Tutorial: How to Paint Gundam Eyes Part 2

Intro:

I received a lot of good questions and comments from people after the first How to Paint Gundam Eyes post went up. 

One question I received was "What do you do for eye pieces that aren't clear?"

Here's a method you can use the paint Gundam eyes that aren't clear. 




Tools:
(Airbrush method)
Non Enamel Primer  
Non Enamel Eye Color
Black Enamel Paint
Lighter Fluid
Q Tips

(Paint Brush Method)
Non Enamel Eye Color
Black Enamel Paint
Lighter Fluid
Q Tips

For this example I'm going to use the eye piece from the MG Qan[t]. Although this piece is clear green I want to make the eyes stand out more by using a solid color. You would use this same exact process if your piece is not clear.


Airbrush Method:

Start by masking everything that you don't want to be the eye color.

Prime the eye piece and then apply your eye color.

I must emphasize that you cannot use an Enamel based paint for this step. Acrylic or Lacquer paints will work fine. 

Allow the paint to cure completely before the next step.

Now spray the eye piece with the back enamel paint. You must use an enamel based paint for this step. Allow this paint to cure completely before moving onto the next step "Bringing out the Eyes". 


Paint brush Method:

If you don't have access to a airbrush don't worry you can still get great looking results. 

Find some way to hold the piece you need to paint. Don't worry about masking because you're only going to paint the parts that need to be painted.
 

Use a wide flat brush and apply a non enamel paint to the eye piece. Try to use a minimal number of brush strokes to achieve an even finish. Don't apply too much paint either, you don't want to change the shape of the eyes with excess dried paint.

I must emphasize that you cannot use an Enamel based paint for this step. Acrylic paint will work fine. 

Once this piece has dried completely move onto the next step.

 Use your wide flat brush to apply a layer of black enamel paint to the eye piece. You must use an enamel based paint for this step. Allow this paint to cure completely before moving onto the next step "Bringing out the Eyes".

Bringing out the Eyes: 

Apply a very small amount of lighter fluid to a Q -Tip and gently rub away the black enamel from the raise eye pieces. If you accidentally remove too much paint, go back and reapply another layer of black enamel and try again. 

Allow the part to rest for a hour or two in case the surrounding enamel has been softened by the lighter fluid. Then reassemble the head.

You should now have a set of great looking eyes! 

Leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions!