The Energon Pub

[javaco]

whats the best way to do a complete repaint?
i have a movie ratchet and i wanna repaint him as a trailbreaker in black.

shud i just start out with paint and a big brush?

or shud i try and get my hands on an airbrush? and if so, what r some good, but cheap airbrushes

[Skyfire77]

For my first airbrush I got a Badger 250 so I'm partial to that model. You can buy propellant, or pick up a compressor if you want. If you have a junker figure or model kit handy, practice on it first so you can get used to the airbrush. Better brushes have interchangeable tips to produce different effects.

For the toy itself, I recommend taking it apart one limb at a time, if you're comfortable with that; it makes for a better end result. I use double sided tape to keep the screws separate and in order. Get yourself a couple locking forceps, you can lock them in screw holes on the pieces; it makes working with wet pieces a lot easier. For big parts, or things that are going to be one color, airbrushing or using spray paint is best, but you can use a brush if you want (most of mine are brush-painted). Use tape to mask off what you don't want painted. For details or small areas I use a brush. Go slow, and watch your fingers. I've ruined more models with fingerprints than I care to admit to. Let 'em dry for a couple hours (overnight would be better) before reassembling.

If I haven't scared you off so far, let me know.

[javaco]

ahh yes thats alot to take in hahah

iv done repaints before. but on deluxes. like movie wreckage, i repainted him in a darker green. and iv done details on most of my movie figures.

but ratchet just seems like it wud be a pain sense hes so big and has alot of green. i think im just gonna go with a regular big brush so i dont have to spend alot of money on an airbrush.

thanks for the tips :]