PGU Nu Gundam Clear Armor GK Review: Transparency, Resin Quality, and the Interior Bandai Built to Be Seen
TakaraModel
In-Depth Review
PGU Nu Gundam Clear Armor GK Review: Transparency, Resin Quality, and the Interior Bandai Built to Be Seen
A hands-on analysis of the clear GK resin quality, internal skeleton reveal, and display impact across both versions.
What This Kit Actually Is
This is not a snap-fit conversion. It is a traditional GK (Garage Kit) resin casting set — individually hand-poured parts using optical-grade clear resin in silicone molds made from the original PGU armor panels. Every panel line, surface detail, and structural geometry is retained in transparent form.
The material is not injection-molded ABS or polycarbonate. It is hand-poured resin, which produces different optical properties and requires a different assembly approach compared to standard plastic model kits.
Material Quality: What "Clear GK Resin" Looks Like
Optical Clarity
Genuinely transparent, not milky or frosted. Large flat panels like torso armor and leg guards transmit visible light and allow the internal skeleton to be seen clearly through the surface. After fine sanding and a gloss clear coat, the result approaches glass-like transparency.
Surface Texture
Fresh from the mold, the surface has a slight sheen. Builders who want maximum clarity typically apply Tamiya X-22 Clear gloss coat after progressive sanding (400 → 800 → 1200 → 2000 grit wet).
Structural Weight
GK resin is denser than ABS plastic. The parts feel substantial rather than hollow, which improves display quality but requires clean gate trimming to prevent stress cracks.
Air Bubbles
Minor air bubbles in thicker sections are inherent to hand-casting and are considered normal. They can be filled with clear UV resin without affecting overall appearance.
The Interior It Reveals
The PGU Nu Gundam's internal skeleton contains several visually distinct elements, all visible through the clear armor:
Multi-Layer Skeleton
Nested structural construction creates dramatic depth — an inner frame surrounded by secondary mechanical detail layers visible through the clear surface.
Gold-Plated Joints
Elbow pivots, knee mechanisms, and conduit connection points use gold-colored components — strong visual contrast against the gray frame base.
Metallic Truss Framing
Repeating geometric truss elements in the torso, upper legs, and shoulder structures reflect light differently from flat surfaces, adding shimmer at varying angles.
3D Metallic Stickers
Multi-layer metallic 3D stickers in psycommu activation zones create a circuit board texture visible through the clear panels.
Display Effect: Three Approaches
Full Transparent (Full Body Version)
Every white panel replaced. The machine reads as a mechanical sculpture — identifiable as the Nu Gundam by silhouette, but fully see-through. Ideal for static display with LED lighting.
Half-and-Half (Left-Half Body primary use)
White armor on one side, clear on the other. Technical cross-section aesthetic — as though half the machine has been opened for inspection. Strong front-facing impact.
Staggered Layering (Most Sophisticated)
Clear panels distributed alternately across both sides. Preserves overall silhouette while revealing internal zones from multiple angles. Builder community widely considers this the most visually refined approach.
⚡ LED Synergy: Clear Armor + KOSMOS LED Kit
The KOSMOS PGU Nu Gundam LED Kit provides 4-channel RGB lighting with wireless app control. When the Full Body Clear Armor is installed over an LED-equipped frame, each lighting channel illuminates a corresponding armor zone. The clear resin transmits light as a diffused surface glow rather than a concentrated point — creating the animated psycho-frame illumination effect across the entire machine surface.
The LED kit and Clear Armor are both available at Takara Model Studio. For maximum visual impact, plan both purchases together.
Summary Assessment
| Aspect | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Resin Clarity | High — genuine optical transparency |
| Surface Detail Retention | Excellent — all panel lines preserved |
| Frame Fit | Precision fit for PGU Nu Gundam only |
| Processing Requirement | Moderate–High; GK experience required |
| Visual Impact (Full Body) | Exceptional — museum-quality sculpture |
| LED Compatibility | Full light transmission through all panels |
| Value | Strong at $135.99–$217.99 for hand-cast GK quality |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How transparent is GK resin compared to polycarbonate clear parts?
High-quality GK resin can achieve clarity comparable to PC clear parts, especially after fine sanding and a gloss clear coat. Fresh from the mold, GK resin has slightly more tonal depth — some builders describe it as "warm clear." After a gloss coat, the difference is minimal.
Q: Are air bubbles a quality defect?
No. Minor air bubbles are inherent to hand-casting GK production and are considered normal. They can be filled with clear UV resin and sanded flush without affecting overall appearance.
Q: Does the clear resin yellow over time?
All clear resins can exhibit slight yellowing with prolonged UV exposure. Avoid direct sunlight display and apply a UV-protective clear coat to minimize this. UV fluorescent builds are less affected since yellowing is minimal under UV-reactive lighting.
Q: Can I tint or paint the clear parts?
Yes. Transparent tinting paints, candy coat colors, and UV-reactive fluorescent paints all work on GK resin. Blue fluorescent tinting is the most popular — under a UV black light, the panels glow with blue luminescence matching the psycho-frame activation from Char's Counterattack.
Q: Is this an officially licensed product?
No. This is an independently produced studio GK kit by Takara Model Studio, not affiliated with or licensed by Bandai Spirits or any rights holder.
The PGU Nu Gundam's skeleton was engineered with the same level of detail as its exterior. Clear armor makes it possible to display both simultaneously.
View the Clear Armor GK Kit →Disclaimer: Independently produced aftermarket GK accessory kit. Not affiliated with or licensed by Bandai Spirits or any rights holder. The Bandai PG Unleashed 1/60 RX-93 ν Gundam is sold separately. Minor material variations are inherent to the hand-casting GK process.