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Plastic model kits are a great place to start modeling, and when you are on a budget, they make excellent presents as well. There are many different sets available, ranging from starter sets for newer modelers to more traditional sets for those looking for something a little more challenging. They are highly customizable and can really get your gears going when thinking of how to improve a model you are working on. Naturally, there are different tools used in modeling that can be given as a thoughtful gift to someone passionate about building or someone just starting out with the hobby. If you are looking for a gift for your loved ones, then this is the blog for you! Keep reading to find out more.
Summary
- Choosing the Kit: Starter and Traditional Kits Explained
- Choosing the Paint: The Best Acrylic Paint for your Plastic Model Kit
- Choosing the Tools: Must-have Plastic Modeling Tools
Starter Kits or Traditional Kits? What’s the difference?
What is a Starter Kit?
Starter kits are model kits complete with everything a beginner needs to start their modeling journey. Each kit comes with all the supplies needed for assembling the model, including glue, paint, and brushes.
Airfix starter sets are the perfect gift for beginners. If you know someone who is interested in model building but doesn’t know where to start, then this is the kit for them! Each kit is thoughtfully crafted with beginners in mind. Plus, there are a ton of options to choose from, so whether you like tanks, cars, or planes, there is something for everybody.
Check out our collection of Airfix Starter Sets here
What is a Traditional Kit?
Traditional kits are the ideal gifts for modelers who are more experienced or want a little challenge. Unlike starter kits, traditional kits are focused entirely on the model itself. Because the tools and paints are not included in the kit, modelers have more freedom to choose the materials and customize the model at will. There is a wide range of kits to choose from, but here are some of the general categories:
- Aircraft Kits
- Land Vehicle Kits
- Water Vessel Kits
- Sci-fi Kits
With such a large collection of kits to choose from, it is no wonder making a decision can be difficult at times. There are several things to take into account when selecting a kit. Whether you want one on the simpler side or if you want a more complex model, when choosing, consider all these factors:
- Interior and Exterior Details
- Scale of the Model and Parts
- Number of Parts
These factors can greatly influence the enjoyment a modeler can have when constructing the model. If it is too easy or too difficult, it might take the fun out of building. So choosing the right one depending on who the model is for needs a lot of contemplation, and for a good reason.
The Best Acrylic Paints for your Plastic Model Kits
Paints are crucial in order to get the look you want out of a model, and having a large range of basic paints will surely make it easier to achieve the desired tones and shades. If you know someone who has an interest in painting model kits or perhaps someone who is very picky when it comes to choosing a color for their model, then this might just be the gift for them.
The Basic Set of the Scale 75 Artist Range Water-Based Acrylic Paints are highly pigmented, smooth, water-based acrylic paints formulated specifically for model use. The set comes in the primary colors of blue, red, and yellow and in tones of white, black, and brown. If you want to start simple, this is the best place to start. The range's six colors can be used as a base or as an element in paint mixing. If you are a beginner, using the basic set can help you learn how to properly mix paint and grasp color theory as you go along, which will be very helpful when painting future models.
Watch our tutorial video if you want to learn more about color theory and paint mixing:
Must-have Plastic Modeling Tools
If you want a gift that can accompany someone throughout their modeling journey, it does not necessarily have to be the model itself. Modeling tools can also be thoughtful gifts that can be very useful in model building. Starting a modeler off with the right tools will give them better results and make their creative process easier, so here are the plastic modeling tools that, in our opinion, will be just what they need:
Side Cutter/Nipper
When cutting extra model pieces and removing parts from the sprue, the side cutter and nipper are essential tools that will come in handy.
Check out our collection of side cutters here
Knife
Knives are a must-have when modeling. You can use them for carving out certain parts of the model and generally correcting its overall appearance. There are different sizes available out there, so there is surely one for any purpose you might need them for.
Check out our collection of knives here
Glue
The glue, quite literally, is what ties the whole model together. It is important to choose the right type of glue to ensure the model will last a long time without falling apart.
Check out our collection of glues here
Sanding Stick
Sanding sticks are excellent for leveling out the surfaces of your models if you are unhappy with them. They can be used for many types of sanding and come in a variety of sizes and grits, depending on the model you are working on.
Check out our collection of sanding sticks here
Paint brush
A paint brush is a tool that is used constantly throughout the modeling process, so having a brush that is compatible with the person that is using it will help them be comfortable and at ease when model building.
Check out our collection of paint brushes here
In Conclusion
There are different types of plastic model kits out there. Depending on the person it is going to be for, there will be a lot of things to consider in choosing a model. However, if you are looking for something more simple and subtle as a gift but still want something that will accompany them on their modeling journey, well, tools and paints might just be what you’re looking for. But remember, no matter what you decide to give, the sincerity behind the gift will come through if you choose it with careful contemplation and with the person in mind.
Did we miss anything? Let us know at hh@hearnshobbies.com.
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