Some gunpla builders won't be complete without the help of hobby tools. These are some of the common hobby tools used for building and customizing gunpla models.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi4__5D_AusTLfrAmm3dQNhr43QPizXsRA92uGoQ5GZmQviT7w23jM_mb-mOyQ8vO6cdDqCPopYrGn2VsXgteCsGWyJOyVvYpXJhBWuJVAOvR4DDa0O3bUAghtvDG2bH4mDAFT4Wlr6Y/s200/10189440a2.jpg) |
Nipper |
Most basic tool in building gunpla models. Used for cutting parts from runners.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWkqPceEJV6KLUp5ug-aZ6MRdb6bwEDZvB9b2aRGnGuHuOSKJkzzFhK7sUfB2IRkun8n8Q9Brk3DIaj2tgn00T9T35rnJ1xeIohI8vcbjOb0V_GQ00UDmlsq1O9NPg8F4z3bpeQWkrBA/s200/10127391a.jpg) |
Design Knife |
Used for cutting and alternative for removing nubs.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMC27fpTMOh-aWQIY4Edrhsh168LutgN5gIdru3WjOi9xqC2Le3EsiKRFeBNbYO-xI9z9aGBkfnMX_uH_VMxHtbpQQAMUzVJammRYxGLUN6lUmj3oQMelAyDn9jzZ_-FelussvQOgcyw/s200/Sandpaper.jpg) |
Sandpaper |
Removes nub marks and cleans rough surfaces.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEYLSIJl36vI10tT_mpUp6CIslMGtn-wgnV13vTF3aO8buvxGkSFMr_XCjs0CwvcA9vDMyZbuDemYJIckmguEMoYKmVq-AnShP1Y6rrB9qILFj_uLUoFCwy5UBtDg12CmGAewWdPHmK4/s200/10006228a.jpg) |
Tweezer |
Ideal for holding small parts and decal application.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7pNOZmGUTtgHtUBCRfzZ5CFpoJ2RYaLrV_qZMBCX5ANldGKqM6bbVhdn05KUWuxWClpxuxHBQy5iRPPwa6bwHBctttZiGkbCrl77zvw4HueE5pfFiE3Ad3dVX1bkJ3yEXsEm7L4LK9M/s200/10162018a.jpg) |
Gundam Marker |
Marker pen especially made for gundam models. Used for extra details and panel lining.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9b4DJoqIVN4pKpHcGmFkMTcI2WS9tV_dpFKOB6Fy5fN2Zr02bYD5pz-aKTDj6hzORz-RfrwN3gO-2qeaN-qMuNp48B6j5FEJYe_qVoVWEIevNiMRfJgkKLlPtBuhbRmGD9nGImdwkmTM/s200/spray.jpg) |
Spray Paint |
Recommended for painting large parts. It's a lot quicker and gives a much better finish.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnKd6poOxCmKkm6XdX6VQ_jCHqzonbkCV4she6NYmsI0-kob67UWdvfdbTqRaZKXuflklZTeH9YQ57jLsoy_qyVU-mXe4NtfviNa1C4X3VAYaRp7jXqxTT8GA3im6MUAoWSGWxj5v6Tg/s1600/paint.jpg) |
Color Paint |
Commonly used for painting small parts, especially if they are still connected to the runner.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F5wfR7uEGHOIuDJy7rgC56_6mlAJmHy2at0DAIV2uUxRXF21ugZtJTYxqtRnD6o3H-d86zUPJm7ATGqQOfkWAlz3j_nsxrZm1IgXj_J5b41T9WSt1WuN51w04pRrGAN9T3UFBoPw_AY/s200/10167222a.jpg) |
Paint Brush |
Basic tool for painting models. Don't forget that there many types of paint brush.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPee7tKV6qu0IDVh1bS5fLQhMWu8KRcnrJZOTzALECf53T8mrTQPU214XD31d2s9pbtxMxRByaA96099TsaCsMa1rabfVrJzc82-bexQ669tegusXp0Wa3abmiAnQIwCIAZuVib6SbIkw/s200/10183957.jpg) |
Air Brush |
Advance tool for painting models.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLKMiZ_LuyjoL8wdhEaf7eaR6_3vIdknqa_okurZ4Av5KV8IqyPDVpflwbetfgBExpxXUE1adMPD9UEWWYh0vCS-KwUMI5xMMsPptUWKG4-z_VVcJ9BnmIwKSJ6o02fjd6BIJH8lO_Gw/s200/10144857a.jpg) |
Painting Grip |
Effective for holding parts during paint job.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoJu0ksLoAkw4wOM0FBGjEWjDVTCvWYYM2cJNbcY0G7PwsD0C8BTgnbnDwjFRl6I9LcJlXy9DIAfsQhCcET3KseY-PrURWjKieoRx7IA8_tnbonnOoncPHuMxzYIzjksiADr7zCUOeX4/s200/10044727.jpg) |
Scissors |
Convenient for cutting decals.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNu8yToHgWskDEOPdOJXWm-sikjOOqR-88onJ8_1jUfzIH8H9qOUwdFmBropSCOMx74BP0t-WHcmM5YBWh4eGGUfC_ae9VVGWWH-8bZXOtUQE8vWEzJtqmrGFOlnJEB_nOybf1b3xdfo/s200/Mark+Setter.jpg) |
Mark Setter |
It makes sure that wet decals adhere to the plastic.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRUEY_Q2kNLFj2JW30Mzek769ykGxrGA0QY1cVqgTyodqVDbAGrlPw-1rIO7VOUidLXXS-ldosy2O2xKmJvw_1s3-EWUqDeD-7Cl8w9GODcVpDL3emvlopnfCmBZ2letZ9zPLOVyrUtA/s200/10001618.jpg) |
Plastic Scriber |
Allows you cut plastic and etch onto make detailed parts.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK17hCtt0C5OOX8SuLWjM3ykY6p5rahyphenhyphenZ5GzI4oIzIOdgOLR8mMAQ0RPW4WkISWiFNKf7SzyCVbIvPka1ndYIraEm40viSQvPkYXM-Q-FLX45J1OGUjMoJoQnsSoVYvLwvWvFDf6reEcQ/s200/Masking+Tape.jpg) |
Masking Tape |
Keeps dry transfer decals in place to rub them in and guide for applying additional details.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVuGubMesAzEBPOlHFqFvGPsm-npdK370liR4_saX7KrZHAvPj9W4tht2FOIwYsU0dNQ9dobmHoBFdYfAPwrtq-BTTnnRjp8kQ4G8JIPGiOnUImktBrkbqNS-4m0OenWepYB2n4CZgNw/s200/cement.jpg) |
Liquid Cement |
Used for gluing parts together. Take note that it doesn't work on metal plated surfaces.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLy5oW_Vo69l_J2uiwK44gzCZ3oJOQRZU-BOenTHuLxJXuoqPwXX0PjEeJmi05vZ5jORxfj78ruRkzyySwdBiBwhDbcRSSrekwV2ddi7JGeLscAZb5FJ9mu2pdjWEClSV1UVQuGuvzLk/s200/10030870.jpg) |
Cutting Mat |
Best for organize cutting, layout and measurements.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7fop5XQRkDFYwjkno1_pnLKYa4rNdsa6oXFUpZGbXtzhyZXUwVlpLJRibWHLir9eDrRSQFBD9zEEXphH02ZRTGK3-49S6O81Y_PQw0Wlrnt6an3af8rR_C2SBYLEj2lnYtwNlhxIYDE/s200/Top+Coat.jpg) |
Top Coat |
Puts a clear layer onto the plastic layer and gives it a non-reflective look.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAcI69oscuq_nbLCHaAzlrbGscOvN9OZOW0VOOYjVkIqzkuYVREO7ujuo-h0qJ2i2ShVwFp_nehdagtJFluEEaKjAJW9vBOk5jdgncn-i6DKWkaNHKx-oWrsF48I_ZVdy-5I36TXXRwo/s200/10058932.jpg) |
Cleaning Brush |
Specifically used for removing dust and dirt that adheres to the scale model.
Images via 1999.co.jp, tamiya.com