Please Help With Paints!!

[crazyfellow1]

Today I got some testors gold paint, thinner, and a paint brush to try to do my very first custom, a viper officer (something easy). I am a total greenhorn and I have no idea what I am doing, i.e. what is thinner for? any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! seriously ANY ADVICE I have no clue what the heck I am doing. :D

[Eopie Herder]

Is the testors acrylic or enamel? If it's the latter, do not use it! It will eat the plastic. Only use acrylic paints.

[apacolypse]

I use thinner for cleaning brushes.

It can be used as a cleaner for air brushes also.

I believe it can be used for "thinning" thick paints...but I suggest you mix the paint and thinner in a seperate container...and not in equal amounts.

[crazyfellow1]

Is the testors acrylic or enamel? If it's the latter, do not use it! It will eat the plastic. Only use acrylic paints.

enamel, shooooot, thanks, (sigh) at least a have to go right next to a hobby shop tomorrow because of a doctors appointment.

[apacolypse]

All honesty...as a green horn...do yourself a favor. Buy yourself the cheaper, less quality paints to start out with.

Walmart sells Applebarrel paints...they come in all colors and clean up with water. Some people have come to love these cheap paints (myself, I'm happy with the results)...and haven't made the jump to the premium paints yet.

Another tip as you are a greenhorn...buy yourself some cheap joes to hone your skills on. Keep in mind...very few, if any...hit a homerun on their first attempt (not saying it can't be done..or that you don't have the ability to do so). If you have a dollar store nearby...you should be able to find some of the 2 buck VvV figs to play with and increase your skills.

Whichever way you go...I wish you good luck and look forward to seeing your future customs.

[Shogi]

Use Acrylics.

Water can be used as a thinner with acrylics

Take the figure apart if you're painting whole parts

Let your paint dry before doing anything with it (IE: putting the figure back together, adding more paint, etc...)

Toothpics with the end shaved down to a flat point help with small details like eyebrows and such. you can clip the other end to make a flat circle which helps a lot with desert camo and eyes

[crazyfellow1]

All honesty...as a green horn...do yourself a favor. Buy yourself the cheaper, less quality paints to start out with.

Walmart sells Applebarrel paints...they come in all colors and clean up with water. Some people have come to love these cheap paints (myself, I'm happy with the results)...and haven't made the jump to the premium paints yet.

Another tip as you are a greenhorn...buy yourself some cheap joes to hone your skills on. Keep in mind...very few, if any...hit a homerun on their first attempt (not saying it can't be done..or that you don't have the ability to do so). If you have a dollar store nearby...you should be able to find some of the 2 buck VvV figs to play with and increase your skills.

Whichever way you go...I wish you good luck and look forward to seeing your future customs.
Testors is premium? model paint comes cheaper? good stuff, thanks!!!! :D

[apacolypse]

Testors is premium? model paint comes cheaper? good stuff, thanks!!!! :D

I consider them premium...based on the price. A bottle of Apple Barrel is/was under a buck at walmart (equivalent to 4x a testors jar). Check the craft section of walmart for them.

If you want the top of the line stuff...I belive they are bought at hobby stores (I have none nearby me...so I am going on previous posts).

[crazyfellow1]

I consider them premium...based on the price. A bottle of Apple Barrel is/was under a buck at walmart (equivalent to 4x a testors jar). Check the craft section of walmart for them.

If you want the top of the line stuff...I belive they are bought at hobby stores (I have none nearby me...so I am going on previous posts).

Apple Barrel eh? and they have them in the craft section at walmat? sounds good to me. :) thanks for the help apacolypse I really appreciate it!

[RUNAMUCK]

Today I got some testors gold paint, thinner, and a paint brush to try to do my very first custom, a viper officer (something easy) I am a total greenhorn and I have no idea what I am doing, i.e. what is thinner for? any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! seriously ANY ADVICE I have no clue what the heck I am doing. :D

enamels never dry on soft plastic I use GOLDEN Acrylics Brand paints add (found in a arts and craft store) water till ya get a milk like consistency paint n multiple layers. it damn near took 10 coats or more with a one min dry time in between but damn if it dont look like real gold. gota nice metalic shine too, well worth the extra effert. A good rule I use: if it completely covers surface with 1 coat it's too thick. Thats it in a nutshell.......dont forget to wash parts to be painted( warm water mild dish soap)GOOD LUCK.

[GI Flow]

I think everyone else covered the important parts, but I must re-iterate, use water based acrylics thinned with water to a milk like consistency and do several thin coats with ample dry time. Patience is key. Save the thinner to clean your brushes after using Testors Dull-Cote to seal up the paint. Good Luck. Man I gotta make an officer soon too.

[crazyfellow1]

A good rule I use: if it completely covers surface with 1 coat it's too thick.

This sounds like really good advice, but I don't understand, what does it mean?

[Griff]

i find that while model master acrylics are 2 or 3 something a jar they have the best selection of paints(i e military normal and the great fantasy colors series) and also use an acrylic based sealer be it gloss semi-gloss(whichis my personal preferance) or flat to help with paint chipping. Model masters are usually available at most hobby shops.

[crazyfellow1]

i find that while model master acrylics are 2 or 3 something a jar they have the best selection of paints(i e military normal and the great fantasy colors series) and also use an acrylic based sealer be it gloss semi-gloss(whichis my personal preferance) or flat to help with paint chipping. Model masters are usually available at most hobby shops.

can you mix brands?

[Griff]

well model masters and testors acrylics and mix. I also found another company, Pelican maybe, that has acrylics. Generall if its acrylic it can but some companies stuff doesnt mix as well as others. Model masters and citadel mix okay but ya kinda gotta water down the citadel stuff thinner as its prett carkin thick.

[crazyfellow1]

well model masters and testors acrylics and mix. I also found another company, Pelican maybe, that has acrylics. Generall if its acrylic it can but some companies stuff doesnt mix as well as others. Model masters and citadel mix okay but ya kinda gotta water down the citadel stuff thinner as its prett carkin thick.

How do I water down paint? should I use a different container? should I just use tap water for it?

[swafus]

can you mix brands?

Yes you can. Most of the paints I use I picked up at Wal-mart. I think it was around $8 for a set of 24 bottles. I also have a few bottles of premium stuff that was more than $3 a bottle and I really can't tell the difference? Also at Wal-mart you'll probably want to pick up a spray-on aerosol sealer. It's a 9oz. can and it runs about $4. This is to spray on the figure after it's painted to protect the paint and keep it from chipping, flaking or rubbing off.

Good luck dude!

[apacolypse]

This link I think you will find helpful in your journey into customizing: http://wiki.joecustoms.com/wiki/Customizing_Guide

[crazyfellow1]

Also at Wal-mart you'll probably want to pick up a spray-on aerosol sealer. It's a 9oz. can and it runs about $4. This is to spray on the figure after it's painted to protect the paint and keep it from chipping, flaking or rubbing off.


What brand?

[swafus]

How do I water down paint? should I use a different container? should I just use tap water for it?

I never water mine down. If it is necessary to though, I would mix a little paint with a few drops of tap water and swirl it until you get the desired thickness. However I usually go straight from the bottle to the fig. with the paints. Also you can mix paints to get a desired color or shade that yo might not have. I use a medicine dropper and a sheet of notebook paper and the biggest detail brush I can find. Plop the 2 colors down and swirl them around until the color appears. This comes in handy for doing different flesh-tones.

[swafus]

What brand?

The one I picked up says: Patricia Nimocks Acrylic Sealant

It will be in the crafts section near the paints.

[apacolypse]

Keep in mind....Matte finish Clear coat vs Gloss Clear coat. Matte will give it a dull finish...while Gloss will make it shine alot.

[crazyfellow1]

very good info thank you all:D also is there anything else I should know?

[swafus]

Keep in mind....Matte finish Clear coat vs Gloss Clear coat. Matte will give it a dull finish...while Gloss will make it shine alot.

This is very true. I use the matte finish clear sealer and it gives the paint just enough of a shine but without being too "blingy"! Matte is definitely better in my opinion.

[apacolypse]

very good info thank you all:D also is there anything else I should know?

Yes....HAVE FUN WITH IT!!!

Remember...it is only paint, you can always go over it/remove it if you are not happy. Don't get discouraged...if you feel that happening to you...walk away and come back to it. Remember...you learn from your mistakes...so chock them up as such lessons.

Again...have fun and welcome to customizing!

[apacolypse]

This is very true. I use the matte finish clear sealer and it gives the paint just enough of a shine but without being too "blingy"! Matte is definitely better in my opinion.

I agree. Matte is only what I use also...what I meant by "dull" is not shiny like wax on a lineoleum floor. Gloss is a bit too shiny for my tastes...it just looks un-natural.

[crazyfellow1]

Yes....HAVE FUN WITH IT!!!

Remember...it is only paint, you can always go over it/remove it if you are not happy. Don't get discouraged...if you feel that happening to you...walk away and come back to it. Remember...you learn from your mistakes...so chock them up as such lessons.

Again...have fun and welcome to customizing!

How do I remove it?

[swafus]

very good info thank you all:D also is there anything else I should know?

Take your time when painting. It's usually a good idea to do 1 color at a time. Use very fine detail brushes for the tight/small spots. Always do your clear coat sealer spraying outside or in a well ventilated area. It's got a strong vapor and is quite flammable! Most importantly in my book, ...never be afraid of ruining a figure or screwing up. There are always more out there and you're definitely gonna make some mistakes starting out. Plus you can usually fix anything that you might mess up, it's the beauty of customizing!

[apacolypse]

How do I remove it?

If it is water based...you can wipe it off with water BEFORE you seal it.

[swafus]

.....and be sure and listen to guys like Apacolypse, seeing some of his custom work was what helped inspire me to start doing customs.

[crazyfellow1]

Take your time when painting. It's usually a good idea to do 1 color at a time. Use very fine detail brushes for the tight/small spots. Always do your clear coat sealer spraying outside or in a well ventilated area. It's got a strong vapor and is quite flammable! Most importantly in my book, ...never be afraid of ruining a figure or screwing up. There are always more out there and you're definitely gonna make some mistakes starting out. Plus you can usually fix anything that you might mess up, it's the beauty of customizing!

And I should use "Patricia Nimocks Acrylic Sealant" right? (thanks!!!) :)

[swafus]

And I should use "Patricia Nimocks Acrylic Sealant" right? (thanks!!!) :)

That's the one I picked up at Wal-Mart and it's worked pretty good so far. I'm sure any brand will do but make sure it is (clear, acrylic, sealer, matte) and you'll be good to go!

[crazyfellow1]

That's the one I picked up at Wal-Mart and it's worked pretty good so far. I'm sure any brand will do but make sure it is (clear, acrylic, sealer, matte) and you'll be good to go!

so "matte" is a brand?

[apacolypse]

.....and be sure and listen to guys like Apacolypse, seeing some of his custom work was what helped inspire me to start doing customs.

Dude...you are too kind.

Remember...if you get caught in a dilemna...ask questions. Most of us remember when we first started out...and remember the hard road to getting where we got to now....you got questions, I'm sure most of the community will help you in any way then can.

Honestly...the best overall advice I can give you...is the Have Fun. It is a hobby..something to relax you...don't look at it like a chore. Take it in little steps...don't rush it. You will encounter setbacks along the way...when they happen...take a break, think it through.

With all the advice given by these fine gentlemen here...you already got a leg up on most of us when we started out.

Good luck with it...and I look forward to seeing your work!

[apacolypse]

so "matte" is a brand?

Nope...Matte is a finish. You will find this in a spray paint can also...not a brush on. Look for "Clear Coat"...you can also find it where they sell ceramics and ceramic paints.

[swafus]

so "matte" is a brand?

No, matte is the finish. There is matte, semi-gloss, and gloss. Gloss is waaay too shiney! Semi-gloss is still a little too shiney for my taste and matte is the best. It gives it a dull finish but still has a subtle shine to the figure so that it doesn't look like you just hand painted it ;-)

Just make sure that whatever brand your wal-mart carries has those 4 words on the can and you'll be fine.

[swafus]

Dude...you are too kind.

Remember...if you get caught in a dilemna...ask questions. Most of us remember when we first started out...and remember the hard road to getting where we got to now....you got questions, I'm sure most of the community will help you in any way then can.

Honestly...the best overall advice I can give you...is the Have Fun. It is a hobby..something to relax you...don't look at it like a chore. Take it in little steps...don't rush it. You will encounter setbacks along the way...when they happen...take a break, think it through.

With all the advice given by these fine gentlemen here...you already got a leg up on most of us when we started out.

Good luck with it...and I look forward to seeing your work!

Absolutely! Doing customs is like freaking therapy for me! I used to swig beers after work to take the edge off and now I paint little plastic men? Who knew?

[crazyfellow1]

Dude...you are too kind.

Remember...if you get caught in a dilemna...ask questions. Most of us remember when we first started out...and remember the hard road to getting where we got to now....you got questions, I'm sure most of the community will help you in any way then can.

Honestly...the best overall advice I can give you...is the Have Fun. It is a hobby..something to relax you...don't look at it like a chore. Take it in little steps...don't rush it. You will encounter setbacks along the way...when they happen...take a break, think it through.

With all the advice given by these fine gentlemen here...you already got a leg up on most of us when we started out.

Good luck with it...and I look forward to seeing your work!

Thank you all, seriously if it wasn't for my fellow tanker's I would have melted the face off of a viper and would not know why. your advice and input is greatly appreciated thank you !!!!!!! :D

[Dark 5cythe]

Tamiya acrylic paints can be found at any reputable hoby shops. They work excellently. Avoid walmart or target for paints. That stuff is suitable for crafts (old lady/kid stuff) not model paints.

Even if you are a beginer, there is no need to use crappy materials.

There is thinner for acrylic paints. but you can use water as well.

[crazyfellow1]

No, matte is the finish. There is matte, semi-gloss, and gloss. Gloss is waaay too shiney! Semi-gloss is still a little too shiney for my taste and matte is the best. It gives it a dull finish but still has a subtle shine to the figure so that it doesn't look like you just hand painted it ;-)

Just make sure that whatever brand your wal-mart carries has those 4 words on the can and you'll be fine.

So the finish should say clear, acrylic, sealer, and matte Thanks!!!

[JR0d28]

Testors is good because it is odorless. Tamiya is just as good but it stinks to high heaven. Also try Games Workshop Acrylics paints as well.

[swafus]

Good luck man and be sure to post some pics of your work so we can see how you're doing?

[crazyfellow1]

O.k. thanks everyone!!!

[Lowe]

Tamiya acrylic paints can be found at any reputable hoby shops. They work excellently. Avoid walmart or target for paints. That stuff is suitable for crafts (old lady/kid stuff) not model paints.

Even if you are a beginer, there is no need to use crappy materials.

There is thinner for acrylic paints. but you can use water as well.

Jin, is that you?


Seriously though, alot of us veteran customizers have no issue with the Apple Barrel (Wal-Mart) paints. You can get some great drybrushing and washing using those whereas you would get an 'orange-peel' result doing the same methods with a more expensive paint. Personally, I use a wide variety of paints - For my blacks and yellows, I'll always use Testors. For greens and browns and flesh, Apple Barrel all the way.

You can get great results with the cheap paints, you've just got to be patient with the them like others in this thread have said.


And I guess while on the subject of thinner, I exclusively use 90% alcohol to thin my acrylics. It thins just as well as water, yet evaporates faster so the paint dries faster.

- Rob

[kneedabreak]

Thanks for all the advice. I also hope to start some customs soon and can use all the help I can get. I used to do it with the Jakks WWE figures, but it has been a long time.

[Greyryder]

I have no idea how you guys are getting those craft paints to stick to Joes. The only luck I've had with any of that stuff is the Folk Art acrylic enamels, and then only if it goes over top of my model acrylics. I really think that most of those paints are meant for pourus surfaces. The craft paints all scratch off easily, even after a days drying time, no matter how I prepare my surface.

[apacolypse]

I've had luck with the cheapo paints...but I do as stated, several thin coats over time. When all dry...I hit it with matte clear coat and haven't had any worries.

[Lowe]

The craft paints all scratch off easily, even after a days drying time, no matter how I prepare my surface.

When all dry...I hit it with matte clear coat and haven't had any worries.


Sealer is absolutely necessary. It's more about protection than prep. I seen you guys mention brush-on primer and for brush on, I'd recommend Delta Ceramcoat brand Matte or Satin finish. Both do a fine job of protecting craft paint. Also, if you want to use sprays, Testors Dullcote is great, but you end up with a very VERY matte finish.

If I use a primer, it's generally spray Krylon Matte White. I've been avoiding it for Joes though, as at 3.75" scale it's much easier to get a loss of detail from it than on the six inchers that I normally work on.