The Energon Pub

[metalalchemist]

Hello,
I want to begin using automotive paints for my transformers but I have several questions I hope someone here can answer.
1- What kind of solvent should I use? At the store they told me they are acrylic but for some reason I don't think they dissolve in water.
2- Do I need to mix them with something else when airbrushing?
3- I want to use pearl finishes but also would like to make paneling, washes,weathering (specially this), etc. Do I apply the clear coat before or after I do all this ?
4- Do I need to sand down pearl finish?

All help and tips will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[Skyfire77]

Honestly, I wouldn't use automotive paint. It tends to be "hotter" chemically (especially lacquers), and can warp or dissolve ABS plastic (Found that out the hard way ).
Paint for scale models would be a better bet.

[rexmorgan]

I'm sure toy makers could help you with your problem. It is not advisable to use natural paint in painting toys. Well, there are a lot of things that individuals ignore and some of the most innocuous things take a lot of work. Car paint, for example, has to undergo a lot of testing before it can get put on a car. Car paint screening contains exposing tones of paint to years of intense conditions to see if it can stand up.