The Energon Pub

[decepticon burst]

hey guys okay the rotf reverb figure's exaust/gun got painted silver along with the engine and mirrors and mouth,thes parts annoyed me because they were orange.so i painted the exaust and i had a little mishap the plasticon the exaust became soft like crayon wax after i painted it,i have not had this problem with anyother figure exept this one.it broke......is this because of the pait i was using?or was it just because it happened to break.

[#Sideways#]

Hey guys! I was wanting to get into custom Transformers, and I was thinking I would do a repaint on Armada Sideways with LED lights where they are required.

Being a newb at this, can anyone give pointers?

[Darcemeus]

Hello I was wondering if anyone knows a way to remove the pins from Transformers? I'm trying to salvage an Activators Optimus to get ready for a Kit bash I'm going to attempt in the near future but I'm having trouble popping the pins out him. I was using a watch pin link remover until it broke after the fifth pin jammed in Optimus's hand. So if anyone knows of an easier way I'd much appreciate it if you could tell me. Thanks in advance!

[Kung Fu Man]

I've got a question: I currently have an assembled but unpainted Animated Minerva on the way, and while I know where to get the 'heartbeat' sticker for the fins (reprolabels Ratchet upgrade pack), I'm unsure on the exact shades used for the rest of her. Any suggestions on what testors colors to go with?

[EricG]

I just got Prime First Edition Arcee, and I want to remove her shoulder armor; but the pin holding it onto her shoulder can only be accessed from the "stopper" side and can't be pushed out. Is there a way to get the armor off without having to cut it?

[chaosmage42]

im working on a ironfist custom of a prime kup right now but im thinking of looking for parts for my next one -i like to get looking for parts -before working on it because it can take some time to get all the bits-i was looking for a transformer that could be made into an hk-47 from kotor like transformer -im not a great big fan of kotor but the character is funny and wanted to make something that looks like him

[leakin' lubricant]

Hi not sure if this is the right forum to post in so apologies if so, does anyone know if movie Brawn/Fallback uses 5mm posts for his dual pistols? I am looking to use them with some Classics figures.

[chaosmage42]

i have a set of ko constructicons and menasor i want to repaint into shattered glass i wanted to know what colors to use on them

[DubCustomz]

Heres a tutorial i made on how to take apart a transformer.
Hope it helps you out. Dont forget to check the description for further parts.
Oh and please don't complain about the quality or lack of production values, im working with very basic equipment and cant afford expensive hardware to shoot these videos with yet.
They'll get better in the future, but for now i hope this helps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW96OzEmvC8

[DubCustomz]

Here's my disassembly tutorial in all 5 parts:

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW96OzEmvC8

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a4iz-woHaQ

Part 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OOwDEBQXKk

Part 4: Removing pins.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gz45WlXAQ7E

Part 5: Removing wheels with a soldering iron.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOG5z_grsgY

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to subscribe for more vids!

[Prime643]

Would anyone know of a good place to find mini LED kits? I am new with LED's but I would like to try and light up one of my TF's guns.

Thanks

[ShadowsAndDust]

Is there anyone who can tell me what scale is Classics Voyager Ultra Magnus/Optimus Prime? I'm looking for model car carriers that would make a suitable trailer/battle armor for him.

[Thalack]

I usually used Testors brand arylic paint. I used to order my paint online from the Testors website, but I found that towerhobbies.com carries a bigger selection of Testors paints at lower prices and they actually have pictures of most of the products.

To paint large areas I use a Testors airbrush. I use the kind that sprays the paint directly from the bottle with the use of a special cap rather than the kind where the paint is sucked into the tip of a nozzle and then forced out of a hard to clean tip. For areas that are too small to paint with my inaccurate airbrush, I use Testors paint brushes. After the bristles get damaged I pick up a new set.

omg dude I know your post is epic old but know it is still making people around the world happy and helping them!!!! I checked out the website you mentioned and holy crap! Their prices. I've been doing it wrong all along LOL! I'm gonna save tons of money (or drop tons of it, depending on how you look at it) at this website. THANK YOU!

[leakin' lubricant]

Hi all, looking to make a Centurion custom from the UK Marvel comics using Universe Ultra Class Onslaught, the only problem is the head doesnt work, has anyone any sugegstion for a head replacement, I'd be happy with either version.

[venort]

Ahoy there, UK user new to repaints here looking for some advice.

In short: is there an equivalent to Krylon fusion available in england?

So, a little more info. There are no asda stores in travelling distance, so I picked up that asda/wal-mart exclusive bumblebee and strafe pack from ebay. Payment went through, error code, tried again... aaand of course got two confirmation emails. Rather than navigating the ebay/paypal order cancellation/refund minefield, I figured I'd repaint the duplicates (I've got strafe's new deco sorta figured out, haven't decided on Bee's new look yet).

I've been looking through a few tutorials, and krylon fusion is recommended for hasbro plastic. Trouble is, I can't seem to get hold of that over here. Anyone know of an alternative?

Thanks!

[leakin' lubricant]

Ahoy there, UK user new to repaints here looking for some advice.

In short: is there an equivalent to Krylon fusion available in england?

So, a little more info. There are no asda stores in travelling distance, so I picked up that asda/wal-mart exclusive bumblebee and strafe pack from ebay. Payment went through, error code, tried again... aaand of course got two confirmation emails. Rather than navigating the ebay/paypal order cancellation/refund minefield, I figured I'd repaint the duplicates (I've got strafe's new deco sorta figured out, haven't decided on Bee's new look yet).

I've been looking through a few tutorials, and krylon fusion is recommended for hasbro plastic. Trouble is, I can't seem to get hold of that over here. Anyone know of an alternative?

Thanks!

Hi, fellow Brit here, I used to use Plastikote for my customs, but found is wasn't durable enough for Transformers, also the clearcoat is prone to yellowing. I have recently changed to Hycote car paints, they cost the same as Plastikote but come in bigger cans, also due to them being car paint there great for colour matching to HasTak plastics. I have replaced the crappy Hasbro paint jobs on Universe Prowl, Ironhide and ROTF Superion with Hycote paints and they look great and are really durable too, hope this helps.

[leakin' lubricant]

Hi I have a question about the ever popular Energon Shockblast into Classics Shockwave custom, what I'm looking to do is take the head apart and paint his lightpiping yellow, however I cant see a way of taking apart the head without damaging it, can anyone who has acheived this offer me some advice, Thanks.

[Evil Eye]

His head is glued together, but enterprising use of a modelling knife along the joins can split it apart.

[Stealth Claw]

I did make a post on my issue and I don't know where else I can ask, but I'm looking for a video showing how to do the original mp starscream mod that puts the back wing panels on the legs, due to my mp skywarp's brock off...

[EchoKing]

OK guys, here's a good place for you guys to throw out brands of paint you like, various tutorials, resource sites, or other tips and tricks you've picked up along the way. We've got a good mix of veterans and interested beginners. Let's share and pool together our strength and resources.

I'm new, how do you spray paint toys? Primer? Sealer?

Also does anyone know where to buy some g1 bumblebee like pistols that are 5mm for most generation figures? (Cartoon pistol)

[Evil Eye]

OK guys, here's a good place for you guys to throw out brands of paint you like, various tutorials, resource sites, or other tips and tricks you've picked up along the way. We've got a good mix of veterans and interested beginners. Let's share and pool together our strength and resources.

I'm new, how do you spray paint toys? Primer? Sealer?

Also does anyone know where to buy some g1 bumblebee like pistols that are 5mm for most generation figures? (Cartoon pistol)

Oh boy, where to begin?

First you'll want to disassemble your toy, which is a whole other topic. Then be sure to give the parts a good clean (being careful with anything that shouldn't get wet).

Once you have it disassembled and cleaned you'll want to prime it. You can do this either with a spray can or through an airbrush (more on that later). I recommend grey as it's a very neutral colour that most other colours look good over. Mr. Surfacer and Tamiya Primer are both great, if pricey.

Once the primer has dried and cured (which can take anything from a few hours to a few days) you'll want to check for inconsistencies (orange-peeling, graininess etc) and sand them down with progressively finer sandpaper grades.

Now you actually paint your figure. For most things you'll want to airbrush them, as it gives a very smooth and consistent finish. Buying the right airbrush is a whole other topic, but TLDR: Start off with a cheap one for practice (you WILL ruin your first airbrush) before using a decent one like an Iwata once you know how to use it.

Anyway, first you pick your paint. You can use acrylics, enamels or lacquers. Acrylics are usually water-based which means you can thin them with water, and are very easy to use. However the effects aren't usually as good for some things and they aren't very durable. Enamels I've not used much so I can't really comment. Lacquers need to be thinned with very specific thinners and are quite toxic (use in a ventilated space) in addition to being tricky to work with. However they are ridiculously durable and also look beautiful. Don't use them over bare plastic though or it will melt.

Remember, multiple thin coats are always better than one thick coat. Also, THIN YOUR PAINTS. (See above.)

If you want to have a hard barrier between two different colours on the same part you'll need to mask it. This is actually quite simple. First, spray the colour that will make up the majority of the part. Then, once it's dry and cured, use model masking tape (I recommend Tamiya tape) to cover the already painted bits you want to remain the first colour. Then spray the second colour. Once that's dry and cured, remove the masking tape.

Once you've painted everything you'll want to seal/"topcoat" it to protect the paint. You can either use your airbrush to apply bottled/potted varnish (although if you want a shiny finish, Pledge floor polish works well) or alternatively you can get some topcoat varnishes in spraycans.

Once everything is fully dry and cured, put your figure back together (taking great care not to damage the paint). Hooray! It's done!

TIPS:

Remember that parts that come in contact (such as on joints or tabs) will rub paint, so it's best to use more durable paints for these parts. Also be careful of making them too thick with the paint.

If you're just going to keep a figure as a display piece, you can afford to town on it more than if it's going to be handled/transformed. Some paints are very durable, others are quite fragile.

Pratice, practice, PRACTICE. Use plastic spoons to try out airbrushing on. Then try using a knock-off as a "test piece". You don't want to ruin your expensive figure after all.

Always be on the lookout for more information. Books on airbrushing and modelling in general are invaluable. It might be worth joining a modelling forum online for information- Gundam model communities are ideal as Gundam models are quite similar to Transformers in a lot of ways (being brightly coloured robots and all- some even transform!) and a lot of Gundam builders really know their stuff on airbrushing.

Remember that your first custom will inevitably be a mess. So A: don't worry too much when it goes badly wrong, and B: don't use an expensive toy you really like as a base. Get a cheap figure off eBay or your local bargain store.

There's a lot more to it than that, obviously, so be on the lookout for information in other communities.

[EchoKing]

OK guys, here's a good place for you guys to throw out brands of paint you like, various tutorials, resource sites, or other tips and tricks you've picked up along the way. We've got a good mix of veterans and interested beginners. Let's share and pool together our strength and resources.

I'm new, how do you spray paint toys? Primer? Sealer?

Also does anyone know where to buy some g1 bumblebee like pistols that are 5mm for most generation figures? (Cartoon pistol)

Oh boy, where to begin?

First you'll want to disassemble your toy, which is a whole other topic. Then be sure to give the parts a good clean (being careful with anything that shouldn't get wet).

Once you have it disassembled and cleaned you'll want to prime it. You can do this either with a spray can or through an airbrush (more on that later). I recommend grey as it's a very neutral colour that most other colours look good over. Mr. Surfacer and Tamiya Primer are both great, if pricey.

Once the primer has dried and cured (which can take anything from a few hours to a few days) you'll want to check for inconsistencies (orange-peeling, graininess etc) and sand them down with progressively finer sandpaper grades.

Now you actually paint your figure. For most things you'll want to airbrush them, as it gives a very smooth and consistent finish. Buying the right airbrush is a whole other topic, but TLDR: Start off with a cheap one for practice (you WILL ruin your first airbrush) before using a decent one like an Iwata once you know how to use it.

Anyway, first you pick your paint. You can use acrylics, enamels or lacquers. Acrylics are usually water-based which means you can thin them with water, and are very easy to use. However the effects aren't usually as good for some things and they aren't very durable. Enamels I've not used much so I can't really comment. Lacquers need to be thinned with very specific thinners and are quite toxic (use in a ventilated space) in addition to being tricky to work with. However they are ridiculously durable and also look beautiful. Don't use them over bare plastic though or it will melt.

Remember, multiple thin coats are always better than one thick coat. Also, THIN YOUR PAINTS. (See above.)

If you want to have a hard barrier between two different colours on the same part you'll need to mask it. This is actually quite simple. First, spray the colour that will make up the majority of the part. Then, once it's dry and cured, use model masking tape (I recommend Tamiya tape) to cover the already painted bits you want to remain the first colour. Then spray the second colour. Once that's dry and cured, remove the masking tape.

Once you've painted everything you'll want to seal/"topcoat" it to protect the paint. You can either use your airbrush to apply bottled/potted varnish (although if you want a shiny finish, Pledge floor polish works well) or alternatively you can get some topcoat varnishes in spraycans.

Once everything is fully dry and cured, put your figure back together (taking great care not to damage the paint). Hooray! It's done!

TIPS:

Remember that parts that come in contact (such as on joints or tabs) will rub paint, so it's best to use more durable paints for these parts. Also be careful of making them too thick with the paint.

If you're just going to keep a figure as a display piece, you can afford to town on it more than if it's going to be handled/transformed. Some paints are very durable, others are quite fragile.

Pratice, practice, PRACTICE. Use plastic spoons to try out airbrushing on. Then try using a knock-off as a "test piece". You don't want to ruin your expensive figure after all.

Always be on the lookout for more information. Books on airbrushing and modelling in general are invaluable. It might be worth joining a modelling forum online for information- Gundam model communities are ideal as Gundam models are quite similar to Transformers in a lot of ways (being brightly coloured robots and all- some even transform!) and a lot of Gundam builders really know their stuff on airbrushing.

Remember that your first custom will inevitably be a mess. So A: don't worry too much when it goes badly wrong, and B: don't use an expensive toy you really like as a base. Get a cheap figure off eBay or your local bargain store.

There's a lot more to it than that, obviously, so be on the lookout for information in other communities.

Thanks man I appreciate it. would you recommend using a spay on sealer?

[Evil Eye]

As in, a spray-can? I'd always recommend using an airbrush as it gives you more control, but spray-can varnish (provided it's good stuff) should work just fine.

I should disclose BTW, most of my knowledge is what I've gleaned from other people. I'm not the best airbrusher there ever was- I have the knowledge, I just struggle to apply it. There are far more experienced people out there than me and I recommend you seek them out. Still, I'm glad to have been of help!

[EchoKing]

As in, a spray-can? I'd always recommend using an airbrush as it gives you more control, but spray-can varnish (provided it's good stuff) should work just fine.

I should disclose BTW, most of my knowledge is what I've gleaned from other people. I'm not the best airbrusher there ever was- I have the knowledge, I just struggle to apply it. There are far more experienced people out there than me and I recommend you seek them out. Still, I'm glad to have been of help!

Is airbrushing the technique that use for their toys?

[Evil Eye]

Hasbro usually uses factory-grade spraying machines using paints that are not commercially available. Though for some elements I'm pretty sure they are hand-sprayed using an airbrush (though again, using factory-grade paint).