However, my modded Strike Freedom I did paint it using TAMIYA GOLD (REGULAR). You can look at the model’s gold to see my results. In my opinion the Strike Freedom’s Full Burst gold plating parts look much better.

For Top Coat, I used model master’s enamel clear coat. But I was pretty lucky in that it didn’t ruin it. From people I’ve asked, acrylic spray paint and enamel top coat would create a reaction that could be bad.

I’ve since experimented with different top coats and found that an acrylic matte top coat like(MR. TOP COAT) is the best way to go.

First of all I use “Gundam Markers” to line which I’ve heard works well after painting your kit as it did with my kits.

Having said that I did find that it was a lot tougher(!) to erase panel lines from the matte white spray painted armor parts of the Strike Freedom. However it was possible for me to erase the errors by pressing on the eraser a bit harder than usual. I’m assuming you and I had an easier time with the blue parts because the blue is mica and brilliant blue ( both gloss) which the surface of the paint is a lot easier to rub off smudge marks and ink lines rather a non-gloss paint like matte white.

Out of my experience with Top Coat(specifically “model masters”=which is not ideal, but luckily worked with the tamiya acrylic..this time!), it not only helps to keep the paint on the kit but the panel lines as well. Trust me, I dropped the Strike Enforcer from a ledge from a mountain and it fell about a foot onto another ledge and barely a scratch!

I don’t know if putting Top Coat first and then panel lining would improve the situation, but I would assume not. Also putting Top Coat on and then trying to erase pre-existing lines would not be possible in my mind since the top coat is the top line between the eraser and the ink.

I hope this helps.

i recently attempted to paint a gundam model with tamiya spray cans but i had trouble with the panel lining…

on the mica blue painted parts the pen would not stay on but on the parts i painted matt white it was impossible to erase lines that went over. i did not use top coat and im wondering is that why? would top coat make the ink stick better but also make it removable? (on my previously unpainted models the panels lines were easily removed) sorry to write so much and dig up a post from so far.

thanks a bundle

Blue Ridge Park’s got a great view of the sunset, I’ve been there a few times.

i’m a proud otaku too!!! ^____^
ja neeeee~