How to Paint the Labubu × Gundam GK White Model: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
TakaraModel
You've got your elf-meets-mecha GK white model in hand. Now what? This guide walks you through the complete painting workflow — from first sanding pass to final topcoat — with beginner-friendly explanations at every step. No airbrush required for your first attempt.
What You'll Need
Essential Tools
- Sandpaper: 400, 800, 1200 grit
- Gray primer spray can
- Acrylic model paints
- Fine detail brushes (sizes 0 and 00)
- Masking tape (Tamiya recommended)
- Matte or gloss topcoat spray
Color Reference (Classic RX-78-2)
- ⬜ White — main armor panels
- ⬜ Dark Blue — waist, lower legs
- ⬜ Red — abdomen crest, knees
- ⬜ Yellow — V-fin, shoulder accents
- ⬜ Dark Gray — inner frame, joints
- ⬜ Silver — beam rifle barrel
10-Step Painting Process
Step 1: Wash the Parts
Wash all resin parts in warm soapy water to remove release agents. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and let air dry for 30 minutes. This step is critical — skipping it causes paint adhesion failure.
Step 2: Remove Supports and Nub Marks
Inspect each part under good lighting for support remnants. Use flush cutters or a sharp hobby knife to clip nubs flush, then sand immediately.
Step 3: Sand the Surfaces
Progress through 400 → 800 → 1200 grit sandpaper. Use wet sanding for cleaner results. Sand with a light touch on thin parts. Don't over-sand Labubu's face — a gentle 800-grit pass is enough to preserve detail.
Step 4: Prime the Parts
Apply 2–3 thin coats of gray primer, letting each dry fully. Primer reveals defects, unifies the base color, and dramatically improves paint adhesion. After priming, sand any visible scratches with 1200 grit and re-prime that area.
Step 5: Plan Your Color Map
Sketch which colors go where before opening any paint. For the 2.0 Perfect Part Edition, this is simplified — each panel is already physically separated by color boundary. For the 1.0, plan your masking tape placement.
Step 6: Basecoat Painting
Start with lightest colors first: White → Yellow → Red → Blue → Dark Gray. Apply in thin layers (2–3 coats per color). Never apply thick coats — thick paint obscures detail and chips more easily.
Step 7: Panel Lining
Apply Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color into the recessed lines. The wash flows via capillary action. After 5–10 minutes, wipe excess from flat surfaces with a cotton swab and enamel thinner. This single step dramatically improves the finished look.
Step 8: Detail Painting
Use a size-00 brush for Labubu's eyes: white sclera, colored iris, black pupil, and a tiny white highlight dot. The nine signature teeth can be shaded at the gum line. For 2.0 Edition: paint the beam saber with clear orange/pink for a translucent blade effect.
Step 9: Topcoat Finishing
Apply matte or gloss topcoat spray. Matte = flat military look. Gloss = high shine for metallic areas and eyes. Many modelers mix: matte on armor, gloss on eyes, semi-gloss on the elf character's body.
Step 10: Assembly
Assemble all painted parts. For the 2.0 Edition, this is the final reveal — all individually painted panels coming together. Use a small amount of model cement for permanent joins, or friction-fit for parts you may want to repaint later.
⏱️ Time Estimate for First Build
8–14h
Total build time
2–3
Days spread across
100mm
Forgiving small scale
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need an airbrush to paint a GK white model?
No. Brush painting produces excellent results on a 100mm figure with thinned acrylics in multiple thin coats. An airbrush improves smoothness and speed, but is not required.
Q: What's the biggest mistake beginners make when painting GK models?
Skipping primer, or applying paint too thick. Thick paint obscures details — especially the character's fine facial features — and chips more easily. Always prime, and always thin your paint.
Q: Is it safe to sand resin parts?
Use wet sanding and wear a dust mask — resin dust is a respiratory irritant. Always sand in a ventilated area. The ABS-like resin in the 2.0 Edition produces less fine dust than standard resin.
Q: Can I strip the paint and repaint if I make a mistake?
Yes. Soak parts in isopropyl alcohol (90%+) for 30–60 minutes and acrylic paint will soften and wipe off. Re-prime and start over — the resin itself is undamaged.
Q: What colors do I need for the classic RX-78-2 color scheme?
White, dark navy blue, red, yellow, dark gray, and silver. Tamiya equivalents: TS-26 Pure White, XF-8 Flat Blue, X-7 Red, XF-3 Flat Yellow, XF-24 Dark Gray, X-11 Chrome Silver.
⚠️ Safety Reminder
- Always wear a dust mask when sanding resin — resin dust is a respiratory hazard
- Work in a well-ventilated area when spraying primer, paint, and topcoat
- Use gloves when handling uncured resin or enamel thinners
Shop the Fan-Designed GK 2.0 Edition →
All kits ship as unpainted white models. Finished images are painted examples for reference only.