Do you need glue or paint to build Gunpla?

No. Gunpla kits are snap-fit and molded in color, so you can build a complete, good-looking model with only cutters. Here's when glue and paint start to make sense.

Why no glue is needed

Bandai designs its kits so parts hold together with pegs and holes. Colors are molded into the plastic, and stickers or decals cover small details. That's what makes Gunpla so accessible compared to traditional scale models.

When glue is useful

• Seam line removal: some parts leave a visible line where two halves meet. Builders use plastic cement to fuse and sand them smooth.
• Repairing a broken peg: a small drop of cement or super glue fixes it.
• Loose parts: on older kits, a tiny amount of glue can stop pieces from falling off.

Never glue parts that need to move or that you may want to take apart later.

When paint is useful

Paint lets you fix colors the kit leaves out, replace stickers or create a custom color scheme. Most beginners start with markers for small details before moving to brush paint or an airbrush.

A good path

Straight build first, then add panel lining, then a top coat. Those three steps transform a kit with no glue and no paint. Explore cement and paint once you know you enjoy the hobby.