New to plastic model kits. Putting together a zoids figure. I have a lot of questions.

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Lots of questions but all the answers are pretty easu to give.

1, Yes spray paint can be used, looks for manufacturers like Tamiya but you will be limited on colours but looking at what you may need you should be ok.

2, If you want good coverage start with a primer, stick with Tamiya if you like. Other primers will work but they do a nice white one which will help with the white areas and you wont have to worry about reactions to the spray paint.

3, Many people use cutters to remove parts from the sprue (what you call runners) you will need some files to clean up the marks you found. You should be able to fine some where you get your paint, buy cheap ones as your starting out.

4. Buy some very fine brushes andthe highlighting paints you want. This will hold a little more paint and give you better control. You can get brushes down to very fine points. Spend a bit more on a good fine brush as it will pay off in the end.

5 If the paint ins't too thick just use the primer to cover it over and start again. I've never used paint pens but I imagine they will be enamel and taking it off could be a problem if its on the plastic direct. Sure someone else can give you some ideas on that.

Good luck with it and post some pictures for us all so we can see how you get on

Phil

Thanks for the quick reply and all the great info. I'll definitely post some pics when I'm done. Now im shopping around for paint and airbrushes. One more question if you'd be so kind.

For a project like this, do you think a flat or gloss colors would be more applicable?

You might want a flat primer to cover the plastic, then a gloss finish after everything is together it will help hide seams.

Putting together this guy http://www.hlj.com/product/KBYZD42 and this http://www.hlj.com/product/KBYZD46

The plastic color isn't very vibrant, not to mention theres scuffing after popping it out of the runner. Was thinking of spray painting each individual piece. My only concern was the pray paint may clog up the thin detail lines within the plastic. So...

1. Is spray paint a good idea? Is it typically thin enough (if sprayed properly) to still show the manufactured detail?

You should use a spray paint specifically designed for model kits.  I have had my best luck with Tamiya acrylics.  When using it you want to stand 6 inches to a foot away from the kit when you spray, let it go smoothly over the kit dont allow it to glob on, you want a thin coat.  DO NOT be afraid to do a light coat then add another light coat to get the color smooth.

2. Is there a type of spray paint (or other paint) that is ideal to use on plastic?

What I use is Laquer for the base coat, Enamel for the main color, Acrylic for the details and washes, and oil for the fine weathering details.

http://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Paint_and_Construction/TES00028138/product.php?s=3&t=1&u=0&micr=216&pg=1&ppp=24&sb=stocknumber&so=a

http://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Paint_and_Construction/TAM00085002/product.php?s=3&t=1&u=0&pg=1&ppp=24&sb=stocknumber&so=a&man=TAM

FOR YOU  I would say get a basic primer like Tamiya white primer and then use Tamiya acrylic for the kit.

3. Is there a best practice to popping individual pieces out of runners? I've been using an exacto knife to essentially saw it out and minimalize damage to the parts. Whats the best practice for smoothing out the mark from the runner.

http://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Tools/SQP00010201/product.php?s=4&t=0&u=6

I use those, I lovem

4. There are some incredibly thin lines i need to draw. A friend recommended hammering a tooth pick end (to soften it) and dip in paint. Any other ideas?

Your friend is a lunatic.

What you want to do is a wash.  Its not advanced but its not basic either.  What you do is, once you finish your base coat you use a 'gloss top coat'

http://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Paint_and_Construction/TES00001961/product.php?s=3&t=1&u=0&micr=772&pg=1&ppp=24&sb=stocknumber&so=a

That is laquer, do NOT put it on until the kit is COMPLETLY dry.  You then take oil or Acrylic, for your need use acrylic HAND PAINT not spray paint.  Get alittle bit in a bottle cap or something and put some thinner in it, get the paint very thin and watery.  You drop that in the lines and it will run into them and color it for you.  This is called a WASH

You can also use it with a brush pen.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUYFxTXIJ6M&feature=related

5. I did some detail drawing with paint pens and it wasn't that accurate. Is there a best practice to removing paint from plastic pieces?

To remove it you have to choices.  One would be to just use a high grit sand paper, sand it down a bit then prime the kit again.  The other would be to get something like Simple Green and soak it for a day or so, that would get it clean.

I would like to also welcome you to the hobby.  You are starting as many of us did, please, PLEASE PLEASE ask us questions whenever you need something