Quick answer

To build the KAIYODO ARTPLA Keeper and Lion Set, start by washing the runners in lukewarm soapy water, then assemble the main body parts with a hobby nipper and sanding stick. Prime the figure with a light gray or white primer before painting with acrylics. Finish with a matte clear coat to protect your work. This kit is unpainted, so plan your color scheme before you start.

Gather the right tools and workspace

Before you open the box, set up a clean, well-lit workspace. You will need a hobby nipper, a sanding stick or fine-grit sandpaper (600–1000 grit), a hobby knife, and a cutting mat. For painting, gather primer, acrylic paints, brushes, and a palette. A small dish of water and paper towels help with cleanup. Work in a ventilated area, especially when spraying primer or clear coat. If you are new to unpainted kits, keep your first session simple: just assemble the figure and leave painting for later.

Wash the runners before assembly

Unpainted kits often have mold release agent on the plastic, which can repel paint and glue. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Submerge the runners and gently rub them with your fingers or a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and let them air-dry on a clean towel. Do not use hot water, as it can warp thin parts. This step takes only a few minutes but makes a big difference in paint adhesion.

Assemble the Keeper and Lion step by step

Follow the instruction manual, but test-fit each part before applying glue. The ARTPLA Keeper and Lion Set is designed for snap-fit assembly, so you may not need glue for most connections. Use your nipper to cut parts from the runner, leaving a small nub. Trim the nub with a hobby knife and smooth it with a sanding stick. Work from the inside out: build the torso, then limbs, then head. For the lion, attach the mane and tail last to avoid breaking them during handling. If a joint feels tight, lightly sand the peg rather than forcing it.

Prime and paint your figure

Once assembled, decide whether to paint before or after final assembly. For beginners, painting sub-assemblies (like arms, legs, and head separately) gives better access to tight areas. Apply a thin coat of primer in light gray or white. Let it dry completely. Then paint with acrylics, building up thin layers rather than one thick coat. For the Keeper, use earthy tones like brown, green, and gray. For the lion, a base of tan or gold with darker shading in the mane works well. If you are not ready to paint, you can leave the kit unpainted—it still looks good as a display piece.

Finish with a protective clear coat

After the paint is fully cured (usually 24 hours), apply a matte or satin clear coat to protect the finish and unify the sheen. Spray in light, even passes from about 8–10 inches away. Avoid spraying too close, which can cause drips. Let the clear coat dry in a dust-free area. This step also helps prevent paint from rubbing off during handling. If you used decals or stickers, apply them before the clear coat.

Step-by-step assembly and painting process

  1. Wash the runners: Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Submerge the runners and gently rub with your fingers or a soft toothbrush. Rinse and air-dry. Checkpoint: Water should be lukewarm, not hot, to avoid warping thin parts.
  2. Cut and clean parts: Use a hobby nipper to cut parts from the runner, leaving a small nub. Trim the nub with a hobby knife and smooth with a sanding stick. Common mistake: Cutting too close to the part can gouge the plastic. Leave a bit and sand flush.
  3. Test-fit and assemble: Follow the manual, test-fitting each part before snapping or gluing. Build sub-assemblies like torso, limbs, and head. For the lion, attach mane and tail last. Checkpoint: If a joint is tight, sand the peg slightly rather than forcing it.
  4. Prime and paint: Apply a thin coat of primer to sub-assemblies. Let dry. Paint with acrylics in thin layers, building up color gradually. Use earthy tones for the Keeper and tan/gold for the lion. Common mistake: Applying thick paint can obscure detail. Always use thin coats.
  5. Apply clear coat: After paint cures (24 hours), spray a matte or satin clear coat in light, even passes from 8–10 inches away. Let dry in a dust-free area. Checkpoint: Clear coat protects the paint and unifies the finish. Do not skip this step.

Product facts

  • [KAIYODO] [UNPAINTED] ARTPLA keeper and lion set BOX version: This is the KAIYODO ARTPLA Keeper and Lion Set in its BOX version. It is an unpainted scale model kit, offering a hands-on building and finishing experience for hobbyists. Knowing it is unpainted means you will need to supply your own paints and finishing materials, and you can customize the colors freely.