Using Gundam markers for preshading panel lines?

TurkeyVolumeGuessingMan · Tue May 06, 2014 11:19 pm

Hi, has anyone ever used Gundam markers for preshading panel lines? Or any marker for that matter? While doing a search, I saw a picture of somebody on another forum who used a Sharpie pen on a Trek model for preshading. He airbrushed enamel paint. Somebody said that this is inadvisable for acrylic or lacquer paints, I believe.

I can see how maybe lacquer paint can not be good on top of an alcohol-based marker, but I have yet to test this out on anything.

Rogviler · Post by **Rogviler** » Tue May 06, 2014 11:44 pm

I've used a Sharpie in a few cases. But you have to be aware that it will float to the top no matter how many coats of paint you cover it with. So, under white it will not work as a subtle pre-shading. But for darker colors it's a good way to do it if you want sharp panel lines. The way a Sharpie will always migrate through paint can definitely be used to your advantage.

-Rog

TurkeyVolumeGuessingMan · Sun May 11, 2014 7:53 am

Rogviler wrote:I've used a Sharpie in a few cases. But you have to be aware that it will float to the top no matter how many coats of paint you cover it with.

Hi, what do you mean by "float to the top"? Does it do something to the paint?

I have also seen Tamiya Paint Pens. These are enamel paint markers and I imagine that they may work in the same way.

Rogviler · Post by **Rogviler** » Sun May 11, 2014 1:23 pm

Somehow it migrates up through the layers of paint. It's a strange phenomenon. I discovered it by accident once when I marked something with a Sharpie and then put probably six coats of paint on it trying to cover it up. I'd think I finally got it and then I'd come back ten minutes later and there it was again. I've seen others using it effectively. Granted, it doesn't come back at full strength, but if you cover it with white you'll end up with fairly dark gray lines. So a tricky tip or a dire warning, depending on your perspective.

-Rog

TurkeyVolumeGuessingMan · Mon May 12, 2014 8:31 am

Hmm. That is interesting. I wonder how those Tamiya paint pens behave. Since they aren't Sharpies and are in fact enamel paints, I imagine that they must behave a bit differently. Coating paints on top of enamel shouldn't be a problem.

Post by **TER-OR** » Tue May 13, 2014 8:38 pm

I've done this:

Base coat acrylic.
Micron pen black on panel lines. (Similar to Sharpie ink)
Overcoat with post-shading, also acrylic.

Did not need to do panel line washes, the overcoat tinted the black very nicely.

Hotter solvent paints like lacquer might be a little more tricky, but maybe not. You should experiment on an old spare kit.

eeun · Post by **eeun** » Sat May 24, 2014 12:34 pm

I tried this with a non-permanent whiteboard marker, and it bled through as many layers of paint as I could apply, and never feathered out to a soft edge like I'd hoped. It just looked like I'd drawn on the test piece with a failing magic marker.

TurkeyVolumeGuessingMan · Thu Aug 07, 2014 9:32 am

I've been watching a video series by YouTuber StryderPrime in which he is building and painting both the original and the new 2199 Dessler Command Carrier ship simultaneously. He's using Gundam Real Touch markers on the primed surface for preshading. Here's the 5th video in the series:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPbGuRn5J_I

I believe he's using Mr. Hobby Color red lacquer paints.

DeltaVee · Post by **DeltaVee** » Sun Aug 10, 2014 4:33 pm

I hated to start a new thread just for this question and thought this thread might be relevant: What is the Gundam Marker GM300 Marker Pen Eraser for? Does it erase Gundam marker paint?

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 1:27 pm

It contains a solvent so touching up excess markings. It doesn't work with all the pens and can affect some paints.

DeltaVee · Post by **DeltaVee** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 4:17 pm

Ah, a product designed so I can carefully and with great flair deliberately screw up a build once and for all that was only 'not quite contest-worthy.' Thanks.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 4:42 pm

Yup.

It's largely made for those who don't fully paint Gundam but rather use the markers to hilight & paint a few parts.

DeltaVee · Post by **DeltaVee** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 5:15 pm

Once again, "if it sounds too good to be true..."