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Arctorro wrote:

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

Glad to help!

Here's a link to a very helpful webpage: http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

Anything and everything you need to know about FFP is in there, including how to use it in various ways (you can even tint clear plastic with it!), as well as where to buy it in your country, and what name it's sold as locally.

Paint brushing is fine, as long as you don't use Tamiya acrylics. Those are specifically formulated to be used with airbrushes, and leave horrible brush-marks when painted over large areas with a paint-brush. I only realized that AFTER buying a truckload of them, and had to get and AB to use them.

As for airbrushes, Tamiya's Sprayworks basic compresser/AB set is pretty affordable (90 USD before shipping)--it even comes with a trigger-type airbrush. I'm currently using it myself, and it's great for beginners and even intermediate kit builders and customizers. It's only con is that it uses rechargeable battery packs, but as long as you time your sessions right and don't spray too long, it's not a problem.

Of course, if you're more comfortable with a paint brush (low maintenance and no need to for spraybooths and masks are a definite plus) that's perfectly okay. It's the final result that matters, and if Nexus Prime is any indication, you're doing just fine with paint brushes.

If you're interested, though: http://www.hlj.com/product/TAM74520

Va'al wrote:Nice!

Looking forward to the next one.

Thanks! Going to try two at the same time to speed things up a bit

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:
Glad to help!

Here's a link to a very helpful webpage: http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

Anything and everything you need to know about FFP is in there, including how to use it in various ways (you can even tint clear plastic with it!), as well as where to buy it in your country, and what name it's sold as locally.

Some of those names are familiar, will add it to my shopping list.

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:Paint brushing is fine, as long as you don't use Tamiya acrylics. Those are specifically formulated to be used with airbrushes, and leave horrible brush-marks when painted over large areas with a paint-brush. I only realized that AFTER buying a truckload of them, and had to get and AB to use them.

Thankfully I managed to avoid that due to the info received here. I was looking at the Tamiya Acrylics then checked my list and moved on to the Enamels

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:As for airbrushes, Tamiya's Sprayworks basic compresser/AB set is pretty affordable (90 USD before shipping)--it even comes with a trigger-type airbrush. I'm currently using it myself, and it's great for beginners and even intermediate kit builders and customizers. It's only con is that it uses rechargeable battery packs, but as long as you time your sessions right and don't spray too long, it's not a problem.

Of course, if you're more comfortable with a paint brush (low maintenance and no need to for spraybooths and masks are a definite plus) that's perfectly okay. It's the final result that matters, and if Nexus Prime is any indication, you're doing just fine with paint brushes.

If you're interested, though: http://www.hlj.com/product/TAM74520

I would love a setup like that, but not planning to do that many customs, and would probably have to sell my bed to make space for a spray booth


Really appreciate all the positive and constructive feedback!

One thing about enamels and lacquer paints, Arctorro.

Unlike acrylics, the fumes these paints give out are toxic, even when not in aerosol form. You might want to get a respirator when using enamels, or at least use them in a well ventilated area with open windows and preferably a fan blowing the fumes away from you.

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:One thing about enamels and lacquer paints, Arctorro.

Unlike acrylics, the fumes these paints give out are toxic, even when not in aerosol form. You might want to get a respirator when using enamels, or at least use them in a well ventilated area with open windows and preferably a fan blowing the fumes away from you.

Got that impression the first time I used em. That's part of the reason I have limited time to paint. I use the main living area with lots of open doors and windows and the ceiling fan going and can only paint when no one else is around.

Although, the last time I was painting it was bastardly hot outside and the house was shut up with the AC on, that was interesting...

Arctorro wrote:Although, the last time I was painting it was bastardly hot outside and the house was shut up with the AC on, that was interesting...

"Interesting"...as in high as a kite?

Do take care, friend. Remember, the longer you live, the more TF's you get to repaint!

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:

Arctorro wrote:Although, the last time I was painting it was bastardly hot outside and the house was shut up with the AC on, that was interesting...

"Interesting"...as in high as a kite?

More like; why is my head hurting

Then everything fume related found itself on the back deck. The high as a kite part might've happened first, can't remember

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:Do take care, friend. Remember, the longer you live, the more TF's you get to repaint!

I'm definitely taking care. Far to many tf's on pre-order to kick it just yet

Arctorro wrote:More like; why is my head hurting

Then everything fume related found itself on the back deck. The high as a kite part might've happened first, can't remember

I've learned to never underestimate the fumes of any paints. Most everyone I asked said Gundam markers are perfectly safe and non-toxic. With that in mind, I shut the windows and doors and turned on the AC to paint up a cheap FG gundam kit. An hour later, I started to feel nauseous (although it could well be the sight of that shitty paint job ).

I kinda find it hard to believe that any paint-like substance is completely non-toxic. Maybe they've been spending to much time using those things with the windows shut and what we consider "high as a kite" they consider Tuesday morning

Arctorro wrote::lol:

I kinda find it hard to believe that any paint-like substance is completely non-toxic. Maybe they've been spending to much time using those things with the windows shut and what we consider "high as a kite" they consider Tuesday morning

LOL! I believe so!

Not everyone is knowledgeable or concerned with protection during painting. I've seen some professional Japanese customizers on youtube painting without a mask or a spraybooth in a cramped space.

I was like, "Dude, you do know inhaling paint particles will give you more than colorful nose hairs, right?"

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:

Arctorro wrote:I was like, "Dude, you do know inhaling paint particles will give you more than colorful nose hairs, right?"

That would make for a great customising video!