The Energon Pub

I was wondering how the custom painters get their lines so clean. Say for instance, if I wanted to repaint Starscream into a different color. I would paint him and then mask off the parts so I can paint the stripes on the wings. Even thought I use masking tape to mask it off, the paint still bleeds through a little and it is noticeable. I was just wondering, how do so many of you get good clean sharp lines?

Well, I need to know some specifics. What paints are you using, mix ratios, how thin, etc? Also, acrylics, lacquers or enamel?

Anyways, most paint bleeds come from either the paint being too thin or improper tape.

Now you said you're using masking tape. That is a serious nono in my opinion.

You want to use painters tape. It has different chemical adhesives that protect paint from stuff like this. You can trim and use the blue stuff that you can find at walmart, but I like something a little more crisp. I'd recommend going to a hobby shop and buying some various widths of Tamiya tape. It's very thin and easy to work with and you can reuse about 7 times before it dies one you.

Also, paint bleeding can come if you mask parts and then hand paint those items. I would recommend investig in an airbrush. I actually have one for sale right now that is of very good quality and great for learning if you're interested. PM me if you want to know more.

I don't have a lot of TF customs apart from a Decepticon Jetfire I did, but I do have a few years experience doing Japanese garage kit figures and can tell you pretty much anything you want to know about various paints and putties and what is the most durable.

Thank you for that info. I do need to invest in an airbrush system. I don't know what they cost though. I could trade a like new ipod touch 3rd gen for one maybe? I use various types of paints. Some times spray paint, other times acrylic or enamel. I will definitely try out that painters tape.

What kills me is I have good artistic abilities but my lack or knowledge on this subect and lack of proper tools is holding me back. I can draw and do auto body work quite well but customizing plastic toys is a new adventure for me. I would love some advice good paints and putties if you wouldn't mind sharing. The putties I use now are basically bondo products intended for auto repair.

I've got the perfect airbrush for you then. It won't cost you an arm or a leg either. It's an AZTEK A320 with a couple of the additional tips and and stuff you'll need for your projects. I used it only for one project so it's pretty much new. Still have the packaging too. For TF customs, it will do quite nicely. I'm willing to trade to, but we'd have to work something out since an ipod is worth way more than my airbrush.

There's so much to go over that I want to give you some sites in order to do some reading. I frequent these 2 sites:

gkjapan.com
fichtenfoo.com

Everything you see on those sites will be able to be converted over to what you want for TFs. Even the anime kits. (Pay special attention to those as they really get you comfortable with putty)

Now onto putty. Bondo is good for bulking stuff up quickly, but sucks for sculpting. I use a combination of things depending on what I'm doing. I find Aves Apoxy Sculpt to be my favorite 2 parts modeling sculpting compound. It bonds well and is near indestructible when dry. For durability, especially for something like a Transformer, I'd recommend this. Everything else on the market is more meant for static models and will most like crack under the stress of a TF toy custom.

Also, durable paints is something you will want for TFs. I would recommend the Mr Hobby lacquers available on hobbywave.com. They have a flat rate shipping of $10 and probably the best source for getting these paints in the US.

robofreak wrote:I've got the perfect airbrush for you then. It won't cost you an arm or a leg either. It's an AZTEK A320 with a couple of the additional tips and and stuff you'll need for your projects. I used it only for one project so it's pretty much new. Still have the packaging too. For TF customs, it will do quite nicely. I'm willing to trade to, but we'd have to work something out since an ipod is worth way more than my airbrush.

There's so much to go over that I want to give you some sites in order to do some reading. I frequent these 2 sites:

gkjapan.com
fichtenfoo.com

Everything you see on those sites will be able to be converted over to what you want for TFs. Even the anime kits. (Pay special attention to those as they really get you comfortable with putty)

Now onto putty. Bondo is good for bulking stuff up quickly, but sucks for sculpting. I use a combination of things depending on what I'm doing. I find Aves Apoxy Sculpt to be my favorite 2 parts modeling sculpting compound. It bonds well and is near indestructible when dry. For durability, especially for something like a Transformer, I'd recommend this. Everything else on the market is more meant for static models and will most like crack under the stress of a TF toy custom.

Also, durable paints is something you will want for TFs. I would recommend the Mr Hobby lacquers available on hobbywave.com. They have a flat rate shipping of $10 and probably the best source for getting these paints in the US.

Awesome info. I'll pm you about a possible trade.

I can second the Aves apoxy sculpt.It works like a charm! Also if your in a bind and dont have anymore scuplt laying around you can try using liquid super glue and baking soda! i know it sounds cray but it works really for filling and dremeling and it dries fast.

I've got about 15 customs under my belt but I have yet to venture into air brushing. Im gonna check out that model you mentioned..

I have found out that quick drying epoxys (black) are good for structure, but not for details, they crumb easily, if you want to add detail, use green epoxy, needs more time time, but doesn't crumble, and if add a tiny amount of water over it and rub gently, you get a very smooth finish...

HoosierDaddy wrote:Thank you for that info. I do need to invest in an airbrush system. I don't know what they cost though. I could trade a like new ipod touch 3rd gen for one maybe? I use various types of paints. Some times spray paint, other times acrylic or enamel. I will definitely try out that painters tape.

What kills me is I have good artistic abilities but my lack or knowledge on this subect and lack of proper tools is holding me back. I can draw and do auto body work quite well but customizing plastic toys is a new adventure for me. I would love some advice good paints and putties if you wouldn't mind sharing. The putties I use now are basically bondo products intended for auto repair.

I have found out that quick drying epoxys (black) are good for structure, but not for details, they crumb easily, if you want to add detail, use green epoxy, needs more time time, but doesn't crumble, and if add a tiny amount of water over it and rub gently, you get a very smooth finish...

HoosierDaddy wrote:Thank you for that info. I do need to invest in an airbrush system. I don't know what they cost though. I could trade a like new ipod touch 3rd gen for one maybe? I use various types of paints. Some times spray paint, other times acrylic or enamel. I will definitely try out that painters tape.

What kills me is I have good artistic abilities but my lack or knowledge on this subect and lack of proper tools is holding me back. I can draw and do auto body work quite well but customizing plastic toys is a new adventure for me. I would love some advice good paints and putties if you wouldn't mind sharing. The putties I use now are basically bondo products intended for auto repair.