Weathering Techniques – Gunpla Builders World Cup Prep Series Part 4

A large part of the Gunpla Builders World Cup (GBWC) is storytelling; looking at a Gunpla and seeing the story behind it adds to the feeling behind your entry. Weathering is a technique used to add depth and extra realism to your kits.

This is a relatively simple process that can be done without the need for expensive tools or painting experience. This is also a very creative process for anyone who wants to jump into it. 

In this blog, I’ll cover some of the techniques you can use, tools to assist the process and some tips I have learned through my experience.

Weathering Tools and Materials

The tools for weathering techniques are few and easy to access. The most common tools I use for weathering are cotton swabs, soft brushes and sponges. If you want to add battle damage, a hobby knife is also recommended.

For the weathering material they are wide and varied, depending on the look you want to achieve. There are weathering powders, panel line washes, silver / metallic paints and top coats.

The one item I keep coming back to for my weathering is the Real Touch Gundam markers. Using these with a cotton swab really adds detail and is easy to apply and experiment with.

One of the best parts of these techniques is that you can easily start with a sponge and some silver Gundam markers/paint to achieve a realistic look.

Dry Brushing & Chipping

Dry brushing is a technique to add realism to high-contact areas like vents, edges, arm and leg joints. Thinking about how your Gundam moves will help you plan the areas to emphasise.

The technique involves getting some metallic or grey paint and a dry brush. There are some paint brushes designed specifically for these applications, but a dry brush is all that's needed. You also want to have a cloth/paper handy for removing excess paint from the brush before applying it to your model. 

Dip the brush into your paint and wipe it on the cloth to remove the excess. Now take the brush and, with light pressure, wipe/dab the area you are weathering. The aim is to have light applications to mimic metal rubbing and expose a surface underneath.

You want to balance the application with realism. I tend to apply a light coat, let it dry and decide to add more if needed. A little will go a long way with this process, so take your time and experiment with the looks you like.

Sponge chipping is exactly the same process as dry brushing. You dab your sponge in the paint and blot the excess off. This process is best used for larger areas that contact other surfaces. Imagining scenarios of the land the Gunpla is walking on, the trees it brushes against and shielding behind weapons, etc.

Take the sponge and tap it along the edges of armour, shield edges and feet. The idea is to add a level of realism to the Gunpla based on a story you want to represent. Your imagination is the limit, and it can get very addictive once you begin.

Grime, Dust and Rust Effects

Adding these effects to your Gunpla is a great way to make it feel like your Gunpla is getting used. Most builders are fans of the Gundam series, and they all have multiple settings (Space, Earth, underwater, etc). Your builds can reflect this, and adding these little details can make a large difference to your Gunpla.

Panel lining the kit can highlight the areas pressed into the moulds and add realistic detail from the design of the Gunpla. Let the panel liner flow into the recesses and settle. Using some thinner or Zippo lighter fluid, wipe the excess and let it dry.

You can utilise the pastel or pigment powders to add dust effects as needed. They are best used around the feet, bolts, vents and panel overlaps. The idea continues to represent that your Gunpla is being used in battle. 

As I mentioned above, a really handy technique I use is to pick ridges and areas of wear that my builds may be experiencing. From there, I'll use the real touch markers to draw a line on that ridge. Using a cotton swab, while it's still wet after application, I’ll smudge and streak the marker to represent grime and streaks.

Combining Effects for Realism

Combining a few of these techniques can really add a level of realism and storytelling to your entries and help them stand out. Thinking about the story you may want to represent with your entry also helps you with these techniques.

Think like the pilot of your gunpla, get immersed in an idea and watch it come to life. Thinking about where wear and tear may occur, how long the Gunpla has been in battle and what environment it operates in. 

When combining these techniques, start light and add as needed. My usual process is to do the panel lining on the kit, add chipping on the high wear areas, then finish by adding grime and rust. Slowly building the layers to get the look I want to achieve.

If you are planning to create a diorama for your entry, weathering is a great way to get it to match and blend with your scene. Incorporating a level of realism into your entry can help it stand out from the crowd.

Before:

After:

Overall, weathering assists in bringing a level of realism to your Gunpla, be it for the GBWC or for your own personal display. I encourage you to try one technique at a time to help you get a feel for the realism you want to achieve. 

One technique I used when first starting to weather kits was photos. Taking a photo of the kit before beginning and then once I had completed the element I was working on was a great way to track the progress of the look and see it through another medium. 

Weathering your kits is a personal preference, but one I believe can add a great level of realism to your builds. If you give weathering a go, please comment below. I’d love to see the attempts.

For more tips and tricks, follow me on socials @rosie_custom_gunpla