Tip for August 2012:
Skip the Paint

For years, kits have been molded in color to draw younger/less experienced builders who don't want to have to deal with the hassle of painting. But don't think that unpainted kits are strictly for amateurs: with careful sanding and polishing (I like the Novis 3-2-1 system), you can get a shine that rivals a painted piece. To remove the translucent look, color the inside of the body black or silver (magic markers work great for this task).