An in-depth guide to the Gunpla building process

April 12, 2026

Gunpla, short for "Gundam Plastic Model," is the art of creating and collecting models based on the iconic Gundam series. Building Gunpla is a rewarding and creative hobby that allows you to explore a world of mecha. In this guide, we will delve deep into the Gunpla building process and provide you with step-by-step tips to start your own collection.

Preparation

Before you begin building, it's important to have the right tools on hand. For most models, you will need:

Hobby knife or nippers
Sandpaper or nail file
Plastic glue (if your kit requires it)
Panel Liner for details

You may also want to invest in brushes and paints if you plan to paint your model.

The Building Process

1. Inventory the Parts

Open the package and check that all parts are included. Follow the instructions carefully, as the parts are numbered and should be assembled in a specific order.

2. Cut and Clean

Use a hobby knife or nippers to cut the parts from their runners. Be careful when removing excess plastic with sandpaper to avoid scratches.

3. Assembly

Begin assembling the parts according to the instructions. Use plastic glue where necessary, but be sparse to avoid mess.

4. Detail Painting

One of the most enjoyable steps is detail painting. Use small brushes to add color and details to your model. Panel Liners can be very useful for highlighting contours and panel lines.

Advanced Tips

For those who want to take their modeling to the next level, there is the option to explore modifications and customizations of Gunpla. You can also read more about how to expand your Gunpla collection in our article Expand your collection: From Gundam to Moderoid.

For the New/Returning Builder

If you are new to Gunpla, start with simpler models before moving on to more advanced kits. Feel free to read our Checklist for starting your first Gunpla collection for more guidance.