The Energon Pub

[DvDqNoC]

First of all: I was dumb and painted a little toy indoors. Is i know this is harmful, but i was too lazy to go to the garage. I spend no more than about 20 minutes... thats not that bad right? BTW i used this paint: http://www.kustomkolorpaints.com/kustom ... eounce.jsp

I have a question about my paint brushes. How do i properly clean them? It seems like the panit dries onto the brush, and makes it all sticky and impossible to clean. So far im leaving it in a cup of water, but i feel like if i take it out for more than a minute, the paint will solodify on the brush. What do i do?

And also, im having this problem...

When i paint over the plastic, it really does not go well on it. The paint is really watery and liquidy, and it just smears away. I feel like im water-painting my toys. Any tips?

[Koloth]

buy some paint thinner.

[DvDqNoC]

And also, im having this problem...

When i paint over the plastic, it really does not go well on it. The paint is really watery and liquidy, and it just smears away. I feel like im water-painting my toys. Any tips?

[Rhask]

Paint thinner will clean brushes. Try using a primer coat to get paint to stick better.

[Rhask]

Oh yeah, MODEL CARS, are a much cheaper way to practice painting.

[DvDqNoC]

Paint thinner will clean brushes. Try using a primer coat to get paint to stick better.

What do you mean a primer goat?

And also, after painting it, my figure is really sticky... when i put it down to dry, it just sticks to the table. Anyway to smoothen it?

[muswp1]

What kind of paint are you using, acrylic or enamels? That makes a big difference as to how to solve your problem. It sounds like the paint you are using isn't thinned out properly or is really old if it's getting watery. Also using primer shouldn't be a big deal unless you are painting on metal, plastic should be ok with out it.

[starhorse]

It sounds like you may be using enamel based paints. Those are very sticky glossy paints that are mainly used on model cars. You'll definitely need to get paint thinner to clean your brushes with that type of paint.

I would recommend buying acrylic based paints however. They are water based, so they are super easy to clean up. You should be able to pick these types of paints up at crafts stores like Michaels and Joann Fabrics.

As far as having problems with getting the paint to stick, you can always try spraying a primer on. However usually all you need to do is wash the plastic with soap and warm water. This will remove the mold release residue from the plastic, and paint will then adhere much better to the surface.

One of our forum members Jin Saotome is an excellent painter and figure customizer. His website has a wonderful beginner painting tutorial that I would recommend checking out: http://www.angelfire.com/mech/jinsaotom ... gTips.html

[Rhask]

same way you would prime a wall. Put a thin white coat on the area you wish to paint, this will let the color you want to paint on it stick better and more evenly.

Been awhile seen i've painted anything, but I think acryllic paints stick best to tf figures. Though acryllic is very prone to chipping once applied.

Spray guns can be effective, using cheap modeling clay to block off areas you don't want painted is a heck of alot easier than taping stuff off, or covering it with paper. Like say you don't want to paint over the black details on Leader Meg's arms, fill it with cheap modeling clay, spray the rest of the arm, then pull the clay out (dab the slittle pieces that sticks to the figure with a larger chunk of clay, may need to gently rub with paper towel as well). It makes a perfect mask.

[CyberCustomizer]

If using Enamel, clean quick with thinner.

Just dip in for a second, take brush out and wipe on paper towel should come right off.

If using Acrylic, clean quick with running water.

Wipe clean with paper towel
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When painting plastic. If you want to keep the factory color. I suggest "Clear Matte" spray, its in a can. You could get this at any Hardware or Art Store. I get mine from Michaels.

Just spray on, till dry. Your colors will go right on. Make sure you shake your paints well before you use. I think you might be using Enamels and not shaking before you use because the enamel oil (thinner type) separates from the paint and they need to be mixed together.

If you want to change the factory color use a flat primer color for your base color. Use whites for blues or yellows, greys for darker colors and black for silvers and greys.

Just my 2-cents have proven well for me, ive done this for years and just got back into it...

[DvDqNoC]

oh--I was dumb and painted a little toy indoors. Is i know this is harmful, but i was too lazy to go to the garage. I spend no more than about 20 minutes... thats not that bad right?

And also, i used this paint: http://www.kustomkolorpaints.com/kustom ... eounce.jsp