🛠️ Gunpla Beginner's Tool Guide: Everything You Need to Start Building Gundam Kits

No glue? No problem. Here's what you actually need (and what you don't) to start your Gunpla journey!

📼 Remember building models as a kid?

If you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, chances are you spent a Saturday afternoon with a model car or Snap-Tite kit, hands covered in plastic shavings, while your favorite anime marathon played in the background. Now, we’re adults—but our love for building just leveled up. Welcome to the world of Gunpla, my fellow nostalgic builders.

Before you panic about needing a full hobby shop of tools: breathe easy. Gunpla is super beginner-friendly. Start simple, and upgrade as you go!

Here’s your no stress, just fun beginner's tool guide.

🧩 Essential Gunpla Tools (Start Here!)

🔹 1. Nippers (Side Cutters)

The #1 must-have tool for Gunpla beginners. You’ll use these to cut the parts from the sprues cleanly. Priced affordable at under $20 you can't beat these. Buy them here>>>

Pro Tip: Even budget-friendly nippers work great to start. You can upgrade later to premium brands like GodHand once you're obsessed (trust us—you will be).

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🔹 2. Hobby Knife (X-Acto Knife)

After cutting parts, you’ll sometimes have little leftover bits of plastic (called “nubs”). A sharp hobby knife lets you clean these up for a smoother finish. Grab one Here>>>

Safety first, anime fan. Work slowly and away from your fingers.

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🔹 3. Sandpaper or File Set

For extra-smooth results, use fine-grit sandpaper or a hobby file to finish off nub marks.

• Start with 600–1000 grit sandpaper

• Consider sponge sanding sticks for easy handling

• Buy it here>>>

Bonus: Sanding makes your builds look super polished, even without painting!

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🔹 4. Cutting Mat

Protect your table and your tools! A cutting mat gives you a safe, stable surface to work on. Plus, it makes you look like a pro builder—even if you’re just starting. Get it here>>>

✨ Green mats give off that classic builder aesthetic. Highly recommended.

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🔹 5. Tweezers (Optional but Handy)

For applying tiny stickers (decals) or maneuvering small parts. Especially helpful for Real Grade (RG) kits and beyond! Grab them here>>>

Optional now, but a lifesaver later.

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🎨 Nice-to-Haves (For When You’re Ready to Level Up)

• Panel Liner Pen: Add detail to the grooves of your kit to make the design pop.

  

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• Water Decal Kit: This is what you will need to apply those awesome seamless looking stickers.

  

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• Decal Softener: Helps apply stickers more smoothly.

  

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• Top Coat Spray: Gives your build a professional finish (matte or gloss). Check out our blog post about the difference between matte and gloss on a gundam...

  

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• Plastic Cement (Glue): Not required for most kits, but handy for custom builds.

  

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🚫 Tools You Don’t Need (Yet)

Let’s save you some money:

• Paint and airbrush kits: Awesome for advanced builds, but totally optional when you’re just starting.

• Fancy LED kits: Cool for Perfect Grades or MGEX kits, but no rush!

  
  

Focus on building, posing, and enjoying the process first. The fancy stuff can come later!

🛠️ Recap: Beginner’s Starter Tool Kit 🧰

✅ Nippers (non-negotiable!)

✅ Hobby knife

✅ Cutting mat

✅ Fine sandpaper

✅ Tweezers (optional, but nice to have)

🤖 Ready to Build?

Once you’ve got your starter toolkit, check out our hand-picked collection of Gunpla kits for beginners.

Shop Gunpla Now

Trust me—there’s no better feeling than snapping that last piece into place and striking the perfect battle pose for your shelf.

Welcome to the build life, Otaku friend. You’re gonna love it. 💥

Not sure which one to buy? Use this guide to help you understand the difference between High Grade and Real Grade!

Learn the difference between Gunpla Grades here!