How to Remove Gundam Marker from a Gundam Kit

Gundam models, known for their intricate details and stunning craftsmanship, have captivated hobbyists for decades. Whether you’re building a model for display or just to enjoy the process, making sure your Gundam kit looks its best is crucial. One of the most common tools used by model builders to enhance their kits is the Gundam marker, which helps highlight details like panel lines, seams, and other features. However, sometimes these markers can get messy, or you might want to adjust or remove them entirely for a cleaner look. If you're wondering how to remove Gundam marker from your Gundam kit, you're in the right place!

In this guide, we’ll explore effective and safe methods to remove Gundam marker stains without damaging your kit, helping you achieve a pristine finish.

Why You Might Want to Remove Gundam Marker

There are several reasons why you might want to remove Gundam marker from your model:

1.  Mistakes or Accidental Stains: It’s easy to go overboard with the marker, especially when you’re new to model building. If you’ve made a mistake or the color bled, you might want to clean it up.
2. Changing the Aesthetic: If you’ve decided to change the overall look of your Gundam, removing the existing panel lines or markings can give you a fresh slate to work with.
3. Refining Detailing: Some Gundam builders use markers to add initial details but later opt for different methods, such as airbrushing or using different types of paints for a more refined look.

Regardless of the reason, removing Gundam markers requires patience and the right tools to avoid damaging your Gundam kit.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Cotton Swabs or Q-Tips: These are perfect for gentle application of cleaning agents and for scrubbing away excess ink without damaging your model.
2. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): This is the most commonly used solvent for removing Gundam markers. It dissolves the ink while being gentle on the plastic of the model.
3. Gundam Marker Remover: Some specialized products, like Gundam Marker Remover or Tamiya's Panel Line Accent Cleaner, are designed specifically for cleaning markers off Gundam kits. These can be more effective than standard alcohol in some cases.
4. Paper Towels or Soft Cloth: These are necessary to wipe off any residue after cleaning.
5. Modeling Brush or Old Toothbrush: For scrubbing stubborn marks, a soft brush can help you clean without causing scratches.
6. Tweezers: For more precision if you're dealing with small areas.
7. Cotton Pads or Wipes: These can be useful for wiping off the marker ink without the risk of making a mess.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Gundam Marker

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you remove Gundam marker stains safely and effectively from your model.

Step 1: Test the Removal Method

Before diving in, it’s always a good idea to test the method you’re using on an inconspicuous area of the Gundam kit. This ensures that the removal process won’t damage the model or cause discoloration.

For example, apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to a cotton swab and gently rub it on a hidden part of the model. Wait a few minutes to see if the plastic is affected.

Step 2: Use Isopropyl Alcohol for Mild Cleaning

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is the most common and safest solvent to use when removing Gundam marker stains. Here's how you can do it:

1. Apply Isopropyl Alcohol: Dampen a cotton swab with a small amount of IPA, then gently rub it over the areas with the Gundam marker stain. You’ll notice that the ink starts to dissolve almost immediately.
2. Wipe Away Excess: As the alcohol dissolves the marker ink, the cotton swab will start to pick up the residue. Be gentle to avoid applying too much pressure, which could scratch or damage the model.
3. Repeat as Needed: If the marker doesn’t come off with a single application, repeat the process. Make sure to clean the cotton swab regularly to prevent reapplying ink to the model.
4. Dry the Model: Once you’ve removed all the marker stains, use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe off any remaining alcohol. Let your Gundam kit dry completely before proceeding with any further work.

Step 3: Use a Gundam Marker Remover for Stubborn Stains

While isopropyl alcohol works well for most Gundam markers, some models may require a more specialized approach. If the stains are persistent, you can use a dedicated Gundam marker remover like the Tamiya Panel Line Accent Cleaner or a similar product.

Here’s how you can use it:

1. Apply the Marker Remover: Follow the instructions on the product. Typically, you’ll want to apply the cleaner directly to the affected areas, then let it sit for a few moments.
2. Scrub Gently: Use a soft brush (such as an old toothbrush) to scrub away the dissolved marker ink. This method is usually gentler than using alcohol alone.
3. Wipe Away the Residue: After scrubbing, use a soft cloth to wipe off the excess cleaner and ink residue.
4. Allow the Model to Dry: After cleaning, allow the kit to air dry completely before handling it.

Step 4: Removing Stains from Difficult Areas

If the Gundam marker has bled into recessed areas or hard-to-reach places, you may need to take extra care. Use tweezers to hold a cotton swab or a specialized cleaning tool, and gently clean the areas where markers have accumulated. Be patient, as these fine details may require extra effort.

Step 5: Touch Up the Model

Once you’ve removed the marker stains, there may be areas where the finish looks slightly uneven. Here’s how to restore the look:

1. Reapply Marking or Panel Lining: If you still want the panel lines or details to pop, you can reapply a thinner layer of Gundam marker or use a different technique such as dry brushing or airbrushing.
2. Apply a Clear Coat: To ensure the cleaned areas blend seamlessly with the rest of the model, apply a clear coat or matte finish once you’re happy with the result. This will help seal in the look and protect the model from future stains.

Alternative Methods to Remove Gundam Marker

While isopropyl alcohol and dedicated removers work best for most Gundam kits, there are other methods you can try if you're having trouble.

1. Water and Soap: If you’re dealing with fresh stains, you can also try a mild soap solution and warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the marker off. This method is safest on newer kits.
2. Rubbing Alcohol and Baking Soda: Mix a small amount of rubbing alcohol with a pinch of baking soda. This combination can act as a mild abrasive and solvent, which can be useful for tough stains without scratching the plastic.

Conclusion

Removing Gundam markers from your Gundam kit doesn’t have to be a stressful process. With the right tools and techniques, you can safely clean and remove the stains without causing any harm to the plastic. Whether you use isopropyl alcohol, a dedicated marker remover, or another method, patience and care are essential.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to restore your Gundam kit to its original beauty or even improve upon the design with new details. Happy modeling!