HG 1/144 Perfect Strike Gundam (HG Gundam SEED R17) — Metallic Custom Build

Build Overview

The Perfect Strike Gundam was assembled in one sitting, with a straightforward construction process. The main focus was custom painting, selective masking and PHANTACi waterslide decals.

Painting Process

All paintable parts were first airbrushed with GSI Creos Mr. Color No. 2 Gloss Black as a base coat.

Parts originally moulded in white, dark blue, light blue and dark green were painted with No. 61 Burnt Iron, creating a consistent dark metallic finish. Grey-moulded parts received No. 9 Gold for contrast.

Parts originally moulded in red were airbrushed with a custom metallic pink mixture comprising No. 8 Silver, No. 159 Super Silver and No. 47 Clear Red.

The polycap runner was left unpainted to avoid potential paint chipping or cracking caused by the flexible material during assembly.

Custom Masking

The Aile Striker fins received additional metallic pink detailing. After applying the pink mixture over the Gloss Black base coat, the kit’s red stickers were repurposed as masks to protect the intended pink areas. The exposed surfaces were then airbrushed with Burnt Iron. Removing the masks revealed a neat two-tone metallic finish.

The same technique was used on the face optics. After applying Gloss Black, Burnt Iron and metallic pink in sequence, the supplied stickers were used to mask the optics while the surrounding areas received another coat of Burnt Iron.

Some adhesive residue remained on the fins after removing the sticker masks. It was cleaned with lighter fluid applied to a cotton bud, without visibly affecting the paintwork.

PHANTACi Customisation

Two original O.M.N.I. markings were replaced with PHANTACi waterslide decals.

• Right shoulder: The circular PHANTACi “Obscure Luxury” logo, featuring surrounding stars, replaced the intended O.M.N.I. marking.
• Aile Striker tail fin: The regular PHANTACi logo replaced another O.M.N.I. marking.

Using two different versions of the logo created a consistent personal identity across the Gundam and its flight equipment.

Final Thoughts

The completed Perfect Strike features dark Burnt Iron armour, gold components and custom metallic pink accents. The PHANTACi decals add a personal touch, replacing the original fictional military markings with real-world branding.

The build was completed on 21 October 2026, coinciding with the release of Jay Chou’s The Era (跨時代) album in Super High Material Compact Disc (SHM-CD) format.

Paints Used

• Mr. Color No. 2 Gloss Black
• Mr. Color No. 61 Burnt Iron
• Mr. Color No. 8 Silver
• Mr. Color No. 159 Super Silver
• Mr. Color No. 47 Clear Red
• Mr. Color No. 9 Gold

Customisation: PHANTACi waterslide decals and repurposed kit stickers used as masking templates.