CPG's Gunpla Corner XA - On Plastics and Solvents

If you read the labels on your runners, you probably have read the letters ABS, PS, PE, or others. "What," you might ask yourself, "they is?"

This is what they is.

PS (Polystyrene) - The brittle plastics. Most fascia parts are made of this. The level of brittleness depending on the specific mix used for the part. This primarily depends on color- you've probably noticed that red MG kits are harder to snip than grey or purple HGUC kits.

ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) - This is usually what the endoskeleton is made of. It's almost always dark grey, you rarely use all the parts, but it's always pleasant to snip.

PE (Polyethylene) - Used for softest pieces, found in the joints. These are so soft you can usually typically pull them straight off the sprues with a little effort.

**Please remember I am not a doctor or anything so always read labels and ignore anything I said if an official source says otherwise.**

You can prevent the damage to the plastic if you protect it with a layer of topcoat, but you have to be sure that the top coat you're using isn't made of a solvent for these plastics (i.e. lacquers) or that panel lining+mistake fixer combo you're using don't also somehow as a solvent. At any rate I stick traditional alcohol based markers and your every day Krylon UV ultra clear acrylic top coat, you should be able to completely undo any mistake without fear of your model dissolving. I know from experience how unpleasant it is to have a joint melt due to dripping you were unaware of.

Solvents can be used for intentional enbrittling if you are trying to weather or battle-damage a kit.

Again, check for proper workspace ventilation. Your lungs are important.