Tips on painting and repairs from the customizers

Sunstorm · Post by **Sunstorm** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:17 pm

***Admin's note: These posts were taken from when all of our customizers shared one thread, instead of each having their own thread to showcase their works. Some references to the work of others have been left, as the congratulations were still sincere at the time, but this database was more helpful combined into its own thread, than separated into dozens of others***

nice work Kup!

I'm a beginner in the customising stakes.... which spray paints did you use? I'm still struggling to find something that gives me a nice even finish

Dinobot · Post by **Dinobot** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:52 pm

Spray model paints work well then I add some spray clear coating to finish it off. Thats how I do my alternators.

Deszaras · Post by **Deszaras** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:54 pm

I had to repaint the entirity of my G1 overkill and i used Games workshop paints and some spray varnish. (but GW paints are very expensive)

Kup · Post by **Kup** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 11:22 am

Sunstorm wrote:nice work Kup!

I'm a beginner in the customising stakes.... which spray paints did you use? I'm still struggling to find something that gives me a nice even finish

i used revell model paint which I thinned and threw in my paintbrush gun,

the small parts are hand painted in two coats,

i also use tamiya paint

i'll post more pics when i find a straw of time to continiue the project

Sunstorm · Post by **Sunstorm** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 1:56 pm

Kup wrote: i used revell model paint which I thinned and threw in my paintbrush gun,

the small parts are hand painted in two coats,

i also use tamiya paint

i'll post more pics when i find a straw of time to continiue the project

Thanks Kup, much appreciated. BTW - where did you get the spray gun for the paints?

Sunstorm · Post by **Sunstorm** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 2:46 pm

I'm going to purchase a spray paint kit at the end of the month - I began customising an Armada Optimus some time ago and never finished him as I wasn't happy with the finish my paints and brushes were giving me.

The custom jobs on here are very inspiring (looking for KO grimmys like Des's so I can do an Alternator custom job... don't wanna ruin a real TF though

) and I'm really looking forward to contributing here. used to paint Warhammer 40k stuff as a teenager, so I'm sure I'll be able to re-summon some of those skills and apply them properly. I just need the right paints, brushes and spray kit.

BTW - if any can recommend any particular brand paints or brush/tool kits/sculpting materials, I'd be happy to listen

Ramjet · Post by **Ramjet** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 4:45 pm

I admire you guy's patience for that stuff. I just started customizing. I'm starting on He-Mans 'cause they're cheap before I go and screw-up a TF. I use Testors Acryl and a lot of people use Sculpey. Kup told me he uses cellulose thinner and tamiya or revell or humbrol model paint -enamel based.

Deszaras · Post by **Deszaras** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 4:47 pm

I just used some Games workshop citadel color as I had some here. I put a satin model varnish over the figure when i'm finished to seal it.

Ramjet · Post by **Ramjet** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 4:50 pm

Does sealing limit the movability of the parts? Doesn't it gum up the nooks and cranny's?

Deszaras · Post by **Deszaras** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 5:04 pm

Only if you use it incorrectly. I just use enough to protect the paint during transformation.

Ramjet · Post by **Ramjet** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 5:05 pm

You don't take your TF's apart to paint, right?

Deszaras · Post by **Deszaras** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 5:09 pm

I'll only take them apart if theres a part I can't reach (same principles I use with my warhammer.) I only take them apart to spray them with an undercoat Mostly though i put tape over the clear parts and coat the other surfaces.. when dry I transform the figure. Sealing is essential with certain types of paint to prevent it rubbing off on your hands during transformation etc.

Taking the figures apart is a personal preference.

Ramjet · Post by **Ramjet** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 5:18 pm

This is a good place for this post. I just got Night Beat and one of the ball joints for his leg is sloppy. How can I tighten it up?

Dinobot · Post by **Dinobot** » Fri Oct 26, 2007 12:22 am

Hey kup, you've dealt with the roadbot stuff before. How does it hold up to customizing? I didnt know if taking them completely apart was a good idea or not.

Nightshade · Post by **Nightshade** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 11:08 am

I was wondering if anyone knows where to find cheap alternator KO. Have been dying to try a little customizing myself using the 1/24 scale model cars as my different alt modes.

Deszaras · Post by **Deszaras** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 11:12 am

The only KO alt I've seen are on eprey. Look for the word SUPER on the box instead of TAKARA then only with grimlock KO's.

Nightshade · Post by **Nightshade** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 11:24 am

Thanks des, grimlock is actually the one I am looking for. I'm thinking 60's model mustang instead of modern. Figure its worth a try then I might start using other body styles

Dinobot · Post by **Dinobot** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 1:22 pm

A real cheap fix for that ball joint is some scotch tape. Just cut a small amount so it doesnt hand out of the joint. You can cut more of if needed. I did that with my g1 grimlock to tighten his arms, and it doesnt harm the paint at all. If you wanted to go extreme, you could put a very small amount of superglue there, but I personally would not recommend it.

Ramjet · Post by **Ramjet** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 1:56 pm

Why didn't I think of that? Thanks!

Nightshade-you should look for Desaras' Chromedome. I think it's in this thread.

EDIT: the tape didn't work so well.

Can't you heat them up somehow and bend them a little?

Nightshade · Post by **Nightshade** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 2:08 pm

I saw it and it was nice, but i'm thinking of redoing the vehichle modes, not the characters. on another thread a while back(cant remember where or when) someone mentioned wishinf they had a muscle car line of TF and it got me to thinking, mabey I can do it mabey not but I want to try.