Panel lining is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make to any kit’s look, and it doesn’t require an airbrush or any painting experience.
Tools
- A panel line marker (grey or black, depending on the kit’s base color)
- A fine-tip enamel wash pen for deeper grooves
- Cotton swabs and enamel thinner for cleanup
Technique
- Run the marker along every panel line, letting the ink pool slightly
- Wait 1-2 minutes for it to set
- Wipe excess with a cotton swab dampened in thinner, following the line direction
- Let it fully dry before handling the part
Common mistakes
- Wiping too soon smears the line instead of cleaning it
- Using the wrong marker color on light plastic makes lines look too harsh — test on a spare part first