Attn: Custom Artists!! Newbs, ask Questions here!

[mrhatrulez]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

Ok, I've got my first question.
I am painting long, sculpted hair black. But it just looks like black plastic. Not hair. What tricks can you guys give me for painting hair so it looks better?
Thanks to all you Custom Gurus in advance!!!

 

[Kabukiman]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

Layers are key. Start with the darkest shade then drybrush the lighter shades on top. Black might be tricky though... somebody more versed in the ways of black hair will know more than me.

Check DA's tutorial here: https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13801&page=8

Scroll down until you see "Part 4: Hair" Unfortunately, the pics posted to photobucket seem to have expired/been deleted.

 

[DarkArtist81]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

Kabukiman is right. For black hair you just won't have as many layers. Maybe just one pure black and one with just a slightly lighter blackish brown layer drybrushed on top of it. I've also seen people use blue, but I don't think it looks very natural.

 

[mrhatrulez]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

Cool, thanks guys! I appreciate the tips. I'm going to try that.
I'm still painting... one of these days, I'll show what I came up with!

 

[Entropy]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

Depends on what type of look you're going for.

As a base coat I've mixed black with a tiny bit of blue, then added grey and dark flesh tone to the mix for drybrushed highlights. Then using a very thinned wash of black over that to unify it and dilute the drybrushing a bit.

 

[The Mike]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

Any shot we can get the tutorals started again? My wife has begun to move from paintings to vinyl figures and wants to take a shot at 1/6 figures but has been finding actual step by steps for beginners few and far between....

 

[DarkArtist81]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

Well, I'm going to be posting some tutorial stuff on my site soon... Will probably repost alot of the stuff that has been posted here by me earlier as well.

 

[The Mike]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

I'll point her that way. I definitely want her to practice more before she touches my figs.

 

[galactiboy]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

What product if any would be recommended for sealing a paint job. I swear I've heard dullcoat mentioned before, but not really sure about that.

Thanks

 

[Entropy]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

I swear by Testors flatcoat, though it only comes in small cans which is a pain.

 

[DarkArtist81]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

I use Model Masters Acryl Gloss clear for eyes and flat clear for sealing.

 

[galactiboy]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

Thanks guys, I'll see if I can find any of those today

 

[Buttmunch]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

I use Model Masters Acryl Gloss clear for eyes and flat clear for sealing.

Are those sprays or actual liquids? I've tried another brand's spray an it isn't very good. Leaves things sticky. So currently all of my stuff is "unsealed" because of it.

 

[Entropy]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

Testors Model Masters is great stuff and if you use a light coat and don't hold the can right next to the figure it shouldn't get tacky. Be careful though if you've used thin inks or pastels because a heavy coat of sealant can cause them to run.

 

[galactiboy]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

I use Model Masters Acryl Gloss clear for eyes and flat clear for sealing.

How much do you use for the flat parts? Is one coat enough... or do you usually do more than one. And I assume you don't water it down first.

Thanks

 

[DarkArtist81]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

Are those sprays or actual liquids? I've tried another brand's spray an it isn't very good. Leaves things sticky. So currently all of my stuff is "unsealed" because of it.

Mine is a brush on. I don't like the spray at all, waaaaay too sticky afterwards.

And GB, I only do one light coat for the flat. If you put too much on there it looks shiny, like Jermaine Jackson.

Just a light once over with a large round brush that isn't losing a ton of bristles will do the trick. It will give the head enough protection while also helping to sell the realism.

 

[galactiboy]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

Sweet thanks DA... and now I know why my Jermaine Jackson figure didn't look right

 

[DarkArtist81]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

Here is an eye tutorial I posted somewhere else, thought I would share it with you guys!

 

[katkuru]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

DA,CAn you please explain steps 4-6 in more detail?
THanks

 

[chapuchi]

Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!

DA,CAn you please explain steps 4-6 in more detail?
THanks

basically to add more depth into the eye, you start with the base eye color being the darkest. Then all you do is make that color (in this case green) lighter and paint over what you already had (making sure you still keep some of the darker shade visible)