RX-178 Gundam Mk-II custom

After about a month, my RG RX-178 is finally done. In case you didn't know, RX-178 supposed to have dark blue chase section and shield but I painted it blue like typical other Gundam leads. I also paint all the orange-yellow part to bright yellow. I also paint the inner shoulders with red (previously dark blue).

If you are a pro, you can probably tell that I'm still a beginner. I just recently learned how to use weathering pigments. I'm using spray can to pain these parts then top it off with matte coat.

That fact that this kit comes with clear parts (eyes and cameras) is a plus, especially for the head. Bandai use gives us clear green piece (eyes, front and back camera are all in one piece). Light piping effect really bring this guy to life when being back lid.

Instead of using "realistic" stickers that Bandai gave us, I use metallic gold and chrome paint to paint those parts. In my opinion, I think it looks much better than shiny stickers. 

Not sure if you can tell. I paint all thrusters with metallic silver.

The only problem I came across is that some pigments are caught around the edges of decals. At this moment, I don't know how to avoid this yet. I do it without decals, but that's not how I want this guy to look. 

I'm happy with this though. It looks a bit out of place without diorama (which I will learn, eventually) but still a kick ass piece to display. I like the original Mk-II color scheme, but I always wonder how it would look like in typical leads color scheme. 

I give myself two thumbs up for this :) 

ps. please excuse my photography. I don't have any fancy light tent so I just used my desk lamp as a light source :P