The Energon Pub

Hey i was just wondering what paints everone uses for those that do there own custom repaints.. Im looking to repaint some of the classic seekers and i want to get the best paints that wont chip or anything once im finished with them..
anyone ?

Good question. I have a feeling that a lot of us not going to Botcon could use this info.

I've actually been thinking about doing some customs as well. I'm going to start with some Minimates as I just got into them and they seem like a good place to start for a beginner. Anyway, I've been hearing good things about Model Master Acryls from Testors. I'm going to be experimenting with these very soon.

Also, don't be surprised if this gets moved to the Kitbash forum.

yeah i tried to find the kitbash thread but i couldnt see it lol .. It was probably staring me right in the face lol lol... I had the idea to do the seekers ever since the classic line came out because i knew they would not do all them.

Try this thread. This guy did an especially nice job with Thrust.

http://seibertron.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1379&sid=

I think whatever brand you use, acrylic paints are probably best. You might also think about using some sort of varnish to ensure the paint doesn't rub off?

If you want to do a professional job, then you might want to think about dis-assembling the figure to allow a smooth application of paint. It'll probably be best to use a spray too?

Its happening like I posted on the other thread

Get another Starscream and 2 more Ramjets and make your own Thundercracker,Dirge and Thrust

I repainted a Cybertron Downshift into a Decepticon character I call Blackjack

I used testors paint for this

Two things:

Don't use Gamer's Workshop paints. They are too thick for moving parts customs.

Get is done in one coat. Normally, I prefer two coats of paint, but again, because TFs move, you're going to get some rub-off.

and a thin clear coat is a must.

I heard some people boil the pieces, and use dye? What's the best method?

God Magnus wrote:I've actually been thinking about doing some customs as well. I'm going to start with some Minimates as I just got into them and they seem like a good place to start for a beginner. Anyway, I've been hearing good things about Model Master Acryls from Testors. I'm going to be experimenting with these very soon.

Also, don't be surprised if this gets moved to the Kitbash forum.

Phhht. Amatuer materials, amatuer results. Testors blows. Tamiya or the Gundam paint sets are the way to go, sure they cost more, but do you want a nasty looking custom or a thing of beauty?

Godmodule wrote:

God Magnus wrote:I've actually been thinking about doing some customs as well. I'm going to start with some Minimates as I just got into them and they seem like a good place to start for a beginner. Anyway, I've been hearing good things about Model Master Acryls from Testors. I'm going to be experimenting with these very soon.

Also, don't be surprised if this gets moved to the Kitbash forum.

Phhht. Amatuer materials, amatuer results. Testors blows. Tamiya or the Gundam paint sets are the way to go, sure they cost more, but do you want a nasty looking custom or a thing of beauty?

Where can I find these paints at? I think I'm actually going to attempt a custom this time.

MagnusPrimal wrote:

Godmodule wrote:

God Magnus wrote:I've actually been thinking about doing some customs as well. I'm going to start with some Minimates as I just got into them and they seem like a good place to start for a beginner. Anyway, I've been hearing good things about Model Master Acryls from Testors. I'm going to be experimenting with these very soon.

Also, don't be surprised if this gets moved to the Kitbash forum.

Phhht. Amatuer materials, amatuer results. Testors blows. Tamiya or the Gundam paint sets are the way to go, sure they cost more, but do you want a nasty looking custom or a thing of beauty?

Where can I find these paints at? I think I'm actually going to attempt a custom this time.

Ebay, or gundamstoreandmore has good prices and the Gundam paint set for the Rick Dom is color matched perfectly for Skywarp or G1 Insecticons.

Godmodule wrote:

MagnusPrimal wrote:

Godmodule wrote:

God Magnus wrote:I've actually been thinking about doing some customs as well. I'm going to start with some Minimates as I just got into them and they seem like a good place to start for a beginner. Anyway, I've been hearing good things about Model Master Acryls from Testors. I'm going to be experimenting with these very soon.

Also, don't be surprised if this gets moved to the Kitbash forum.

Phhht. Amatuer materials, amatuer results. Testors blows. Tamiya or the Gundam paint sets are the way to go, sure they cost more, but do you want a nasty looking custom or a thing of beauty?

Where can I find these paints at? I think I'm actually going to attempt a custom this time.

Ebay, or gundamstoreandmore has good prices and the Gundam paint set for the Rick Dom is color matched perfectly for Skywarp or G1 Insecticons.

But Skywarp is one of the three I don't need!
Are there any chain stores or anything that have these paints? Or is the internet the only option? Does, let's see, I think it was JoAnns Fabrics, do they have anything like this? I thought I saw a thread that mentioned them. Anyway, thanks for the help/advice!

I have yet to find a shop in all of Ohio that sells Tamiya paints. So I don't doubt that it's the same in other states as well. But he's right. Any form of Testors paint sucks badly. It will always leave one of three things. A tacky feeling to the paint, a rough surface or a reflective look even if you used a flat color. I hate Testors with a passion and yet it's the only thing they sell around here.

I'm going to have to write all this down before I go out looking. If I don't find anything, I guess it's the 'net for me.
Keep in mind that I've never done this before, so if someone could offer me *very* specific advice on what brands/shades to use, I would be quite grateful!

Pretty much the best rule of thumb is this. If it looks cheap and is cheap then it probably won't look good when applied to what you're working on. Walking into a JoAnns or what have you, you're bound to see those little squeezable bottles of acrylic that they have in every color you can imagine....They suck. They're about the quality of the stuff you would use in first grade art class.

If you don't find anything I would suggest ordering direct from Tamiya on their website here

Testors Enamel paints i have had problems with the tacky and gritty feeling but i never have any problems with the Acrylics when painting models.. But i know when trying to do a repaint of a figure it can flake off..


I want paint that is good though and the colors match pretty much dead on but i also dont want to spend an arm and a leg for it lol.. What are those paints that they use to paint the war hammer figures and the small diecast roll play figures ? My hobby shop here is loaded with that stuff .. That any good ?

Nightwatcher wrote:Pretty much the best rule of thumb is this. If it looks cheap and is cheap then it probably won't look good when applied to what you're working on. Walking into a JoAnns or what have you, you're bound to see those little squeezable bottles of acrylic that they have in every color you can imagine....They suck. They're about the quality of the stuff you would use in first grade art class.

If you don't find anything I would suggest ordering direct from Tamiya on their website here

Thank you!
Those prices don't look bad. When you mention 'cheap,' just how cheap are you talking?

Ok so here is another quick question. For those of you that have done repaints of different seekers is it possible you could list the right color paints to buy from the Tamiya site or someplace else ? Would save tons of guess work and wont have to worry about ordering a wrong color

PrimulArchangel wrote:Ok so here is another quick question. For those of you that have done repaints of different seekers is it possible you could list the right color paints to buy from the Tamiya site or someplace else ? Would save tons of guess work and wont have to worry about ordering a wrong color

Pretty please?