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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.

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 poopy 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!

Arctorro wrote:

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!

LOL! I might actually grab that clip and add my own (snarky, mostly inaccurate but somewhat funny) translation to the Japanese narration! ...except I haven't the slightest idea how to go about it.

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:

Arctorro wrote:

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!

LOL! I might actually grab that clip and add my own (snarky, mostly inaccurate but somewhat funny) translation to the Japanese narration! ...except I haven't the slightest idea how to go about it.

Video editing is my stock in trade Got no idea how to DL something from youtube though

I put this project on hold for more than a month then forgot to post pics of the next two guys in the set once I'd finished them

There is some fine detail stuff I haven't done due to my shaky hands and the inside of Swindles legs were left unpainted because they will be left in gestalt mode once completed.


Working on Brawl now and he should be finished soon.

Finished Brawl the other day.


Four down one to go

Nexus Prime is now (mostly) done! Noticed a few spots that could do with some paint while assembling all five and there is a few touch ups needed when I get the time, but I can now happily add Nexus to my Thirteen shelf