The Energon Pub

[Tramp]

Greyrider is corrct, get rid of the enamels and use acrylics. Enamels eat into most plastics, and will not cure on anything other than metal or styrene; not urethane, not PVC, not vynil, none oif them. Enamels were originally meant to be used on metal, not plastics to begin with. That is why I always use acrylics.

Enamels are best used on stuff that won't be touched, like model cars and planes, otherwise they can chip and would require a clear coat for protection

According to my Movie Miniature Model making instructor, enamels should only be used on metals, never plastics. Enamels can eat into the plastics eventially destroying them. It is a slow process, but it will happen over time. That is why he said to always use Acrylics when painting plastics. Acrylixcs are also much easier to clean up since they are water-based, not oil-based.

[AceBaur Prime]

I've used enamels for years on my plastic model cars and have never had any ill effects with it. Also you can't sand an acrylic paint as the cure won't hold up to it.

[Greyryder]

I sand acrylic paint, all the time.

[Tramp]

I've used enamels for years on my plastic model cars and have never had any ill effects with it. Also you can't sand an acrylic paint as the cure won't hold up to it.

Believe me, there is an effect. It may take years before it becomes apparent, but, at least according to my instructor (a man who has worked in the indistry for many years) it does happen. Enamels weaken the plastic.

Also, as Greyryder said, yes, you can sand acrylics. When cured, acrylic paints are plastic (acrylic is a form of plastic), unlike enamels.

[AceBaur Prime]

well considering that both Testors and Model Masters advertise their products for model cars/planes/tanks etc, I'd say its ok to use. Plus like I said I've been modeling for 15 years and never heard of or seen any ill effects

[Tramp]

now the thinner on the other hand that will eat your plastic.

Well, considering that thinner and laquer are the base components of enamels, That should give you a clue as to the damaging effects of enamels.
Secondly,Just because you have never heard of those effects, and just because Testors advertises their use for models does not mean that the paint won?t eat into the plastic. In this ?disposable society?, I doubt they expect the models to be kept for years, so they figured, that any damage to the plastic isn?t going to be an issue for the short lifespan of the model. However, when a professional in the movie model making industry warns you against those effects, I would heed those warnings.

[AceBaur Prime]

Whatever. I'm not going to argue with you, its a waste of my time.

[gawd6sic6]

now the thinner on the other hand that will eat your plastic.

Well, considering that thinner and laquer are the base components of enamels, That should give you a clue as to the damaging effects of enamels.
Secondly,Just because you have never heard of those effects, and just because Testors advertises their use for models does not mean that the paint won?t eat into the plastic. In this ?disposable society?, I doubt they expect the models to be kept for years, so they figured, that any damage to the plastic isn?t going to be an issue for the short lifespan of the model. However, when a professional in the movie model making industry warns you against those effects, I would heed those warnings.

its all a matter of personal taste...

doctors warn you of the horrible effects of smoking.. guess what.. people still do it...

how about this thread gets back to the classics line. common guys....

[TFmaster]

I agree this thread has been getting thrown off course.

Live, learn, deal. That's all it takes in this hobby and if you have debates or questions concerning paints and uses find a thread or make one for that.

Back on topic people. You all have learned your own things and ways to use them. Trial and error. End of Debate.

I on the other hand, in case you guys missed it, am making what I am considering a Classics/Universe/Timelines Thunderwing.

Here is an update on how that going.

This guy will look great on my Classics/Titaniums Shelf. (And yes I know I still have to do 4 center Ribs. The clay hardened on me and I have to make more.)





Enjoy.

TFM

[fromwednesday747]

god thats looking awesome. I'll definitley be buying the kit... if its sold at a price that doesn't make my soul cry i mean.

[Primus_feather]

Niiiice

will his Ultra mode be present??

hey any one have some pics of Hot Rods interior (cartoon) its for a Classic mod I've dont but I'll post oince colored, PM me if yah wanna keep this thread on topic.

[len_d69]

Here's my take on Starscream. Not really finished yet but just wanted to share some of the mods done.

1. Canopy - took out the F-14esque design from the front of the canopy
2. Chest - took out the bar thingy

The rest are panel lines. Will still be repainting the red parts and will be adding some stripes (EDIT: Just added the stripes)

[Hobbyist Prime]

That is some very nice detail work there!

[jimsloth]

I really can't decide weather or not I like it better without the collar thing. Don't know if I'll go through with it on mine. Especially since he was so freakin hard to find.

[Tramp]

Personally, I prefer it with the crossmember in place.

[Tramp]

Well, I just picked up Classics Megatron yesterday, and after transforming him, I disassembled him and repainted him, all except for the orange barrel plug. For the inside of the “wings”, I decided to go with basic black with some drybrushed silver, but not much. For the light piping in his optics, I went with clear orange instead of clear red. He is all drybrushed. The colors I used were Black, Chrome Silver, Gunmetal, Clear Red, Clear Orange, and Metallic Violet; all acrylics. I did have some paint chipping, but fixed that after these pics were taken.

Take a look—

[TFmaster]

Not bad man but Megatron looks like he's been hanging out with a dirty Hobo.

TFM

[grimlockprime108]

i like this.you get more of an ancient war machine vibe off of this design

[Tramp]

i like this.you get more of an ancient war machine vibe off of this design

That was the general idea. Also, to give his gun mode the look of real brushed steel.

[TFmaster]

Don't get me wrong, i'm not saying it's bad but that type of paint job isn't meant for closups. I've noticed he looks alot better in the far away photo's then he does up close.

I have lot's of projects like that. It's meant of shadowing so when displayed it look's like it has life to it.

I presonally love it but I have too many ideas of what I think Classics Megatron should be and ever since pics surfaced of MP megatron it doesn't matter how you paint Ol' Megs here, he's ganna just look like G1 Megatron's retarded half Brother.

(Man I can't wait for MP Megatron!!!)

TFM

[Ramrider]

Redline... d'you mind if I half-inch some of your paint mods for Prime? I'm loving the mould to bits as is, but a lot of what you did to it just makes it about as perfect as it can be.

[Tramp]

Don't get me wrong, i'm not saying it's bad but that type of paint job isn't meant for closups. I've noticed he looks alot better in the far away photo's then he does up close.

I have lot's of projects like that. It's meant of shadowing so when displayed it look's like it has life to it.

I presonally love it but I have too many ideas of what I think Classics Megatron should be and ever since pics surfaced of MP megatron it doesn't matter how you paint Ol' Megs here, he's ganna just look like G1 Megatron's retarded half Brother.

(Man I can't wait for MP Megatron!!!)

TFM

I have to disagree with that evaluation of drybrushing. It is definately for more than just adding highlights and shadows on a model for distance shots. It is also for weathering and aging, and that was the look I was going for here, and when ot comes to close-ups, that is where the weathering is most noticable. The close-ups are where you see the pits and grooves, and all those little “imperfections” in the “metal” of the bot. It is those little “imperfections” that adds to the realism of the model, and the battle worn look.

[Tramp]

I think the point was that it was a little overboard and when viewed close up it looks more than just a little weathered and battlworn, he looks like he has been junked, completed rusted out and filthy.

If you had been in battle for millions of years, you would too. The point wasn’t to make him a “little” weathered and battle worn, but heavily weathered and battle worn. Someone like Megatron, who has been a gladiator, and front-line General for ages, is not going to look the least bit pristine, polished, and pretty. He is going to be heavily scarred and pitted from battle after battle. Just like with a well-used sword, you can get rid of rust and dirt, but not the scars and pits, those remain forever and just accumulate over time.

[fromwednesday747]

personally, i love how it looks. To me, it looks exactly what a G1 pre-Earth Megatron should look like... minus the orange tip. That is, unless they have pretty extensive safety laws on Cybertron too.

[Tramp]

Well, I kept the orange tip to keep it “legal”, if you know what I mean.