A question about painting customs

AppleJack84

AppleJack84

Teeny Tiny Baby Pony
Joined
Jun 3, 2009
Messages
163
Ok, so I've started my first custom (a baby sea pony) I'm working on the painting part. I've read through several tutorials and I've been hand painting in layers making sure to let them dry. But as I look at the awesome pictures on here I've noticed my painting job isn't very shiny (more matte-like) unlike most customs I've seen. Am I using the wrong kind of paint? Or do you get that pretty shiny look by adding some sort of top coat when you're done? I can post a picture if needed, but right now my camera has a dead battery. Any suggestions would be really welcome.
 
I'm assuming that you're using matte paints. In that case if you want a shiny finish you're going to need to seal your custom with a gloss or semi-gloss sealant when you're finished.
 
A matte sealant will also give it a tiny bit of sheen.
 
Ok, so I need to get a sealant. Any suggestions on a good brand?? And I'm assuming that I should finish all the painting first (the eyes and details), but do I need to seal it before re-hairing then??
 
Mod Podge all the way! It's super awesome for sealing and comes in both matte and gloss. Even matte is a bit shiny. I usually only use gloss for symbols and eyes to make them stand out a bit. I'd recommend sealing before rehairing. The only thing I've found with FBRs (full body repaints) is that if the layers of paint are too thick or if you are using too much hair or a needle that is too thick, the paint can crack and / or stretch, especially around the hairline. It can by touched up afterwards, but it's hard to make it smooth.
 
Yep! I'm a Mod Podge lover as well. I thin it down about half water, half podge, and do two really thin coats. I also use a different brand of varnish on the eyes for more shine.

I'd definitely seal before the rehair. Like sirenamber was talking about the cracking/stretching, you can use the Mod Podge after the rehair to sort of tamp down the bits that come loose (makes retouching easier...sometimes. LOL) Only pony I've ever had that problem on was my Ladybird gal, but she had about double my normal coats of paint on her (light pink over purple = tedious, sigh).
 
I love delta dreamcoat for semi gloss and large areas of gloss.

Like Testors gloss for small areas (because it's expensive ;)

For a true matte finish Testors all the way - it's really has no shine.
 
Gosh, you guys are Great!! I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go, lol. But I really love the idea of making pony to look like I want them to. I decorate cakes for a living so this is just a whole new medium to play in. :) It's going to be a slow process though since I'm crazy busy. (work, college, 4 year old and expecting in 3-4 weeks) I really appreciate all your help. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!!
 
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