Quick Answer

Real Touch Gundam Markers work well for panel lining because their alcohol-based ink flows into recessed lines and can be smudged for shading effects. The GM406 Black marker is a versatile choice for dark panel lines on most Gunpla kits.

Why Use Real Touch Markers for Panel Lining?

Real Touch markers have a porous felt tip that delivers a broad, soft line. This makes them better for shading and weathering than for precise panel lining with fine tips. The ink is alcohol-based, so it dries quickly and can be blended or removed with isopropyl alcohol if you make a mistake.

The trade-off is that the tip is wider than a dedicated panel lining marker, so you need to wipe away excess ink to keep lines clean. This technique is forgiving for beginners because you can clean up sloppy lines easily.

Choosing the Right Color

Black (GM406) is the most common choice for panel lining on white, gray, or light-colored plastic. For darker kits, consider gray or brown Real Touch markers to keep the lines visible without looking too harsh. The GM406 Black is a safe starting point for most builds.

Step-by-Step Panel Lining with Real Touch Markers

  1. Shake and Prime the Marker: Shake the GM406 Black Real Touch marker for about 10 seconds with the cap on. Press the tip onto a scrap piece of paper until ink flows evenly. This prevents blobs on your kit. Always test on scrap first to avoid ink pooling on your model.
  2. Apply Ink to Panel Lines: Lightly touch the marker tip to the recessed panel line and let the ink wick along the groove. Do not press hard—let capillary action do the work. Work in short sections to keep the ink wet. If the line is too thick, you pressed too hard. Wipe immediately with a cotton swab.
  3. Wipe Away Excess Ink: While the ink is still wet (within 10-20 seconds), use a clean finger or a cotton swab to wipe across the line perpendicular to the groove. This removes surface ink and leaves ink only inside the recess. Wipe gently—too much pressure can remove ink from the line entirely.
  4. Clean Up Mistakes: If ink dries outside the line, dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and gently rub the smudge. The alcohol dissolves the marker ink without damaging the plastic (test on a hidden area first). Use 70% or higher isopropyl alcohol. Lower concentrations may not remove the ink effectively.
  5. Let It Cure: Allow the ink to dry completely for at least 30 minutes before handling or applying a top coat. The ink remains slightly smudgeable until fully cured. Rushing to top coat can cause the ink to bleed. Patience prevents rework.

Product Facts

  • GM406 Black Real Touch Gundam Marker: GM406 Black Real Touch Gundam Marker by Mr. Hobby is an alcohol-based paint marker with a felt tip. The felt tip allows you to draw broad lines that can be smudged for shading, and the alcohol base makes cleanup easy with isopropyl alcohol.

    GM406 Black Real Touch Gundam Marker

    GM406 Black Real Touch Gundam Marker