Mastering the Art of Gunpla Weathering: An Essential Guide

byLevyMcGar -
Cover of the 'GUNPLA WEATHERING TEXTBOOK' with a Gundam showing 'BEFORE' and 'AFTER' sides of weathering techniques, and a hand applying paint.

Gunpla modeling, the faithful plastic recreation of the iconic Mobile Suits from the Gundam universe, has evolved. Beyond basic assembly and painting, enthusiasts seek realism and depth. This is where "weathering" becomes crucial.

GUNPLA WEATHERING TEXTBOOK: Before and after weathering on a Gundam.
Cover of the 'GUNPLA WEATHERING TEXTBOOK' with a Gundam showing 'BEFORE' and 'AFTER' sides of weathering techniques.

The cover highlights the book's core promise: transforming a pristine kit into a battle-hardened machine.

Gunpla modeling, the faithful plastic recreation of the iconic Mobile Suits from the Gundam universe, has evolved. Beyond basic assembly and painting, enthusiasts seek realism and depth. Here, "weathering" or Gunpla aging becomes crucial.

Weathering applies effects to simulate wear, dirt, scratches, and rust, transforming a static model into a piece with a history of battles and environments. This technique not only adds realism but also enriches the artistic experience of Gundam modeling.

"GUNPLA WEATHERING TEXTBOOK": The Definitive Guide

The growing interest in Gundam model weathering led to the release of the "GUNPLA WEATHERING TEXTBOOK," a guide that delivers comprehensive techniques for modelers of all skill levels.

Gunpla Weathering Book Publication Details

This book is available in two main formats to reach a global audience:

  • English Version (E-book): Available on Amazon. Published on June 11, 2025. Price on Amazon US: $20.81 USD.
  • Japanese Version (Physical): A print edition from Hobby Japan. Available at retailers like 1999.co.jp.

Where to Buy

This specific book is available for purchase on Amazon USA. You can find it here 

For HobbyLink Japan: Get your favorite model kits and anime figures straight from the source. Shop the latest releases on HobbyLink Japan.

For Amazon Japan: Building your next Gunpla or searching for the latest releases from Japan? Find the widest selection of kits and exclusive figures on Amazon Japan.

For Amazon USA: Looking for fast shipping within the US? Find a great selection of popular Gunpla kits and Gundam figures on Amazon USA.

Every purchase through these links helps support the channel!

Featured Content in the "GUNPLA WEATHERING TEXTBOOK"

This guide compiles both traditional and modern weathering techniques, adapted to various Mobile Suit scenarios:

  • Fundamental Techniques: Explores the latest techniques and terminology for Gunpla aging.
  • Case Studies by Environment: Details how to apply wear for ground, aquatic, air, and space scenarios for your Gundam kits.
  • Specific Techniques: Features demonstrations from professional modelers.

The book emphasizes real-world observation to achieve authentic weathering, explaining how environmental factors cause wear and tear on Gunpla kits.

Table of Contents of the GUNPLA WEATHERING TEXTBOOK with a Gundam model.
A detailed table of contents from the 'GUNPLA WEATHERING TEXTBOOK' alongside a photograph of a Gundam model.

The book's detailed table of contents reveals a curriculum covering everything from fundamental skills to environment-specific effects.

Essential Gunpla Weathering Techniques

Dry Brushing

This technique simulates scratches and exposed metal. Use a nearly dry brush with a metallic paint (like Tamiya Flat Aluminum) on raised surfaces and edges. Apply light layers to achieve a realistic wear effect on Gunpla.

Paint Chipping

Chipping simulates peeling paint from impacts and abrasion. Simple methods include using sponges or a fine brush to dab on metallic or rust-colored tones. The hairspray method is more complex but delivers highly realistic battle damage effects on models.

Washes & Filters

Washes (heavily thinned paints) flow into recesses to accentuate details and create shadows. Filters are subtle, translucent layers of color that unify the model's tones. Both are applied with a brush and blended to enhance the appearance of your Mobile Suit.

Pigments and Pastels

Weathering powders (like Tamiya's Master kits) are perfect for simulating dirt, dust, and rust. They adhere best to matte surfaces and can be applied dry or mixed with a solvent to create realistic dirt and rust effects on Gunpla.

Applying protective clear coats (sealants) between stages is key to protecting your work and allowing for corrections. Experimentation is vital to mastering the art of weathering.

Four tricks for battle-hardening Gunpla before weathering.
A page from a Gunpla textbook showing 'Four tricks to make your Gunpla look battle-hardened' and 'Gloss basics before weathering'.

This page details physical damage techniques and the importance of a gloss coat before applying weathering effects.

Advanced Techniques and Specific Effects for Gunpla

Battle Damage and Heat Effects

Create convincing bullet holes by using the heat from a lit incense stick to carefully deform the plastic. Paint the affected area with Tamiya Flat Aluminum for a molten metal look, then add Copper or Brown tones for rust. This is ideal for simulating war damage on Mobile Suits.

Rust and Oil Stain Effects on Gundam Models

Create rust effects with Copper and Brown paints or pigments. Apply thinned black or brown paint as streaks and stains in areas where fluids would accumulate. These details are essential for achieving realism in Gunpla.

Environmental Wear

This guide details how wear differs by environment—terrestrial, aerial, amphibious, space, and desert—offering a nuanced understanding of environmental aging on Gunpla.

How to weather amphibious mobile suits? Examples of aquatic weathering.
A book page showing a Z'Gok model in a river or swamp-themed diorama, with text on how to weather amphibious mobile suits.

This example illustrates how to apply rust and algae effects to amphibious Gunpla, like the Z'Gok, for aquatic dioramas.

Desert weathering techniques by "The King of Dioramas," Takuy Yamada.
A book page featuring desert weathering techniques on Gunpla models, with a diorama of two weathered-looking Zaku in a dune environment, and a picture of Takuy Yamada.

This section details desert weathering techniques, as applied by master diorama artist Takuy Yamada.

Integrating Decals into your Gundam Model

For a seamless look, decals can be weathered along with the model. Chipping and fading decals in the same areas as the paint damage adds another layer of realism to your Gunpla models.

MS-09R Rick Dom: Creating battle damage and space wear by Katsuhiko Mukasa.
A book page showing multiple angles of a highly detailed and weathered Rick Dom model, with text describing battle damage and space wear techniques.

This section demonstrates how to create battle damage and space-specific wear on the MS-09R Rick Dom using advanced modeling techniques.

Essential Weathering Tools and Materials

To get started with weathering your Gunpla models, you'll need a few basics:

  • Paints: Acrylics (Tamiya Flat Aluminum, Copper, Brown), enamels, and water-based paints.
  • Brushes: A selection of flat and fine-tipped brushes. An airbrush is optional but offers greater control.
  • Sealants (Top Coats): A matte top coat is crucial for durability and provides the ideal surface for applying pigments and protecting your weathering work.
  • Other: Washes, pigments, toothpicks, sponges, cotton swabs, and appropriate thinners.

Versatility and creativity with everyday materials are key in Gunpla weathering.

Key Tips for Success in Weathering Gundam Models

  • Imagination and Observation: Visualize the Mobile Suit in a real environment and observe wear on real objects to achieve authentic weathering.
  • Gradual Progression ("Less is More"): Apply effects incrementally. It's much easier to add more weathering than to remove it.
  • Focus on High-Wear Areas: Concentrate effects on joints, panel edges, hands, feet, shields, and thrusters.
  • Protect with Sealants: Use sealants between layers to protect your progress and allow for corrections on your modeling project.

This guide covers a wide range of weathering styles. What's your favorite weathering effect to apply to your Gunpla kits? Share your techniques in the comments below!

All images used in this article were sourced from Gundam.info.

If you are interested in purchasing merchandise related to the Gundam world or another Japanese franchise, don't forget to visit HLJ. 

 

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