for-gunpla-101/amp/ . I was filling in the small spaces and doing it between parts to accentuate them. The more I did this the more I came to the conclusion that there really is no wrong way to do it, it’s just whatever you prefer. I hope this helped, if there’s any questions please let me know.
I think something like this with the three basic colors is pretty good to start with, they'll probably last several kits until you want to start experimenting with paints.
I bought black grey brown on a similar post for my wing zero custom. Black on dark like blue. Gray on whites. Brown on yellows.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HY93GHY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3N7PybMJYVF88