The Physics of Panel Lining

Okay, I made this post because I saw someone at facebook who needs help with panel lining and I just want to make my own share of things when it comes to panel lining. I've also added some answers to some possible questions so you may want to check that out.

First up, what should you use?

There are a lot of different kinds of markers that you can use to for panel lining your kits - whether it be gundam, zoids, an rc helicopter and even dios. Most would say that gundam markers or calligraphy pens from art shops has the finest tip and sticks solidly to the piece.
But since those markers are FREAKINGLY EXPENSIVE and my blog is for those people who doesn't want to spend P150 or more FOR JUST A SINGLE PEN!!! or cannot afford to buy these expensive markers. I may just have the thing for you. 


Yes. Faber-Castell Multimark 1523 Permanent S.

I bought this marker at National Bookstore for P50 or lesser (If you're foreign or currently not residing in the Philippines I don't know how much this marker costs in your place, just check out some Malls or wherever you can get a hold of this). It also comes with a marker eraser on top which is really handy.

Now, this marker has just the finest tip you can use through most of panel lining. Though another alternative to this is the Copic Marker - they're extremely rare here in the Philippines, I don't even have them but if you have a copic marker which has a fine tip, then that's good to go.


How to panel line?


Panel-lining is actually the easiest procedure to do if you're all-out on model kit painting and stuff. The trick is relatively easy. Just mark or line the panels or parts that you want to stand-out then let dry for a couple of seconds then using a marker eraser or any rubber eraser - rub on those lines that you made until the panel line is thin enough for you.

Don't worry if you're starting out or feeling that the line you made is too thick like the one on the right (Don't freak out! you didn't do anything wrong, don't get angry and break or burn the piece because it's normal) and once you've used the eraser to remove the excess ink it would look absolutely fine (the one on the left).


Why should you panel line pieces?

Simply because it makes the kit look a little more alive and realistic. Besides, if you have already painted the pieces then take the extra time and effort to panel line it's more worth it.



When to panel line??

Panel lining is done after the whole kit is painted with base coats and before top coating.
Topcoat seals in the paint so you may not want to put topcoat ahead of panel lining.


What if I use Flat Topcoat, Panel line then use Flat/Gloss top coat?

This may be possible - IF and Only IF you will be using gloss coat as the last top coat! because using another dose of flat coat would totally dull the paint color. 


How can I remove panel line inks?


Well, if you made a mistake and has already panel-lined a piece and topcoated it or not, then the solution for your problem is alcohol - yes. Most ink markers especially industrial ones reacts either with water or alcohol, just put some alcohol on a cotton bud then wipe out the part that is wrong.



I have dried the ink too long and alcohol doesn't work, How to fix this?

If alcohol doesn't work then resolve to using thinner - the consequence is that you may have to paint the whole part all over again and panel line once more. Just soak the piece or part for a few minutes then brush out the paint until the paint is no more, let dry, sand, paint the piece and panel line once more.


Okay, so I think that sums up panel lining. If you have anymore questions or suggestions on how to panel line more effectively just post your comments below, I'd love to read them.


Till my next post!!!