Customizing Q&A Thread

[jourdo]

dak,

How do you find automotive paint sticks to the plastic? Would you recommend this over Kyrlon Fusion paints?

I've had good luck with the Krylon, but it is just limited in the colour selection.

Also to others: Can you only get the higher concentrations of Isopropyl Alc. from drug stores, or do places like Walmart/Home Depot carry it as well? I've had very little luck with this method of removing paint, likely because the concentration was too low. I've been using paint thinner and a cloth basically to date... little too stinky for my liking.

[jourdo]

Originally Posted by dak

Dye the plastic. I don't dye my work, but there are tutorials out there to help you. but from what i've read it's not an easy process

Dying is actually not that difficult. I've done it a few times and have either been really lucky of it is actually fairly easy. I've never had distortion/melting of the parts or problems like that. I'll take some photos of my limited dye jobs and try to recall the recepie that I used.

[dak]

here's one: http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showth...hlight=ratchet

Another: http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showth...hlight=ratchet

[dak]

Originally Posted by jourdo

dak,

How do you find automotive paint sticks to the plastic? Would you recommend this over Kyrlon Fusion paints?

I've had good luck with the Krylon, but it is just limited in the colour selection.

For a Spray paint I use automotive. When I was at Botcon this year I went on the Hasbro tour and asked one of the painters what type of paints they use for their Test Shots, and repaints. She told me a laquor based paint, but it is toxic and not good for home use. The closest paint to that type of paint, she said, was Automotive paint. Which is what I thought all a long.

Automotive paint Dries hard and works pretty well on plastic. One thing I suggest to help make sure the paint sticks, no matter what type you are using, is to wash the surface of the plastic with a paint remover or something just to get rid of that shiny clear coat. The reason why is because it's like putting oil or water on glass, It stays, but does not stick cause it has nothing to hold on to. Now I'm not trying to say paint will not stick to a glossy surface, but there are chances that it might not. removing the gloss layer will open up purs in the plastic, letting the paint grab on. even a Light sanding will work.

but yes, I do say Automotive paint is good. Compared to Krylon, is hard to say. both work good. but i prefer Krylon's Primer with auto paint.

[Tech Spec]

Originally Posted by dak

here's one: http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showth...hlight=ratchet

Another: http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showth...hlight=ratchet

Greatly appreciated Dak

[TTT]

Originally Posted by jourdo

Also to others: Can you only get the higher concentrations of Isopropyl Alc. from drug stores, or do places like Walmart/Home Depot carry it as well? I've had very little luck with this method of removing paint, likely because the concentration was too low. I've been using paint thinner and a cloth basically to date... little too stinky for my liking.

Answer.....

Originally Posted by TheTransTorture

I was searchin' for some 90% Iso. Alch. at my local drug store(Shoppers Drug Mart), I wanted something stronger than 70%...had to ask for it behind the prescription counter, they only had 70% and 99%.....tried the 99% - WOW, works great !
Soaked some Alt. Ricochet parts (his head/waist/crotch can be tough) overnight, paint slid right off with no effort at all.
Plastic is completely undamaged, not even any discoloration.

I'm sold.....its 99% Iso. Alch. for me from now on !
Hope this helps.

TTT

Its only behind the perscrip. counter so you gotta ask for it, Wal-mart may have it but again....behind the counter.
Let your stuff soak overnight.

[Robimus]

I've tried out Dak's spray paint techniques and must say that I'm very pleased. I haven't actually done any customs since my Runabout but I'll try again soon, I've just done a couple of practice runs with the spray paint and I love the results I'm getting so far. Very nice.

[dak]

Originally Posted by Robimus

I've tried out Dak's spray paint techniques and must say that I'm very pleased. I haven't actually done any customs since my Runabout but I'll try again soon, I've just done a couple of practice runs with the spray paint and I love the results I'm getting so far. Very nice.

awesome, great to hear!

[Spacemonkey]

The waist ball joint of my Longarm is very very loose. I would like to know what is the better way to make it more tight without lose the possibility to move the waist.

If I put a coat of clear nail polish around the ball OR the socket, could it work??

[dak]

yes, clear coat can work or a bit of glue and let it dry. There are prob some other methods out there, but those 2 should work the best. what ever the method, make sure it's completely dry before re attaching the ball joint, and you also want to make sure it's not too thick, and the paint, or glue is a hard enough substance so when the joint is back together, it doesn't crack, and chip right off. I'd say go for the clear nail polish around the ball part. but not too thick.