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Quick (maybe easy) question:

What's so great about gunmetal?

Many of the repaint/custom masters use gunmetal (enamel or acrylic), especially as a layer in metal-effect drybrushing. But it doesn't seem like it would fit in with a gradient scheme, as other colors used don't have that BLUE that gunmetal does (eg, silver, flat black, dark and light grays, etc). So what does it bring to the table?

Thanks!

MutantDinosaur

First off, an update on my previous question: it turns out I was using the wrong type of sealant, so once I switched to the proper type, I've had no more problems with melting Autobrands.

On a related note, however, I apparently got too strong of a paint remover and accidentally melted poor Cybertron Smokescreen's roof off, so, just in general, are there any simpler ways of removing unwanted paint, as well as a way of keeping paint from getting smeared and finger-printed in the first place?

Also, does anyone have any advice or tips on how to keep the original colors from showing through the paint? Case in point, I'm attempting to repaint TFA Activators Soundwave into Rumble, but all multiple coats do is make him look like he's got make-up caked on. It admittedly might just be a problem with the red paint I'm using, since the same thing happened with TFA Oil Slick's "tattoo," but any tips for a novice will be appreciated.

Can anyone point me in the direction of some good tutorials for repainting? there is a lot of warhammer stuff online which is probably pretty relevant, but since transformers move around a bit there may be some specifics.

I have a simple airbrush I plan to use for larger sections and such, and I will be looking into decent smaller brushes for detailing.

The hobby shop guys I talked to recommended acrylic water based paintss and a Top loaded dual action air brush. Maybe the air brush is overkill, but I got it as a gift so I want to learn to use it.

My first project will be repainting ROTF superion into G1 colors and painting the Fans Project kit a bit as well.

Notable questions:
- How to prep the figures (with or without existing paint) Strip it all down? remove the paint apps with alcohol? Base coat over everything? no base coat, just paint?
- How to mask off ears I don't want touched, or for hard line edges? Painters tape? rubber cement?
- Should I be dis-assembling the transformers and painting the individual pieces on their own? Should I bother putting paint on ball joints?
- Clear coat everything?

Obviously I am totally in the dark, and need some good information to point me in the right direction.

thanks

IceWilly wrote:Can anyone point me in the direction of some good tutorials for repainting? there is a lot of warhammer stuff online which is probably pretty relevant, but since transformers move around a bit there may be some specifics.

I have a simple airbrush I plan to use for larger sections and such, and I will be looking into decent smaller brushes for detailing.

The hobby shop guys I talked to recommended acrylic water based paintss and a Top loaded dual action air brush. Maybe the air brush is overkill, but I got it as a gift so I want to learn to use it.

My first project will be repainting ROTF superion into G1 colors and painting the Fans Project kit a bit as well.

Notable questions:
- How to prep the figures (with or without existing paint) Strip it all down? remove the paint apps with alcohol? Base coat over everything? no base coat, just paint?
- How to mask off ears I don't want touched, or for hard line edges? Painters tape? rubber cement?
- Should I be dis-assembling the transformers and painting the individual pieces on their own? Should I bother putting paint on ball joints?
- Clear coat everything?

Obviously I am totally in the dark, and need some good information to point me in the right direction.

thanks

Here's how I do it:
Gather up some small empty bottles (paint, pills, whatever). Take the torso apart (GO SLOW if there are any gimmicks containing springs, as they may launch themselves across the room), note which screw came from which hole, and put the parts you're not gonna paint into a bottle, then label it. Pins can be removed by tapping them out with a hammer and nail. You may want to use multiple bottles if there's a lot of screws. Alternately get a roll of double-sided tape and mark each screw individually. Either way make sure you remember what goes where. Trust me: mixing up or losing screws and other hardware is a major pain in the ass. Set the limbs aside for later.
You can strip the factory paint off the plastic parts with rubbing alcohol or paint thinner, then wash the parts in warm water and dish detergent, and let them air dry.
Okay, here's where things get tricky. Remember most parts on a TF are moving parts, and you will have issues if you put paint on too thick. Be very careful when painting, or, if you feel comfortable enough: Note any areas where parts will rotate or slide past each other while posing or transforming, and with a nail file or fine grit sandpaper very gently sand them down. You want to remove only about the thickness of two pieces of paper. This way once you paint and seal the parts, you should be back to the original dimensions, and you shouldn't have to worry about binding or paint-wear.
From here you can paint, detail and wash as you see fit. Go slow, and give the paint time to dry between colors; I can get away with as little as a half hour, depending on whether it's acrylic or enamel paint. Don't bother painting the balls or inside of the socket, the paint will just rub off, and worst case you may change the shape, causing the joint to become stiff. Once you're done painting, give it a day or two to dry completely, then seal the parts. I prefer Testors Dullcote in the rattle-can for robot part and non-car alt-modes (Carformers get Glosscote, natch), but use whatever you like. Set the torso aside and start on the limbs. Once you finish painting one limb, reassemble it, then move on to the next). Once everything is done, reassemble the figure, and transform and/or move all the limbs just to make sure everything works.

For your specific questions:

I've found that enamel or acrylic, most hobby paints cover well enough you don't need primer unless A) you're painting white something that was originally dark or B) the part is PVC (2007 Screamer's "fingers", Barricade's head, etc.).

You can use anything from post-it notes to tape (Scotch Pop-up Tape is a godsend!) to pin-stripe tape to silly putty to funtak to mask off parts, depending on what you're doing, or what effect you want.

Osprey publishing has a great book on airbrushing, as does Kalmbach.

I'm working on my first repaint. Coverting a Universe Sunstreaker to Wheeljack using the Master Collectables upgrade set. I'm basically done painting and I'm pretty happy with my results. I still have all the parts unassembled and curing. My concern is the paint rubbing and chipping off especially at the interlocking tabs for the body panels. What do you guys do to prevent this?

I'm just after some tips from whoever would be kind enough to help.

What's the best way to paint details or small areas for a guy who doesn't have the steadiest of hands with a brush? Would those special Gundam marker pens do the trick or is there anything else?

Thanks for your time.

How is the best way to tint the windshield and wings from the g1 Wheeljack figure? I am wanting to custom repaint a junker one into a custom Marlboro Diaclone Wheeljack. It's been suggested I use Tamyica Mica Blue Spray paint for the close match of the original. Also how do I alter the head to match Marlboro Wheeljack? ANy help greatly appreciated!

What do you guys recommend for paint, Enamel or Acrylics? Is it possible to use both on the same figure? Also, will any of these paints have any harmful effects on the plastic itself? Like maybe not in a year but in like 10 maybe?

I usually use enamel, I think it covers better and the colors are nicer. I'll use acrylic if I'm feeling lazy (water clean-up is way easier than using thinner), or if I need to prime PVC parts. You can use both at the same time, though acrylic sometimes won't adhere well over enamel paint. As long as you use paint for models (either enamel or acrylic) you shouldn't have any problems with damage to the plastic. I've got models (same plastic as most toys) I did in the 90s that are still fine.

Has anyone ran into a problem where you like the paintjob you gave them but something's not according to the design in mind? If so how do you fix it? On a small note it's good to know I'm not the only one who's ever repainted a transformer. The figure I need to know this for is 2007 Night Watch Optimus Prime Leader Class. I painted him like a C.F.I. truck and the letters are in the wrong place. On the sides above the fuel tanks is where they are supposed to be, but instead I stupidly put them on the hood and roof. A giant "C" where the hjead comes up is too funny and demeaning to Prime.