Gunpla for Beginners, Part 2: Decals, Top Coat & Display - How to finish, protect, and display your first Gundam model.

Welcome back to the second part of our ultimate guide to Gunpla for beginners!  

In Part 1 of our guide, we covered choosing a kit, essential tools, assembly, and panel lining. This second part explains Gunpla decals, top coat, instruction symbols, and model care. If you are still learning how to build your first Gundam, start with Part 1 and return here when you are ready for the finishing touches.

You do not need to try everything at once. A clean straight build is a finished model, too. Choose one technique you want to practice and enjoy the process. Let’s keep building!

Gunpla Stickers vs. Decals: Know the Difference

Check the manual and marking sheet before you begin. A kit may include stickers, dry transfers, water-slide decals, or a combination. Do not identify them by backing-paper color alone.

Marking type	How it works
Foil stickers	Peel-and-stick markings often used for reflective eyes, sensors, and small color details.
Adhesive marking stickers	Peel-and-stick symbols, numbers, or warning markings. No soaking is needed.
Dry-transfer decals	The design transfers from a carrier sheet when you rub the backing.
Water-slide decals	Water releases a thin decal from its backing so it can slide onto the model.

 

How to Apply Gunpla Stickers

Use fine-tipped tweezers to lift the sticker by an edge and line it up with the manual. Place it on a clean, dry surface, then gently smooth it down with a clean cotton swab. Avoid touching the adhesive or repeatedly lifting the sticker, which can reduce its grip.

How to Apply Water-Slide Decals to Gunpla

Water-slide decals add small markings without the thicker edges of many adhesive stickers. Start with a few easy-to-reach areas, such as a shield or shoulder, before working around curved armor.

Useful supplies: the correct decal sheet, tweezers, clean water, scissors, a soft brush, cotton swabs, and a paper towel. Choose model-specific sheets for your kit and scale; general caution markings offer more flexibility.

1. Prepare the Surface:

Remove dust and fingerprints. A smooth surface helps the decal sit evenly. Let any paint or clear coat cure before applying markings.

2. Cut and wet one decal:

Leave a small border around the design. Follow the sheet instructions for water temperature and wetting time; different decals release at different speeds.

3. Slide it into position:

Once the marking moves on its backing, guide it onto the part with a damp brush. Do not pull a decal that is still stuck.

4. Settle the marking:

Gently press out trapped air and excess water with a cotton swab. Avoid dragging the decal out of alignment.

5. Let it dry:

Leave the marking undisturbed. Follow the decal and coating instructions before sealing it with a compatible clear coat.

Do You Need Decal Setter or Softener?

These products are optional aids. A setter can improve adhesion; a softener helps a decal conform to curves and recessed details. Some setters also contain softening ingredients. Follow the exact product directions and test compatibility, because excess solution can damage the decal or underlying paint. A smooth, glossy base can help reduce silvering, the pale appearance caused by trapped air beneath clear decal film.

How to Apply Dry-Transfer Decals

Cut around the selected marking, remove its protective layer as directed, and secure the carrier in position with suitable masking tape. Rub with a rounded tool, then lift the carrier slowly to check the transfer. These markings are not repositioned with water. 

A Simple Finishing Order

For a basic, unpainted build using compatible products: clean up the parts, finish panel lining and cleanup, allow the ink to dry, apply markings, let them dry, and add an optional final top coat. Painted builds or certain panel-lining products may require a compatible protective gloss layer earlier in the process. Product compatibility determines the order.

Explore water-slide decals for Gundam model kits for your next project.

Gunpla Top Coat: Matte, Satin, or Gloss?

A top coat is a transparent finishing layer. It can make the surface sheen more consistent and help protect compatible markings and finishes. It is optional, and it will not fix rough nub marks or replace careful handling.

Finish	Appearance
Matte / flat	Reduces shine for a subdued finish. It can also dull metallic or reflective details.
Satin / semi-gloss	Leaves a moderate sheen between matte and gloss.
Gloss	Creates a shiny finish and can provide a smooth surface for decals when used as an earlier preparation layer.

How to Top Coat Gunpla

Check the whole combination:

Confirm that the coating suits the plastic, paint, panel-lining product, and decals. Test the same layers on spare material first; a successful test on bare plastic alone does not check the full combination.

Let previous layers dry or cure:

Follow each product label. A surface that feels dry may still need more time before another product is applied.

Protect details you want to preserve:

Mask or remove clear parts and reflective details when the chosen finish would change their appearance. Avoid coating joint contact surfaces where buildup can affect movement.

Apply light, even passes:

Shake and spray as the manufacturer directs, using its specified distance, conditions, and recoat interval. Avoid flooding the model. High humidity can produce a cloudy finish with some sprays.

Allow the finish to cure:

Use a clean, protected drying area. Wait for the label-specified curing time before posing or handling the coated surfaces.

Spray safely

Follow the product label for ventilation, respiratory protection. Use aerosol outdoors or in a suitably equipped, ventilated spray area, and keep them away from flames, sparks, and heat. A water-based label does not remove the need to follow spray precautions. 

Browse model paints and finishing supplies and check each product description before choosing a clear coat.

Common Gunpla Instruction Symbols

The manual supplied with your kit is the final reference. Symbols can vary by kit or publication, so read the nearby text and diagrams. These common meanings are confirmed in Bandai's assembly guidance.

Symbol	Meaning	What to do
	Screw caution	Tighten carefully; avoid overtightening.
	Opposite side	Fit the indicated part on the other side.
	Identical parts	Use matching parts on both sides.
	Move both sides	Move the other side as shown, too.
	Cut here	Cut only the indicated area.
	Assemble first	Fit this part before the associated step.
	Assemble later	Leave this part until the later step.
	Repeat count	Make the stated number of assemblies
	Rotation	Turn by the angle and direction shown.
	Attention	Check orientation and nearby instructions.
	Choose a part	Select the indicated alternative.
	Glue location	Apply suitable adhesive where directed.

 

Most modern snap-fit Gunpla do not need glue. If a particular kit or accessory calls for adhesive, use the type specified for its material. For stickers and decals, check the marking sheet instructions rather than assuming one application method fits every sheet.

How to Display and Care for Your Gunpla

Give your completed model a secure place where you can enjoy the work you put into it. A few simple habits help keep the finish clean and the pose stable.

Choose a Stable Shelf or Compatible Display Base

For a standing pose, place both feet firmly on a level surface and check the balance with weapons and the backpack attached. Keep the model away from shelf edges. For airborne poses, use a base that supports the model's weight and matches its mounting point or adapter; scale alone does not guarantee a fit.

Explore Gunpla display bases and diorama accessories and confirm compatibility in the kit and base instructions.

Keep Models Away from Strong Sunlight and Heat

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, hot windowsills, and nearby heaters. Choose a cool, dry display area with reasonably stable conditions to help protect the plastic, adhesives, and finishes.

Remove Dust Gently

An enclosed cabinet or acrylic cover reduces dust buildup. Use a clean, soft brush for occasional cleaning, supporting delicate parts as you work. Avoid household cleaners or solvents unless you have confirmed they are safe for every material and finish on the model.

Support the Joints When Posing

Hold the part close to the joint and move it gently through its intended range. If something resists, stop and check the manual. Pulling on a hand, antenna, or weapon can put stress on smaller connections. Recheck the balance after changing a pose.

Organize Accessories and Keep the Manual

Label resealable bags with the kit name and store spare hands, weapons, and connectors together. Keep the manual for part identification, transformation steps, and future adjustments. Keep loose parts and finished models out of reach of small children and pets.

Build at Your Own Pace

Try one new skill per project: better nub cleanup, a handful of decals, or a carefully tested finish. Take breaks when your hands or eyes feel tired, and compare your work with your previous build rather than someone else's display piece.

Use a cutting mat when trimming decals, keep fingers clear of blades, and cut away from your body. Store sharp tools safely when you finish. The goal is a hobby you can enjoy, one model at a time.

Gunpla Finishing FAQ

Do I need to paint or top coat my first Gundam?

No. Many modern Gunpla kits use colored plastic and snap-fit assembly, so you can enjoy a complete model without painting. A top coat is an optional finishing step.

Do all Gundam model kits include water-slide decals?

No. Included markings vary. Read the box contents, manual, and sheet instructions before wetting anything. Adhesive stickers and dry transfers do not use the same application method as water-slide decals.

Can I put top coat over stickers and decals?

Sometimes, if the coating is compatible. Test first and allow markings to dry fully. A clear coat will not remove the physical thickness of a sticker, and a matte finish may dull reflective details. Some decal and coating combinations can react. 

Why do water-slide decals look silvery?

Air trapped under the clear film can cause silvering. A smooth base, careful positioning, and gentle removal of bubbles help. A compatible setting solution may also improve adhesion.

How long should decals and top coat dry?

There is no single time that applies to every brand and condition. Follow the decal, paint, and coating instructions, including curing times. Allow more time if the instructions or conditions call for it.

Can I use the same Action Base for every Gunpla?

No. Check the model's weight, mounting connection, and required adapter against the display base instructions. Large or unusually heavy models may need a different support arrangement.

Find Your Next Gundam Model Kit

Ready to try another build? Explore Gundam model kits at The Gundam Place Store, along with Gunpla tools and finishing supplies. If you are comparing your next project, our guide to Gundam grades explains the main options.

Shop online or visit The Gundam Place Store in Cumming, Georgia, in the Metro Atlanta area. Choose a design you love, practice at your own pace, and make each build your own. 

Never Stop Building!