Guide for beginners: Nub management

Nub removal is one of the fundamental techniques of model building, not only for Gunpla but all other forms of plastic modeling as well.

It is a process of shaving and sanding down excess plastic until it disappears.

Some new builders try to build their kits as fast as possible, while others may not know there is a proper process for removing the excess mold plastic. Still others just don't care.
The result is the same, a lazy sloppy kit which is almost universally looked down upon.

Even if (really, especially if) you’re a reviewer, trying to rush the content out, you should always aim to build well rather than build fast. Doing cut rate work in hopes of being the "first one" on social media is a great way to lose the respect of anyone who takes the hobby seriously.
Be fastidious with your work and you won't have to fix it later!

There are two different methods based on the tools available to you, however both require a good sanding sponge. If you don't have one consider buying a pack from my sponsor NewtypeHQ!
You can save 10% at checkout with my code MRNVL.

Method 1: cheap nippers and hobby knife.

I make the first cuts away from the point of connection to minimize the chance of stress transering to the part.

Next I angle my knife and cut slowly by applying pressure forward and down. It is very important to let the sharpness of the blade do the work.

If you try to crush the nub you will damage the part.

Finally I sand the part gently with a 400 grit sponge the nub is gone!

Method 2: sharp pointed nippers.

I start off the same way, cutting away from the point of contact. Pay close attention to orientation of the nippers, with the pointed type you must use the tougher middle part of the blade to make the cut from the runner. The tip is very delicate and can chip and crack when used to cut through thick parts.

  

Next I use the tip to remove the nub. Again note the orientation of the blade. It's important to cut so that tip is aligned with the thinnest part of the nub.

With some practice you can get the cut so clean that you dont even have to use a knife which saves a lot of time.

Finally a pass with the 400 grit sponge to smoothe the surface.

Side note: cleaning your polycaps is very important!
The difference that little bit of extra plastic makes is significant.
I've heard many complaints of bad fitting from folks I know who twist their caps off the runner.
Do it right!

Unfortunately, proper nub removal will always be a laborious process, but with some experience you will learn which ones need the most attention.


Finally, it’s worth noting that lighter plastic parts will be less prone to stress, or at least showing the signs of stress.
Dark parts are much more wanting of special care, especially large dark parts.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article! It is my sincere hope that it helps you become a better, more confident modeler.



Are you an Amazon shopper? Consider buying from my Amazon Store.
There you'll find lists of essential tools, kits, and other useful things.
I make a small commission from each sale which I use to fund my group Zeonic Corps!

Check us out on Instagram