Drawing panel lines

integra818 asked me how I drew my panel lines so I thought I could share my usual method of drawing them. Not sure if anyone else uses this method.

First you will need a Gundam Marker which is water-based and NOT oil-based. The way to differenciate the two is that the water-based cap has a metal clip while the oil-based has a plastic clip.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/9784991.JPG

The water-based marker's tip is soft (and like a brush) while the oil-based one has a fine metal tip.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/2424662.JPG

First draw a panel line. it doesn't matter if it is too thick cos you can rub the excess off. Do not draw too many lines though. just concentrate on one at a time.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/8966063.JPG
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/7062794.JPG

Now rub off the excess using a soft cloth by going in the opposite direction of the line. For example it is a vertical line, you should rub horizontally. If you rub in the same direction, you are essentially rubbing away the ink in the panel lines. Do so quickly after the line is drawn. Wait too long and the ink will be hard to rub off. If you mess up, quickly wet the cloth, clean it off (it's water-based, remember?) and redo.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/9064905.JPG

You should get something like this...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/1964786.JPG

The final result
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/4509037.JPG

EDIT: Remember to rub across the panel line repeatedly, until a fine thin black line remains.

Thanks for sharing your idea. Concise with pics=easy to understand :D
Good job Junhao!

Great tutorial.

Thanks.

Thanks for the post.

I have been meaning to ask the board, is there any particular size of pen, tip size etc, that I should be trying to order?

Richie

very helpfull!!

Wow, thanks man, that helped alot. I need to get one of those pens :)

Originally posted by UKSupraboy
Thanks for the post.

I have been meaning to ask the board, is there any particular size of pen, tip size etc, that I should be trying to order?

Richie

I don't think there are various tip size. You can get them from anime shops and probably HLJ (not sure, but since they sell Gundams, most probably they will carry the stock)

Good tuturial thx alot man :D :D

I have a question. I did the lines around the gas tank door thingy on my Silvia and they look terrible, I want to take them out. I tried useing a wet/damn cloth, a wet q-tip (or cotton wool bud) but I still can't get it out. How do I get the paint out of the gas-tank shuter lines????

Originally posted by integra818
I have a question. I did the lines around the gas tank door thingy on my Silvia and they look terrible, I want to take them out. I tried useing a wet/damn cloth, a wet q-tip (or cotton wool bud) but I still can't get it out. How do I get the paint out of the gas-tank shuter lines????

Did you use a water based pen? And did you leave them for too long? As said earlier you must wipe the excess off immediately after drawing the lines. For your case, use a <b>very little</b> amount of acrylic thinner on a q-tip to clean. Do not use too much or the paint will come off too.

Originally posted by Junhao


Did you use a water based pen? And did you leave them for too long? As said earlier you must wipe the excess off immediately after drawing the lines. For your case, use a <b>very little</b> amount of acrylic thinner on a q-tip to clean. Do not use too much or the paint will come off too.

ahh shit, it says waterproof on the pen :cry:

I'll try to cover it up with decal, declas fix everything :frog:

Thanks for the tip, where is a good place to purchase on eof those water based pens??? I have never seen any around my way, do you know how much they usually cost??

Originally posted by integra818


ahh shit, it says waterproof on the pen :cry:

I'll try to cover it up with decal, declas fix everything :frog:

:hehe: :jump: :ylsuper smart arse :D

I know I'll do it too ;)

I AM USING THE SAME METHOD! :eek: :eek: :eek: :D Damn those pens's disadvantages are
-Tip solftens after several uses
-The ink won't come out after 5-6 models:mad:
-Dries out easily

Thanks for the info :)

Thanks for the tips on how to do the pannel lines.
This tip really helps
Tc:sun:

Thanks for the tips!! :)

Originally posted by Junhao
First you will need a Gundam Marker which is water-based and NOT oil-based. The way to differenciate the two is that the water-based cap has a metal clip while the oil-based has a plastic clip.Thanks for this. IMO, this is the tricky part. I guess I bought an oil-based pen without realizing it... :o

Originally posted by Mean_B16
Thanks for the tip, where is a good place to purchase on eof those water based pens??? I have never seen any around my way, do you know how much they usually cost??

You can find them at anime shops or shops selling Gundam models. I bought mine at S$4, about US$2-3.

Anyway, I'm glad to have helped you guys. It takes a short while to get a hang of. Good luck!

That was really good!! Those markers are like $9 AUS! Not cheap!

But a question, can you use this to do the window frames?

I use the same method, but it is reassuring that I am doing it right at least.

I do, however, have a question. Do you apply the marker before or after you have applied clear?

KOFFEE BLACK: No I don't use them to do the window frames. Use paint for those using Pman's method of masking. If you use the markers it will leave marker stroke lines. And the ink does not look nice enough on window frames. However, you can use it to draw 'drain' of the window frame and paint the rest.

exhaust smoke: I do not normally use clear but I think doing it after clearing would be better. Just in case you screwed up and need to remove the marker ink using a little thinner, you won't affect the paint job. But that's just my 2 cents. Drawing lines before clearing may also work, if you do not apply too many layers of clear. The lines on the Impreza below was done before clearing.