How to Paint a Garage Kit

With the right tools, even a beginner can build their own unique kit!

Introduction

Hello everyone ! I recently switched from buying finished PVC figures to painting my own garage kits. I'm here to give you a complete guide on building your own garage kit. Please don't get overwhelmed and use this post as a guide to get you started.

This guide will include different options for making different parts of your kit. I will go over the pros and cons if there are any.

What is a garage kit?

A garage kit is a resin figurine that you must assemble yourself. You can paint them however you want and customize them to your liking. This is ideal for people who want to create a one-of-a-kind figure, as the PVC version is not sold, or for creative people in general.

How to get a kit?

First, we need to get a kit. There are several ways to do this, so I've put together a master list of sites where you can buy AUTHENTIC kits.

First, let's talk about some terms we need to understand first!

Proxy - a proxy is usually a company or even an individual living in Japan who will purchase an item for you from sites that foreigners generally cannot access because they do not have a Japanese address to ship the item to. Proxymity Japan 's service will take your money, purchase the item for you and it will usually arrive at a warehouse where it can then be shipped to you overseas. This usually comes with a fee that you will have to pay them. This is ideal for Japanese sites that don't ship to your country.

Recast kits - essentially knockoff versions of official kits. The original kit is taken and mass reproduced by someone who IS NOT the original circle, i.e. the creators of the kit. You should avoid them, as they usually have poor quality compared to the originals (Thai recasts). You'll know you've found a recast when it doesn't have an authenticity sticker in the pictures, is way too cheap, and ships from overseas (not Japan).

Yes, there are high quality recasts you can buy, like Chinese recasts which are sometimes better than the originals, but I won't talk about them in this post. This is an area you need to explore for yourself and decide if it's something you want to do. However, it is a good option if your kit is no longer in production and very old. I don't recommend buying recasts when the original is still on sale, for example on Booth or during WonFest. My point of view is that the circle has already made its money when it sells everything, and everything that happens afterwards with the kit does not go to them, but to the resellers. This is just my opinion and I don't buy recasts.

Booth - many garage kit circles sell their kits directly on Booth. You can't find recasts here, because the original casters sell here directly. Lots of new kits are sold here. A Pixiv account is required, but a proxy can be used if they don't ship internationally.

MFC - You can also get kits here on MFC , as usual, practice good buyer/seller ethics. Always ask to see photos of the figure and ask for any paperwork or stickers showing that the kit is authentic.

Wonfest - this is an event that takes place in Japan where you can personally go and buy kits. Again, practice good buyer/seller ethics and always check the kit. I heard that many people went to the event to buy kits and resell them for a profit. Don't buy kits from these people, always support the circles!

What to look for in a kit

Box Condition – When purchasing a kit, be sure to check the condition of the box. You want a box in good condition as this will increase the value of your kit. Some people prefer to buy kits with sealed boxes to guarantee they are new, but this usually means you will have to pay more.

Missing Parts – When purchasing a kit, make sure there are no missing parts. There's nothing worse than receiving a kit and finding that a crucial part is missing to complete it.

Instructions – Check if the kit comes with instructions. Although most garage kits don't come with detailed instructions like plastic kits, some figures may have tricky parts to assemble, and the instructions can help you avoid mistakes.

Condition of Parts - Carefully examine the kit parts to ensure they are in good condition. Look for air bubbles, excessive mold lines or warping. These defects may require additional preparation work.

Presence of Authenticity Decals or Decals – Some genuine garage kits may include authenticity decals or decals provided by the original circle. This may be an indicator of the authenticity of the kit.

In general, it is important to be careful when purchasing garage kits, especially if you buy them used. Be sure to check the seller's reputation, ask for detailed photos of the kit, and if possible, buy from reliable sources such as Mandarake, Booth, or directly from the creator circle.

Tools and supplies

Now that you've purchased your kit, you'll need tools and supplies to build it. Here is a list of basic tools and supplies you may need to purchase:

Hobby Knife – You will use a hobby knife to remove parts from the sprue (called trimming) and to make minor adjustments to the parts.

Sandpaper – Sandpaper is essential for sanding down rough edges of parts and for smoothing surfaces if necessary.

Modeling glue - You will need glue to assemble the different parts of your kit. Make sure you use a glue suitable for resins.

Tweezers – Tweezers will help you handle small parts and hold them in place during gluing.

Nitrile Gloves - It is recommended to wear nitrile gloves to avoid transferring oil or dirt to parts during handling.

Safety Glasses – Safety First! Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes while cutting and sanding parts.

Brushes – If you plan to paint your kit, you will need quality brushes to apply the paint.

Paint and Primer – Make sure you get appropriate acrylic paint and primer for the resin.

Primer Filler – You can use primer filler to fill in small imperfections and mold lines on parts.

Mixing Palette – A mixing palette will come in handy for mixing and thinning paint.

Airbrush (optional) – If you want to achieve smooth, even paint finishes, an airbrush can be a great tool to have.

Other Tools - Depending on the complexity of your kit, you may need other tools such as drill bits, pliers, brackets to hold the parts while painting, etc.

Building the kit

Now that you have gathered your tools and supplies, you can begin building your kit. Here are the general steps to follow:

Preparing the Parts: Carefully cut out the casting grid parts using a hobby knife. Make sure not to damage any parts during this step.

Trimming and Sanding: Once the parts are cut, trim the rough edges with a hobby knife. Then use sandpaper to smooth the surfaces if necessary. This will help remove imperfections.

Assembly: Use model glue to assemble the different parts according to the instructions provided with the kit. Make sure the pieces fit properly before gluing them.

Filling Imperfections: If you find any imperfections or mold lines on the parts, use primer filler to fill and smooth them. Allow to dry completely before continuing.

Painting: If you plan to paint your kit, start by applying a coat of primer to all surfaces. Then use brushes or an airbrush to apply the paint. Follow an appropriate color scheme based on your design.

Finishing: Once the paint is dry, you can add details, shading and special effects according to your preferences. Don't forget to seal the painting with varnish to protect it.

Final assembly: Assemble the different parts of your kit, making sure they fit together correctly. Use glue if necessary.

Presentation: Once your kit is completed, display it proudly in your collection, on a shelf or in a display case.

Remember that building resin garage kits can be a demanding process that requires patience and practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. The more kits you build, the more skill and confidence you will gain. And remember, the main goal is to have fun and create something beautiful. Enjoy every step of the process!