Top Questions About Building Your First Gundam: Answers for Beginners

Quick Answer

Start with a High Grade (HG) 1/144 kit, a pair of nippers, and a hobby knife. Follow the manual step by step, and don't worry about painting right away—snap-building is a perfectly valid way to enjoy Gunpla. Focus on learning nub removal and panel lining before moving to advanced techniques.

So you've decided to build your first Gundam model kit—welcome to a hobby that's part craft, part art, and all fun. But before you open the box, you probably have questions: What tools do I need? Do I have to paint? Why are some kits so expensive? This FAQ answers the most common beginner questions in plain language, so you can start with confidence.

Whether you're assembling your first High Grade or eyeing a preorder, these answers will help you avoid common mistakes and enjoy the process. We'll cover tools, techniques, and a few things you might not have thought about yet.

What Tools Do I Really Need?

You don't need a full workshop to start. The essentials are a pair of hobby nippers to cut parts from the runners, a hobby knife to clean up nubs, and a cutting mat to protect your table. A basic set of files or sanding sticks helps smooth leftover gate marks, but you can start with just nippers and a knife.

As you get deeper, you'll want to add tweezers for small decals, a panel liner marker or paint, and maybe a glass file for cleaner cuts. But don't buy everything at once—get comfortable with the basics first. Many beginners find that a simple HG kit can be built beautifully with just nippers and a knife.

• Invest in a decent pair of nippers—single-bladed ones cut closer and reduce stress marks.
• Always cut away from the part, leaving a small nub to trim with a knife.

Do I Have to Paint My Gundam?

No, painting is optional. Bandai's plastic is already colored, so a straight build (snap-fit without glue) looks great out of the box. Many builders enjoy Gunpla without ever painting. If you want to add depth without full painting, try panel lining—using a fine marker or enamel wash to outline panel lines—and applying the included stickers or decals.

If you do decide to paint, start with spray cans or acrylic brush paints. You'll also need a primer or surfacer to help paint adhere. Keep in mind that painting adds time and cost, so it's fine to skip it at first. The most important thing is to enjoy the build.

• Panel lining is the easiest way to make a kit look more detailed without painting.
• If you paint, always use a primer first to avoid uneven coverage.

What Does HG, MG, and RG Mean?

These are grades that indicate scale and complexity. HG (High Grade) is typically 1/144 scale, simple, and affordable—perfect for beginners. MG (Master Grade) is 1/100 scale with more parts and inner frames, offering a more involved build. RG (Real Grade) is 1/144 but with advanced articulation and detail, similar to MG in complexity.

Start with an HG to learn the basics. If you're feeling ambitious, an RG can be a rewarding second or third build, but be prepared for smaller parts and more delicate pieces. MG kits are larger and often more forgiving for adult hands, but they take longer to complete.

• HG kits are the best starting point—they're cheap, quick, and forgiving.
• RG kits have tiny parts; use tweezers and be patient.

How Do I Remove Parts Without Damaging Them?

Use your nippers to cut the part from the runner, but don't cut flush against the part—leave a small nub. Then use a hobby knife to shave the nub down carefully. This prevents stress marks and accidental gouges. For a cleaner finish, you can sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper or a glass file.

Always cut away from your body and work on a stable surface. If you accidentally cut into the part, don't panic—it's a common mistake. You can often fix it with a bit of putty or just embrace it as a battle scar. With practice, you'll get cleaner cuts every time.

• Leave a small nub when cutting, then trim it off with a knife.
• Use a glass file for a smooth, stress-free finish.

Why Are Some Kits So Expensive?

Price depends on several factors: scale, grade, rarity, and whether it's a preorder. Larger kits like 1/100 or 1/60 scales cost more because they have more parts and plastic. Limited editions or kits with special coatings also command higher prices. Additionally, if a kit is out of print or in high demand, prices can rise.

When you see a kit with a high 'compare at' price, it often reflects the original retail or a previous market price. For example, a figure like the Figma - SP-169 Armed JK has a catalog comparison price of $110.35 but sells for $55.18. Always check the actual price, not just the crossed-out number.

• Preorder kits often have a lower price than after release—lock in early.
• Compare prices across stores to avoid overpaying for rare kits.

What Should I Know About Preorders?

Preorders are a way to secure a kit before it's officially released. They often come with a lower price and guarantee you get a copy, especially for popular items. However, preorders can have long wait times, and some items may be limited in quantity. Always read the preorder details carefully.

For example, the Beyblade X Vol 7 preorder has an estimated arrival in Q4 2026 and a preorder deadline of September 8, 2026. Note that orders with preorders won't ship until all items in the order arrive, so if you mix preorders with in-stock items, your entire order will be held. Plan your purchases accordingly.

• Preorder early for popular kits to avoid missing out.
• If you want in-stock items quickly, place a separate order from your preorders.

How Do I Panel Line Without Ruining My Kit?

Panel lining adds definition to your kit's details. The easiest method is using a Gundam Marker (pour type) or a fine-tip panel liner marker. Simply draw along the panel lines and then clean up excess with a cotton swab or eraser. For enamel washes, you apply the liquid and then wipe away the excess with a thinner—but be careful not to let it pool or damage plastic.

Always test on a spare runner first. Some panel liners can make plastic brittle if applied heavily, especially on thinner parts. If you're using enamel thinner, use it sparingly and avoid getting it on rubber or soft parts. Practice on a cheap kit before trying it on your favorite.

• Use a panel liner marker for quick, easy lining.
• Test on a runner to see how the liner reacts with the plastic.

Beginner Checklist Before You Start

Choose your first kit

Pick an HG 1/144 kit that appeals to you. It's affordable, quick to build, and forgiving of mistakes. HG is the best starting grade.

Gather basic tools

Get a pair of nippers, a hobby knife, and a cutting mat. You can add sanding sticks or a glass file later. You don't need a full toolkit to start.

Read the manual before cutting

Flip through the manual to see the parts and assembly order. This helps you avoid cutting the wrong parts and understand the build flow. A quick read saves time and mistakes.

Practice nub removal

Cut parts with a small nub, then trim it with a knife. Sand if needed for a smooth finish. Clean nubs make your kit look professional.

Try panel lining on a runner

Test your panel liner on a spare runner to see how it flows and how to clean up. Then apply to your kit. Testing prevents damage to your model.

Helpful Products for Your First Build

• Mr Weathering Color WC16 - Filter Liquid Ocher Soil: This is a new color in the weathering color lineup, a soil color with a strong yellow tint that can be mixed with other weathering colors to get the shade you want. When you're ready to add realistic dirt or grime to your kit, this filter liquid lets you create custom earth tones. Mix it with darker colors like olive drab or German gray to make your Gundam look battle-worn.
• X-25 Clear Green (Enamel) 80025: Tamiya Enamel X-25 Clear Green is a clear enamel paint that can be used for transparent parts or as a color tint. If you want to tint clear parts like beam sabers or sensors, this clear green enamel adds a subtle color without hiding the plastic. It's a simple way to add detail without full painting.

Building your first Gundam is about enjoying the process, not perfection. Start simple, learn the basics, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. With the right tools and a little patience, you'll have a kit you're proud of—and a new hobby that'll keep you busy for years.