Quick Answer

Start by washing the runners in warm soapy water to remove mold release. Assemble the body shell first, test-fitting all parts before gluing. Use Tamiya acrylics or spray cans matched to the actual Honda color codes for a factory finish. Apply thin coats, sand between layers, and polish for a deep gloss.

Understanding the Honda Prelude 1/24 Kit

The 373 Honda Prelude (BF1) 1/24 scale kit from Tamiya captures the 2025 production model that debuted as the PRELUDE Concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. The streamlined body is inspired by gliders, and the kit includes detailed interior, engine bay, and chassis components. It's a curbside kit with no engine wiring or plumbing, making it a great project for both beginners and experienced builders who want a clean, showroom-style model.

Choosing Paint Colors for a Realistic Finish

For an authentic look, use Tamiya spray paints that match Honda's production colors. The kit's box art typically shows a bright red, but you can also choose silver, white, or black. If you prefer brush painting, thin Tamiya acrylics with their X-20A thinner and apply multiple thin layers. For the black trim around windows and grille, use a fine brush and mask off areas with Tamiya tape.

Decals and Clear Coat

The kit includes decals for license plates and interior details. Apply decals over a gloss coat, use a setting solution for stubborn areas, then seal with a clear gloss spray. This step gives the body a deep, wet look and protects the paint. For a more realistic finish, consider a semi-gloss clear on the interior and flat clear on the chassis.

Building and Painting Steps

  1. Wash the Runners: Soak the plastic parts in warm water with a drop of dish soap for 10 minutes, then rinse and air dry. This removes mold release that can cause paint to fisheye. Skipping this step is the most common cause of paint adhesion problems.
  2. Test-Fit the Body Shell: Dry-fit the front bumper, rear bumper, side mirrors, and hood before gluing. Sand any mold lines or nubs with 600-grit sandpaper, then 1000-grit for a smooth surface. If parts don't align, adjust with sanding—don't force glue, or gaps will show through paint.
  3. Prime and Paint in Thin Coats: Spray Tamiya fine primer (white or gray) from 20 cm away in light, even passes. After 24 hours, apply the body color in thin, wet coats, waiting 30 minutes between each. Heavy coats cause runs and orange peel; thin coats build up to a smooth finish without hiding detail.
  4. Apply Decals and Clear Coat: Soak decals in warm water, slide them onto a gloss-coated surface, and use a soft brush to remove air bubbles. After decals dry, spray 2-3 coats of Tamiya clear gloss, sanding lightly with 2000-grit between coats. A final polish with Tamiya compound gives a mirror shine that makes the model look like a real car.

Product Highlights

  • 373 Honda Prelude (BF1) 1/24: Introduced as the PRELUDE Concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the new Honda PRELUDE made its debut in September 2025. With streamlined form inspired by gliders, its e:HEV powertrain pairs a 2-liter inline-four DOHC engine with two high power motors. About the Model: This is a 1/24 scale plastic model assembly kit. Knowing the real car's design roots helps you decide on paint colors and detailing approach—the kit's body lines are accurate to the production car, so a clean, glossy finish best shows off the glider-inspired shape.