Quick Answer
Choose the TAMIYA Panel Line Accent Color for a crisp, highly detailed finish with enamel flow, or the Gundam Marker for quick, mess-free lining right out of the box.
Flow vs. Control: The Core Trade-off
The biggest difference between these two panel lining methods is how the paint reaches the line. TAMIYA Panel Line Accent Color uses capillary action to flow into recessed details, which gives a very clean, sharp result but requires a steady hand and a cleanup step. The Gundam Marker relies on a fine tip that you trace directly along the line, offering more control for beginners but a slightly less uniform finish on deep or curved panel lines.
Your choice also depends on the paint underneath. TAMIYA's liner is designed to work over Tamiya Color lacquer or acrylic paints, so it fits a painted build workflow. The Gundam Marker is a straightforward option for bare plastic or quick touch-ups, with no need to match it to an existing paint layer.
Cleanup and Correction: What to Expect
Both methods allow corrections, but the process differs. TAMIYA's enamel liner can be removed with TAMIYA Acrylic Thinner X-20, which lets you fix mistakes or wipe away excess for a neat result. The Gundam Marker is more forgiving in the sense that it dries quickly and can be wiped off with an eraser or a cotton swab while still wet, but it leaves less room for adjustment once fully dry.
If you work on a painted kit, the TAMIYA liner's enamel formula is less likely to disturb the paint underneath when applied correctly. The Gundam Marker is alcohol-based and can soften some paints, so it's safer on bare plastic or a well-cured clear coat.
Decision Rules for Panel Lining
- Use TAMIYA Panel Line Accent Color when: You're working on a painted model with Tamiya lacquer or acrylic paints, and you want a sharp, high-contrast line that flows into every detail. Be prepared to clean up with TAMIYA Acrylic Thinner X-20. Test on a spare part first to confirm the liner doesn't react with your paint layer.
- Use Gundam Marker when: You want a quick, controlled application on bare plastic or for touch-ups, without needing extra cleanup supplies. The fine tip works well for tracing straight or shallow lines. For lighter parts, consider a grey or brown marker instead of black to keep the effect natural.
- If you're unsure: Start with the Gundam Marker for its ease and low risk, then move to TAMIYA Panel Line Accent Color once you're comfortable with cleanup and want a more refined finish.
Product Facts at a Glance
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TAMIYA Panel Line Accent Color Black 40ml: TAMIYA Panel Line Accent Color is a 40ml enamel paint with a brush in the cap, designed for use over Tamiya Color lacquer or acrylic paints. The built-in brush and enamel flow make it efficient for covering long panel lines, but you'll need TAMIYA Acrylic Thinner X-20 for cleanup.
TAMIYA Panel Line Accent Color Black 40ml
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[JPI] Gundam Marker - Fine Line Black Panel Liner GM01: The Gundam Marker Fine Line Black Panel Liner GM01 is a fine-tip marker for tracing hollow lines, with black recommended for dark parts. It offers immediate control and portability, making it ideal for quick lining on bare plastic or for beginners who want a low-mess option.
[JPI] Gundam Marker - Fine Line Black Panel Liner GM01
Who Should Choose Which
Best for
- Modelers who paint their kits with Tamiya paints and want a crisp, detailed panel line finish
- Beginners looking for a simple, low-mess way to panel line bare plastic
Not for
- TAMIYA Panel Line Accent Color is not for those who want a no-cleanup, instant application on bare plastic
- Gundam Marker is not for modelers who need to line over a fresh lacquer or acrylic paint without risking smudging
