The Energon Pub

Hey guys, well I'm at it again. After flicking through F_R and Jin's customs sites and tutorials, I've got renewed vigour for kitbashing.

My first project will just have to be Energon Towline. Brilliant figure, wrong colours. Back then I tried my hand at repainting him as Ratchet, which didn't go too badly until I got impatient and ruined him.


Needless to say, my first task will be to strip all of the unwanted paint from the figure, and start anew repainting him as our (secretly) beloved Skids.

My questions for the community are:

(1) What is the best domestically available product for stripping paint from an Energon era transformer without damaging the plastic?
(2) Is there any way to preserve underlying layers of paint? (Doubtful of this, but perhaps wiping away the higher layers of paint with whatever concoction is answered in (1) would do it?)
(3) What are the pros and cons of enamel and acrylic paints?
(4) I'm leaning towards enamels thanks to F_R's works, and I take it the best way to paint a figure is:

[1] Disassemble figure
[2] Clean figure (with what?)
[3] Prime parts to be painted and paint them in layers
[4] Allow to dry between layers
[5] Clear coat after all layers are finished and small details are applied

This should make the paint pretty tough right? Means it'll be able to take moderate transforming (as in, once a week perhaps).


I know this is quite an essay, and sure there might be parts of answers spread across the interwebs, but understand I'm a busy physics student that wants to get deeper into his hobby and would love to be able to make his collection closer to his dream.

Any and all answers are appreciated folks, thanks!


***As a bonus question, I'm interested in knowing more about designing and producing parts in 3d, much like here. Is there a particular company/website etc that will take appropriately designed cadcam files and produce prototypes? Is it domestic equipment the regular joe can buy? Is there a particular program that's brilliant for producing 3d tf part renders?



I have so many questions for you all as I start my journey down this road. Over the last who knows how many years, your works have inspired me to try it for myself, I just need (quite a big) helping hand in getting my knowledge of techniques and equipment up to speed.

City Commander wrote:
(1) What is the best domestically available product for stripping paint from an Energon era transformer without damaging the plastic?

I've used Testors paint thinner to strip and clean 'Formers from pretty much every generation w/o problems. Rubbing alcohol will remove the more modern paint apps, too.

(2) Is there any way to preserve underlying layers of paint? (Doubtful of this, but perhaps wiping away the higher layers of paint with whatever concoction is answered in (1) would do it?)

I haven't needed to remove one layer of paint, perhaps someone else knows how.

(3) What are the pros and cons of enamel and acrylic paints?

Acrylic paints are safer than enamels: no fumes and they clean up with water. I don't think they cover as well though, and they tend to dry out faster.

(4) I'm leaning towards enamels thanks to F_R's works, and I take it the best way to paint a figure is:

[1] Disassemble figure
[2] Clean figure (with what?)
[3] Prime parts to be painted and paint them in layers
[4] Allow to dry between layers
[5] Clear coat after all layers are finished and small details are applied

This should make the paint pretty tough right? Means it'll be able to take moderate transforming (as in, once a week perhaps).

I'd say step 2 should be strip what you need to, then clean everything you plan on painting in warm water and dish detergent.

I still recommend caution when transforming though; you can still chip or wear the paint.
Personally, I'm experimenting with sanding the parts with fine-grit paper. I think a rough surface gives the paint a better surface to hold onto, and it helps keep the moving parts from sticking.

***As a bonus question, I'm interested in knowing more about designing and producing parts in 3d, much like here. Is there a particular company/website etc that will take appropriately designed cadcam files and produce prototypes? Is it domestic equipment the regular joe can buy? Is there a particular program that's brilliant for producing 3d tf part renders?

Welllll, it depends on how you define "regular joe" There are a few designs with the hobbyist/inventor in mind, they'll run $500 to $3000, plus materials.

Thanks for the reply! Firstly, some links I've found this afternoon in my trolling of teh interwebs in hunt of important techniques...

Future finish, the ultimate way to seal your paint?
http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/tutorials ... inish.html

Removing pins and rivets
http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/tutorials ... ivets.html

Apoxie sculpt and clay, for producing your own parts
http://www.avesstudio.com/

Magnetic joints, slide decals and dry brushing
http://www.frenzyrumble.com/

I intend to use this thread to help me learn everything there is to know, and I'll post in here what I learn as I learn it. Might even put my Kitbashes in here when I get round to doing them!


Now then, onto your reply!

Point 1-- Yeah I've often heard rubbing alcohol is the way to go. What percentage strength would you suggest? I've read that 99% is okay, but surely that could cause damage to some plastics? Probably the same dealio with paint thinners, but I guess there will always be some plastics that can't handle it.

Considering I plan to mostly just work with modern figures, I can assume testors paint thinner will work just fine, as will most concentrations of rubbing alcohol.

Point 2-- Thanks, I don't expect many people to have had this situation and I reckon I will have to remove all layers of paint and start fresh. Probably will work out better in the end.

Point 3-- Thanks again, good to know this stuff as eventually I will probably work with both enamels and acrylics.

Point 4-- Ah I'd forgotten completely about the stripping stage ;p lol Right, so strip off all paint with point 1 stuff, then rinse and wash well to remove left over fluids/crap.

I've often heard of cases where sanding was required to make things run smoothly. No doubt I will indulge in this, but hopefully future finish will solve the problem for me! Just keep layers thing and even.

Point 5-- Thanks! Those two machines look marvelous, once I'm out of uni and have the disposable income at my..uh..disposal, I'll look into getting one of my own and producing repro parts. The thought of being able to manufacture any small part I design in cad programs is amazing.


Thanks for your input here, I appreciate your thoughts and help! All you guys have been at this far longer than I have, so your wisdom is greatly appreciated!