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Hi all, just like to say that I have never done anything like this before and am a complete noob, so please forgive the 'dumb' questions that might pop up from time to time

Plan
I want to repaint the toys from the Generations/FoC Combaticons set as Nexus Prime. At this time I am planning to use one of each of the figures, but because I am basing this on the TFCC NP exclusive I really do need a flyer to replace Swindle. That means a second Blast Off with a different colour scheme, but I don't want to use two identical molds if possible, which leaves me with using Swindle for now. Naturally my fingers are crossed for more combiners whose limbs can be mixed and matched with the Combaticons

Supplies
I've read through the hints and tips thread and put together a list of what I will/might need to do the job and would appreciate some feedback on what is/isn't needed for a project like this one. I know that not everything listed below will be needed and added two different paint types to get suggestions on which would be better suited.

1. Rubbing alcohol or paint thinner; will the existing paint need to be removed?
2. Warm water and dish detergent
3. 1200 grit wet/dry sandpaper; want to avoid this if possible
4. Primer; only if painting a lighter colour over a darker colour?
5. Emory board on rub spots after primer?
6. Acrylic; easy to remove if a mistake is made?
7. Enamel; needs good ventilation, is more difficult and doesn't react well to PVC. Easy to remove if a mistake is made?
8. Paint sealer? Don't know much about this and why it is needed

That should take care of the colours, but the Bruticus head doesn't look right. Any suggestions here would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

You shouldn't need to remove the existing paint, at least I never have, just apply multiple coats of paint and it should be fine.

I don't use primer usually either, I just apply multiple coats of the color I'm using and it covers the existing color just fine (and often I'll deliberately paint a light color over a dark color to get a desired tone/effect, though you may not wish to go that route). Obviously it would be easier with primer, but I think it comes down to personal preference. Just make sure that the surface you're painting is clean and dry before you start to paint.

I use acrylic paints but be warned, they scratch/peel EASY so if you use them, don't plan on transforming the figure/playing with it much (i.e., transform it into the mode you want, paint it, carefully pose it, put it on the shelf and leave it there). If you want to make it look like what the 'professional' customizers create, then you'll probably want to use enamels, but those paints are far more difficult to remove if you make a mistake. Acrylics are basically nail polish, which doesn't really 'harden' like enamels do. Instead they turn into a kind of soft plastic/rubbery coating that can easily be removed later if you so desire.

If you're going to do any remolding/kitbashing then you'll need a good cutting tool (razor blade/exacto knife) and probably some needle files and a Dremel tool with some bits. If you're just doing repaints, then don't worry about that.

Been a while since I last checked this forum

Thanks for the reply, all my questions regarding painting were answered there.

Won't be doing any remolding any time soon, but am looking for a suitable head atm. The tools you listed will probably come in handy there.

You're welcome

Those are just my methods, there's tons of other tips around on how to paint/customize, all I gave was my experience. Painting is fun and you get better with practice (like anything naturally).

I look forward to seeing your custom once it's done !

Took a while (due to limited space and limited access to that space for this project), but I have finally got the first repaint (mostly) finished!

My painting skills are kinda derpy, so it is a little rough, but I'm very happy with the outcome and it will look good on my Classics Autobot shelf. I will need to add some paint apps later, but want to get all five finished before trying the more intricate stuff. There are also a few spots that need to be touched/cleaned up slightly and will be done at the end as well.




The glossy red paint turned out nice, but the 'metallic' blue looks a bit dodgy. Definitely not looking metallic and I'm wondering if there is something specific that is needed to be done with it before it is applied

Special thanks to xyl360 for the info that made this possible

Looking good, bro

Thanks!

Nice job, Arctorro! Admittedly, I know nothing about Nexus Prime, but you did a very good job painting it!

BTW, was this done with a paintbrush or sprayed? The finish is very smooth and even.

About acrylics: like xyl said, acrylics are fragile. However, you can always clear coat figs to protect the paint job. If you can get your hands on some, Future Floor Polish makes a very good protective clear coat, as it hardens upon drying. FFP also gives a very glossy finish, and thanks to its self-leveling properties, it can be hand-brushed.

For flat coats, add some Tamiya flat clear base to FFP.

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:Nice job, Arctorro! Admittedly, I know nothing about Nexus Prime, but you did a very good job painting it!

BTW, was this done with a paintbrush or sprayed? The finish is very smooth and even.

About acrylics: like xyl said, acrylics are fragile. However, you can always clear coat figs to protect the paint job. If you can get your hands on some, Future Floor Polish makes a very good protective clear coat, as it hardens upon drying. FFP also gives a very glossy finish, and thanks to its self-leveling properties, it can be hand-brushed.

For flat coats, add some Tamiya flat clear base to FFP.

Thanks!

Paintbrush all the way, would love an airbrush but can't justify the money.

Hmmm... I might have to try and track down some FFP then, no idea if it's sold here though

Nice!

Looking forward to the next one.