Quick Answer
Real Touch Gundam Markers are ideal for adding soft, subtle shading to painted kits, but you must seal your paint with a clear topcoat first because the markers' alcohol can disturb it.
Why Real Touch Markers Stand Out
Unlike standard panel lining markers, Real Touch markers are designed to be blended and layered. They give a painted kit a more natural, almost airbrushed look, which is why many builders use them for shading on white and light-colored parts.
The trade-off is that they are not a one-step product. Because the ink is alcohol-based, it can react with the paint underneath. The supplied GMS112 set works best when you follow a simple rule: paint first, topcoat, then use the markers. Skipping the topcoat can ruin hours of painting work.
How to Use Real Touch Gundam Markers
- Seal your paint: Before touching the markers to your kit, spray or brush a clear topcoat over the painted parts and let it cure completely. This prevents the alcohol in the markers from disturbing your paint. Test on a spare part if you are unsure whether your topcoat is fully cured.
- Apply the marker: Lightly touch the marker tip to the surface in the area you want to shade. Start with a small amount; you can always add more, but it is hard to remove excess ink. Work in good lighting so you can see how much ink you are laying down.
- Blend with the colorless blender: Use the included colorless blender to soften the marker edges and create a smooth gradient. Work quickly while the ink is still wet for the best blend. Clean the blender tip on a paper towel between passes to avoid dragging color into unwanted areas.
- Build up shading in layers: Let the first layer dry, then add more marker ink and blend again. Building up in thin layers gives you control over the darkness and avoids harsh lines. Patience is key; rushing layers often creates blotchy shading.
- Seal your work: Once you are happy with the shading, apply another clear topcoat to protect the marker layer from smudging and to give the finish a uniform look. Use a matte topcoat for a flat finish or gloss if you want a shiny surface.
Product Facts
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GMS112 Real Touch Gundam Marker Set 1: The GMS112 Real Touch Gundam Marker Set 1 includes five markers and a colorless blender, and the ink is alcohol-based. The colorless blender lets you soften and spread the marker ink for smooth gradients, but the alcohol content means you must protect your paint with a clear topcoat first.
GMS112 Real Touch Gundam Marker Set 1
