Hi everyone, I'm new at customizing transformers. I'm trying to paint with Model Masters Acrylics but when dry, the paint comes off too easily from some parts. Do you have some recommendation?
So any transformer once painted becomes more delicate right? The thing also is that I prefer to use water based colors because of the low toxicity and they don't ruin the plastic too much if you remove the paint, but they're not so strong as enamels or lacquers.
Another thing is that here in my country is really hard to find model paints, there's only a few stores here that sell them and there's no Testors!
Hey there! Thought i might be able to help out as ive been repainting tf's for going on 3 years now. The thing that everyone must remember when they embark on a project like repainting a transformers, or anything that needs repainting is
you must prepare the surfaces for paint! You
can not simply take a transformer and start painting! You must spend a lot of time preparing the surfaces you want to paint first. This means either taking the toy completely apart, snading down areas that you think might rub together or might chip (since paint increases the mass of something and on a small toy every micrometer counts) and then cleaning them thouroughly. Soak every part in warm soapy water after youve done all your sanding and modifications. Leave them to soak for a good couple of hours. This will clean off all the nasty mold release oils which can react and ruin and weaken the best of paints.
Only when you have cleaned and prepped all your surfaces you can paint, or else the paint will simply rub and chip off. The key to a good paint job is preperation. Its the most important step and can make or break a custom job.
After your paint has fully cured (another important step to remember:
Let your paint cure properly! This can vary between brands and what types of paint you use, but just use good sense and take your time and you should be ok. Never rush anything its not worth it.) add a couple of thin coats of clear gloss or matte clear. This will protect your paint as well as add even more strength. But be careful, like when you paint add very thin and even coats. The last thing you want is these little guys' joints clogging up.
Also, it shouldnt matter which types of paint you use, as long as they are good brands. I recommend Tamiya acrylics, they are strong easy to work with and non toxic. The only problem is they lack alot of metallic colors but they are unbeatable when it comes to anything else. AVOID all cheap-name brands like the plague! They are useless! Only buy high quality name-brands. They arent that much more expensive than the cheapo generic brands, and they do a proper job.
I know how you feel about not having many choices when it comes to paint. Here in the uk you cant find jack, and the only hobby store near me only sells tamiya acrylics and humbrol enamels. They are great paints but i wish i had more to choose from. Ive heard great things from american customizers about testors and krylon etc etc so id love to possibly try them out one day.
Then again im not really one for conventional methods, and since i prefer using an airbrush to a paint brush i often use automotive paint for my customs. Usually only on the alt modes as you can use automotive paint to do fine detailing with a brush, but the finishes i can get and durability on my alt modes are second to none. I also get all the benefits of the massive range of custom colors and pigments and candy and pearl flake paints that are used in the automotive industy.
If you have anymore questions about painting, please feel free to ask! Im here all the time.
This is the main reason that I'm reluctant to do transformers repaints. It can be hard to get the paint to stick to some parts to begin with, and I like to transform my stuff every once in a while, so I'm afraid the paint will rub off.
As i said above if you clean and prep everything first, and apply the paint in light and even coats and
take your time you should nail it.
Huh, so it can look good.
Indeed, very nice. Makes Frenzy_Rumbles version look even more lame.
