Body Painting & Gradation
The original color layout, airbrushed shaded armor and small metallic frame details make this Nu Gundam feel deeper without changing its identity.
The original color layout, airbrushed shaded armor and small metallic frame details make this Nu Gundam feel deeper without changing its identity.
Color plan from the original build
Instead of changing the mobile suit’s main colors, I chose a shaded approach in which the base remains more visible near panel edges and the brighter color is built toward the center. These are the recorded combinations used on the model:
| Area | Base | Top color |
|---|---|---|
| White armor | Gray Surfacer 1200 | Gray No. 9 (灰色9号), gradation |
| Gray armor | Gray Surfacer 1200 | Light Gray No. 1 (明灰白色1) |
| Navy armor | Black Surfacer 1500 | Navy Blue, gradation |
| Yellow accents | Gray Surfacer 1200 | Yellow-Orange on weapons/funnels; Dark Yellow on body |
| Red areas | Mahogany Surfacer 1000 | Solid Red |
These are translated descriptions of the materials recorded in the Japanese article, not a claim that all colors have identical product names in overseas markets. Exact thinner ratios and pressure settings for this individual build were not documented here, so I have not invented them.
White and dark armor behave differently
Shaded white armor retained the contrast I wanted. Navy blue was more difficult: after the matte clear coat, the subtle difference between light and dark became barely visible. On a future attempt, I would make the brighter navy mix noticeably lighter before applying the clear finish.
Frame accents and metallic separation
The internal frame started over black and was mainly painted with white pearl, with smaller Cranberry Red Pearl and gold accents. Blue pearl in part of the backpack was stronger than expected, but the effect was less obvious once assembled. The original article notes that Cranberry Red Pearl was already discontinued at the time of writing; this account describes the material actually used rather than claiming it is still available.
Head, light path and final checks
The head paintwork was planned around the light path for an optional compatible Bandai LED unit. Masking liquid protected selected transparent areas during painting. The lighting shown in the build was checked with the optional unit, without custom wiring or a permanent electronics conversion.
Small raised frame details were picked out with Gundam Markers where an airbrush would be awkward. After painting, I assembled the main sections to check the overall color balance before panel lining and decals.
