Tips to get smooth paint and not have it chiped

[Astor]

Im trying to get smoother paint, how do I do that so it won't chip off later on and for ponies with wings as well?

[RoseNoire]

Prime yoour pony with a couple of coats of gesso, then  thin layers of acrylic paint. Then use an acrylic paint varnish to set everything in place. Wait for the paint to dry completely before adding the next coat. Thin layers of wtered down acrylics is the best way to avoid brush strokes. It takes a lot of time and patience before getting the result you want, but that will be worth it.

Same for the wings if they are molded on the body like g1 or g3 pegasi.

[Astor]

Prime yoour pony with a couple of coats of gesso, then  thin layers of acrylic paint. Then use an acrylic paint varnish to set everything in place. Wait for the paint to dry completely before adding the next coat. Thin layers of wtered down acrylics is the best way to avoid brush strokes. It takes a lot of time and patience before getting the result you want, but that will be worth it.

Same for the wings if they are molded on the body like g1 or g3 pegasi.

Could you send me a link to the gesso and varnish for an example on what they look like

[tailrustedtealeaf]

What country are you in? It can help to give you examples that you may purchase locally.

[Astor]

What country are you in? It can help to give you examples that you may purchase locally.

I live in the USA

[Twizel]

If you are using paintbrushes and not airbrushes, the key is to use thin layers of paint and just repeat until the color reaches the shade you want. The texture of the paint can also make a difference - I use acrylics, and sometimes the paint is too thin or too thick and needs to be mixed to get a texture I like to work with.

Another thing that makes a huge difference in chippability - once the design is done, seal the painted areas with a coat of polyurethane craft varnish. It will protect the paint and make it water-resistant and less susceptible to chipping.

[pinkkittywinks]

I don't think there is anymore that I can add to what has already been said you have been given some good advice.

Love pkw xxx

[Astor]

Thank you all for the great advice! I have been following it and worked wonders! I do need to get the varnish but that is ok. I'll be getting a airbrush here this Christmas so I'm glad for that as well! I have many customs in mind

[aintnobuffalo]

Glad to hear things are going well from the great advise in this thread! Having an airbrush will be a new fun technique to help with this as well, so I'm excited for you. Especially if you are diluting acrylics to us in your airbrush, I do recommend sealing it in some way (having a varnish as others have mentioned). Since you are in the US, I highly recommend getting Testors Dulecote. You can find it at Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics, or Hobby Lobby as well as possibly in local art stores. It comes in an small spray can.

[BubbleTea]

Water down your paint! That is the key to smooth paint. Just a little goes a long way.

This is just me, but whenever I do a full body repaint I water down the paint to (almost) water consistency. It takes forever and might be a little unnecessary, but it's worth it in the end when my custom pony is smooooooth.