HG 1/144 Gundam Exia: Painted with Gaahleri GHAD-68 by @itamitech

HG 1/144 Gundam Exia: Painted with Gaahleri GHAD-68 is a gunpla custom build by a builder with name イタミテック with x.com account @itamitech.

Gunpla Custom Build : HG 1/144 Gundam Exia: Painted with Gaahleri GHAD-68 by @itamitech

The HG 1/144 Gundam Exia: Painted with Gaahleri GHAD-68, masterfully customized by the Gunpla builder @itamitech, stands as an exemplary model of unique modification and intricate detailing.

This Exia build was painted using the Gaahleri GHAD-68 airbrush, optimized for fine detail. Operating at a low pressure of 0.1 MPa—ideal for entry-level kits—I used its ultra-fine mist capabilities to apply a smooth gradation finish across the entire model.

Custom Details and Modifications

Styling Adjustments: Slight tweaks were made to refine Exia’s proportions.

GN Cables: Crafted using aurora film from Hands, mounted on ultra-thin clear plastic sheet from Daiso. The shoulder cables especially shine with a translucent and iridescent effect.

Lens Enhancements: Behind each lens, I inserted custom-designed patterns printed on plain paper via 7-Eleven Net Print. This was inspired by @SSR\_003’s technique—credit to SSR for the cool idea.

Gradation Paint Test & Airbrush Performance

To test the atomization system of the GHAD-68, I applied a full-body gradation using a slightly thicker paint mix (approximately 2:1 thinner-to-paint ratio). The result was impressively smooth, with no visible graininess to the naked eye.

GHAD-68 – Pros

Robust design with solid parts—no rattling or flimsy feel
Extremely fine mist, great for smooth blends
Stable spray pattern—no spitting or clogging during use
Forgiving with cleaning—simple backflushing clears most paint
Encourages correct technique, as overly thick paint won’t spray

GHAD-68 – Cons

Trigger tip can press into the finger during long sessions
Small paint residue tends to remain at the bottom of the cup
No clear markings to distinguish needle sizes
Can't push thick paint—requires precise thinning
Mist is so fine, it’s sometimes hard to see while spraying
Spray width difference between 0.38 mm and 0.5 mm nozzles feels minimal

Overall Impressions

The GHAD-68 excels at clean, mistake-free painting, making it especially suitable for detailed work and beginners looking to develop precision. While the tight tolerances on paint thinning require some practice, this also encourages better technique. If you’re aiming for smooth gradation and ease of maintenance, this airbrush performs reliably.

The only notable downside was the minor paint pooling at the cup base—easily addressed with a quick wipe.