The Energon Pub

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.