Tutorial:

Video Version: https://www.reddit.com/r/Gunpla/comments/e06h49/clear_holographic_effect_for_gunpla_tutorial/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

Items Needed:

IBD INTENSE SEAL

https://www.amazon.com/Intense-Seal-5oz-Each-Ounces/dp/B0017BGQR2/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1Q9OC9SYL9P2V&keywords=ibd+no+cleanse+top+coat&qid=1574410261&sprefix=ibd+no+cl%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-4

BORN PRETTY HOLOGRAPHIC POWDER (APPLICATOR DOES COME WITH IT)

https://www.amazon.com/Born-Pretty-Holographic-Manicure-Pigments/dp/B01K1UOZ18/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=born+pretty+holographic+nail+powder&qid=1574410315&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzUFhHR1JDQldBWVo3JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDMyODcyRzA0UkFJWTZEWFBMJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyNjg2NDUyU0FVVUVHV1NSTDNRJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

SUNUV LED/UV LAMP

https://www.amazon.com/SUNUV-Manicure-Machine-Infrared-Professional/dp/B078NTG1V5/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=sunuv+lamp&qid=1574410378&sr=8-7

I came up with this technique because I found that spraying through cans or airbrush is a little too random for my taste. Sprays also tend to have a bigger grain of holographic powder because they're mostly for cars/furniture, not scale models. Doing this by hand lets you have more control.

People don't apply nail techniques to gunpla because there isn't any exposure to them (this is a male dominated hobby afterall) and I don't think this community isn't so insecure about their own masculinity that they would have a problem with this. Also, I do my girlfriend's nails so I don't have to pay $50 for a nail tech every two weeks.

Step 1:

Get any piece. Can be clear or opaque, any material.

Step 2:

The IBD Topcoat comes with its own brush, because it was made for nails. Make sure there isn't too much topcoat on the brush so that it won't lay on too thick. Apply enough on the piece so that it looks wet.

Step 3:

Before curing, make sure that brushstrokes are not visible. This topcoat only cures under LED/UV light, so you can let it sit for a minute or so for the brush strokes to disappear by themselves.

Set under the curing lamp. 60 seconds for LED, 180 for UV. This will not cure under a normal LED lamp. It needs to be one made for curing nail gels.

Step 4:

After curing, apply the holographic powder with the included sponge applicator. Season to taste. If you apply too much, it will just look like you painted it silver, so be careful.

Step 5:

Apply another layer of gloss topcoat. This does not have to be the IBD Intense seal, but can be a spray topcoat. I used Mr. Hobby for my unicorn but for the QanT I used the IBD.

And you're done! To accentuate the holographic effect, I sprayed the Unicorn with a matte coat(white pieces). The QanT is just a straightbuild and I applied the effect just for demonstrative purposes. This is a clear effect, so light will still go through, meaning LEDs inside will still be visible through clear pieces. Psychoframe does still glow under a UV/Blacklight after applying this technique so you don't have to worry about that either. Applying on the outside surface gives better results.

Let me know if you have any questions !