This paint, or that paint? Paints for customizing figures!

SolidSnakeEyes · Post by **SolidSnakeEyes** » Sun May 25, 2008 2:58 pm

Hello all! I'm somewhat new here, and I'm also somewhat new to the world of customizing figures. WWII figures, anyway.
I've customized a few Dragon and 21st figures in the past, and had mixed results. Mainly due to the paints used.
So, my question is: In your expert opinions, what brand/types of paints would you recomend for use in customizing 21st Century style figures? They'll all be WWII, and mostly Germans.
This is a complete noob question, and I'd appreciate any helpful feedback.

Thanks in advance.

GooglyDoogly · Post by **GooglyDoogly** » Sun May 25, 2008 4:19 pm

Don't use enamel-type paints. They tend to not dry completely, leaving your figures as a tacky mess.

Acrylics seems like the best bet. Use acrylic paints like Tamiya to paint your figures, then seal it with a acrylic-based sealer, then wash it with an oil-based paint, if you wish.

KAMIKAZE · Post by **KAMIKAZE** » Sun May 25, 2008 6:29 pm

Ditto on the acrylic paints. they dry so fast you can handle the figures a few minutes
after you have painted them. Nice if you have a lot of painting to do.

Mark

AlloySkull · Post by **AlloySkull** » Sun May 25, 2008 11:02 pm

I also have a question, what kind of paint would I want to use to get the best looking effect on my 1:18 Marder build? It's going to be wood, minus stowage.

I've worked with the Testors flat, and gloss spray. I can tell you I hate gloss to hell, which of course is good because, who wants a glossy tank?
I like the flat a lot. It works well with any material and dries fast over their primer, which dries fast as well.

Would that be my best bet? Or what would you suggest?

I also have no experience with doing camo, but I've been reading a site another forum member gave me carefully.

I have no airbrush, nor money for one. Is it essential, or can I use silly puddy, etc?

SolidSnakeEyes · Post by **SolidSnakeEyes** » Wed May 28, 2008 5:06 pm

Tamiya has a myriad of colors. What colors are best for the standard grey/green of the German uniform? Also, what colors tend to work best for the SS pea dot camo that was used in the spring/summer?

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Wed May 28, 2008 6:33 pm

I have no airbrush, nor money for one. Is it essential, or can I use silly puddy,

I haven't personally tried any silly putty masking, but the word at many of the kitbuilding forums is that it works great...produces a fine "airbrush like" feathered edge using only a spray can, and leaves no residue behind when you remove it. Like anything, I'm sure it requires some experimentation and practice, so I would recommend trying it out on a similar material before you paint your model to find the best technique. I'm definitely gonna give silly putty paint masking a try myself real soon.

General Blasto · Post by **General Blasto** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:10 pm

Intresting enough, at least on figures. I have been experimenting with using Sharpie pens and Prismacolor professional pens. I've been having real good luck with them

I also have some paint pens I've used as well. I'd rather use pens (if possible) instead of paints especally spray paints. This is on figures only, I still use spray painting or air brushing on vehicles

General Blasto