Customizing Q&A Thread

[elburrito]

Hi. I just did that except it was TRU MP Thundercracker that got painted into Skywarp.

I completely dismantled Thundercracker and then used the G1 toy for colour reference.

Once you have dismantled the toy, drop all of the pieces into a pail of warn lightly soapy water (make sure that you have removed all of the metal parts before you do that or they will rust). In the event there is a pin you are not comfortable removing, you might use a piece of play dough to cover any exposed metal.

After the soaking, make sure to rinse ALL of the soap residue off the toy

I used Tamiya Sprays, Glossy Black, Purple and Silver Chrome for the colours.

In hindsite, I would have used a lighter purple if I had it to do over again.

Once painted, leave the parts out for a couple of days to dry and reassemble.

The downside to this method is that the spray bombs are quite expensive between $9-$12 per can. The upside is that this method produces a finish that simply cannot be produced by hand painting. Also, Tamiya sprays (compared to other brands are very forgiving).

Technique is also important. Most important, use short sprays about 15-20 cm from the part you are spraying and let them dry for 5-10 minutes or so between sprayings.

DO NOT try to cover the piece in one spray. Just a little blast, 10 minutes and another little blast.

I will look for a picture to post. Hope this helps

[Ironwave]

What if I use Acrylic Paint?

[elburrito]

I don't know too much about different paints save for trial and error with toys. That said, "acrylic" is a pretty broad description. What I do know is that some are self-priming, others are not. With a non self-priming acrylic, you should consider using a primer. also, you may have to rough up the surface a little as well to ensure adhesion.

Like I mentioned, my experience is all trial and error. Try out your acrylic on a piece of plastic and see how it works before trying it on the toy.

The tamiya spray for plastic is worth the price. It is self-levelling and quick drying (on the surface) I.e., forgiving. If a piece of dust lands on the Testors, it may be curtains for the job, the tamiya paint you can just wait a minute and wipe it off.

Attached some pics of how mine turned out (please excuse the photo quality - I'm learning that trial and error too) =)

[Ironwave]

What kind of colors do I need for Skywarp? I am assuming Black and Blue?

I saw a custom Skywarp on TFW the guy used Matt Enamel

[wervenom]

Originally Posted by Ironwave

What kind of colors do I need for Skywarp? I am assuming Black and Blue?

I saw a custom Skywarp on TFW the guy used Matt Enamel

Why Blue? he's black and purple

[elburrito]

hmm...i used black, silver and purple. the joy of customs though is that you can choose the colours you think are best.

Originally Posted by Ironwave

What kind of colors do I need for Skywarp? I am assuming Black and Blue?

I saw a custom Skywarp on TFW the guy used Matt Enamel

[Ironwave]

Those Null Rays and the way he did the Decepticon logo stand out is awesome

[Deception]

does anyone have a pic of the bottom of g1 bruticus helmet? i've seen a custom where a dude used the head on fp colossus, i'm wondering how he did it

[Ironwave]

They sell Acrylic paint at the Dollar Store, are these ones good? Or I should go elsewhere

[CAF]

Originally Posted by Ironwave

They sell Acrylic paint at the Dollar Store, are these ones good? Or I should go elsewhere

Stay away from Dollar Store paint for customs. I was buying some stuff that was for warhammer miniatures but it was in such small amounts it's only good for small details.