Adding Embossed Markings to your Mechs

Adding Embossed Markings to your Mechs
Although the picture below isn't clear (I'm still looking for a reasonably priced Digicam), check out the embossed markings on my PG Zaku which identifies which type mech it is...

It says MS-06F...

It's very cool and very military looking. How did I do it? The tip comes from one of the Japanese hobby magazines.

1. Look at the runners on your models and you'll find that they'll have almost all the letters you need. For the mech type, it's normally embossed on all the runners - sometimes with different fonts and sizes
2. Decide which letters you will want to use
3. With a sharp hobby blade (I recommend a new one), carefully cut under the letter to remove it. Because the letters are so thin, they'll curl when you cut them out - I recommend cutting from one direction till about half-way through, then carefully use a flat object to press the curled portion back down, then cut the other half from the other direction.
4. After cutting all your letters, carefully glue them to your model. I used a piece of masking tape as a guide.

Now the letters are very thin and this is a delicate process so try it out first on a letter you don't want and please *be very careful* with the hobby knife. However, with a little patience you will be rewarded with a very cool looking ID on your mech.
It'll look even better painted and dry-brushed to bring out the contrast!

credit : http://gundam_base.tripod.com/