Lots of beginner questions!

[TrompeLOL]

Pony up, MLPTP customizers! I'm looking to finally start customizing after years of collecting and I need some advice because I'm just a dumb beginner. I know there are some very talented people here so I know I'll get some good info.

1. I remember that certain types of nail polish remover work better on G3 paint than others. Should I use acetone or non-acetone? Additionally, a doll collector friend has chemicals for removing face-ups that she says will work, too - will that melt/corrode/destroy the plastic?

2. Would using any of the above chemicals effect the surface of the pony so it wouldn't take dye the way the rest of the body would?

3. Is dye the easiest/most reliable way to go for changing a body color?

4. If paint is easier, what brand would recommend for a smooth application and a matte finish? I don't want them to turn out super shiny.

5. Conversely, what paint do you recommend for a super shiny effect?

6. What do you use to make stencils for crisp lines?

7. To change eye color, should I strip the eyes first and repaint, or just slap the new color on top? And do you know a good match for the dark blue used for the G3 pupils?

8. Speaking of eye paint, how do you prevent the lighter colors of paint from picking up a tint when you dye the pony?

Thank you so so much for reading!

 

[starbritesprinkles]

1. I remember that certain types of nail polish remover work better on G3 paint than others. Should I use acetone or non-acetone? Additionally, a doll collector friend has chemicals for removing face-ups that she says will work, too - will that melt/corrode/destroy the plastic?

100% acetone and cotton balls or pads. You can get these in the nail care aisle at Walmart. About $3/bottle. It's made by Onyx - clear bottle, black cap.

I don't know anything about the other stuff you mentioned, though.

2. Would using any of the above chemicals effect the surface of the pony so it wouldn't take dye the way the rest of the body would?

Always make sure that you thoroughly wash your bait with soap and water and rinse it well before dyeing. Leftover acetone residue can affect your dye job.

3. Is dye the easiest/most reliable way to go for changing a body color?

Sometimes. I've had baits that refused to dye evenly no matter what I did. I've also had dyed baits fade before I was ready to use them.

4. If paint is easier, what brand would recommend for a smooth application and a matte finish? I don't want them to turn out super shiny.

I use Apple Barrel acrylics. They're cheap and come in a lot of colors. I always seal after painting. Some customizers choose not to seal. It's a matter of personal preference, but choice of sealant will also affect the paint finish. Testors Dullcote is a great matte sealant.

5. Conversely, what paint do you recommend for a super shiny effect?

I've never used a gloss paint, so I don't know what to recommend here. I do use Mod Podge gloss to seal my customs' eyes.

6. What do you use to make stencils for crisp lines?

I'm not really sure what you mean here. I usually just go to town painting whatever pops into my head. But on occasion, I'll print my design, trace it in pencil onto tracing paper, put the design pencil side down on the pony, and then trace over that to transfer the design.

7. To change eye color, should I strip the eyes first and repaint, or just slap the new color on top? And do you know a good match for the dark blue used for the G3 pupils?

Again, a matter of personal preference. Many customizers start out painting over the eyes and using them as a guide until they develop their own styles.

No suggestion for the paint match off the top of my head.

8. Speaking of eye paint, how do you prevent the lighter colors of paint from picking up a tint when you dye the pony?

I've not run into that problem (that I'm aware), so I can't really help. Hopefully someone else has a suggestion.