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Creativity => Customs => Topic started by: NsMLPonies on August 29, 2017, 07:02:07 PM

Title: Nov. 30th Tips for rerooting G4 princesses?
Post by: NsMLPonies on August 29, 2017, 07:02:07 PM
Hi,

I was just wondering, is it absolutely necessary to seal a pony after it has been repainted? Will the pain chip? I use mod podge and have had no issues with it so far, but I've noticed that many people greatly dislike using it due to the fact of it becoming sticky. So my question is, would it be better to not seal the repainted pony at all? Or is Mod podge fine?

Thanks!




[Merged some topics together! Thanks, Uninu]
Title: Re: Do you have to seal ponies?
Post by: BlackCurtains on August 30, 2017, 06:03:06 AM
Mod Podge is a nightmare for people who live in very humid climates.

The short answer is no, you do not have to seal them. If they are going to be display only there is very little risk of anything happening to the paint. If you use pastels to add blush or color instead of paint, you'll want to seal using a spray like Testors Dulcote.

A lot of people use Testors on painted customs and in fact the few customs I have in my collection by other artists that haven't gone tacky over the years were sealed with Dulcote.

I've heard good things about Mr. Superclear but don't think I have any customs that used it so I can't really say.

Definitely stay away from Mod Podge though.
Title: Re: Do you have to seal ponies?
Post by: aintnobuffalo on August 30, 2017, 08:40:06 PM
I sadly once used mod podge to create a wet chocolate look on a pony and it didn't stay as lovely as I had hoped. Her poor owner told me she sticks to everything! Even watered down that is likely to happen. Dulcote is so easy and accessible if you have a JoAnn's, Micheals, or Hobby Lobby near you. I know when I have worked on ponies, some bumping damaged paint, so I always tried to use it in case while shelved they fall or get tapped. I don't think it is an absolute must if you or the owner are careful, but it is a helpful protection.
Title: Re: Do you have to seal ponies?
Post by: pinkkittywinks on August 31, 2017, 03:50:00 AM
You can buy Testors Dulcoat on eBay as well (that is where I get mine from)

I personally have never had any problem with ModPodge going sticky, but I do know people who have bought my customs sealed with it have found their ponies have gone sticky over time :(

I only seal a fully body repaint, if it is just symbols and eyes I now leave them :) Customs should be treated with care as they are mini works of art, so the paint shouldn't chip.

Love pkw xxx
Title: Re: Do you have to seal ponies?
Post by: LittleKirara on September 13, 2017, 07:53:48 PM
I personally always seal mine with Testors clear coat; its not expensive and super easy to do (you literally just spray your pony with it) so I figure its just worth doing. However, if your not actually playing with the pony I doubt the paint will chip, unless your using super poor quality paint. Now I personally won't consider myself a master on the subject, but I believe the real reason you want to seal in your work is to keep the paint from fading / keep details looking crisp. That being said it also depends on what quality of paint your using as well. The paint can make a pretty big difference and is worth reading up on as well. Honestly if your not planing on playing with your pony and your using decent quality acrylic with a excellent or very good lightfastness  (lightfastness, refers to the ability of the pigment in the paint to resist gradual fading when exposed to light) rating you probably don't actually have to seal it.

As for ModPodge, I don't use it because it tends to get sticky, although I do know some artists do like it. But with Testors so easy to get, I mean you can even get it at walmart, I just don't see why anyone wouldn't just go that route.

Also just as a final note on the subject, if you ever venture into selling customs I would ALWAYS recommend sealing customs you sell ;) The way I look at it, is that someone is paying you for your art which means you should take pride in your work and want your art to stay looking nice as long as possible.
Title: Custom flutter pony pics and advice please!
Post by: NsMLPonies on September 30, 2017, 07:01:49 AM
Hi,

I have a bait flutter pony that I'm going to customize, but she does not have the mechanism where the wings attach to the body. What can I do about this so that she can still wear wings?

Also, I'd love to see your custom flutter ponies!
Title: Styling and fashion size custom pics please!
Post by: NsMLPonies on October 01, 2017, 08:25:17 AM
Please show me pics of your custom styling and fashion size ponies. Also, has anyone else ever made handmade ponywear? I'd love to see pics if so!
Title: Re: Do you have to seal ponies and other questions
Post by: Naamah on November 21, 2017, 05:55:27 PM
High-quality acrylic paints have strong high quality binders that dry glossy, and that glossy finish often remains slightly "grabby" even when dry.  This is why I seal ALL my ponies with Testors Dullcote.  I've never had a problem with it, and it helps even out the shine and bring everything down to a nice smooth satin.  It's available in spray and brush on versions.
 I find one can of it will last me for around 4-5 ponies at two coats each.  I keep the brush on version handy for the occasional touch-up that needs to be made after hairing.

Mod Podge does not age well at all, sadly.  It's inexpensive, but it yields poor results.
Title: Re: Do you have to seal ponies and other questions
Post by: pinkkittywinks on November 22, 2017, 12:10:30 PM
Man, I had my first bad experience with Mod-Podge :( I'll never use it again. It ruined one of my customs, the paint went all sticky and sloughed off the pony.

It's only Testors from now on!

Love pkw xxx
Title: Re: Do you have to seal ponies and other questions
Post by: Shaiyeh on November 25, 2017, 01:54:35 PM
I'd say no, you don't have to but like blackcurtains said, you might want to seal if you use something like pastels.
I always seal my ponies with spray sealant. I've used mrSuperclear/MSC in the past, but the can is sooo small and it's hard to come by, so these days I tend to use Citadel satin finish spray. It works really well ^^ Vallejo matte has worked for me in the past, too.
Just make sure you're not in a too cold area while spraying them, as the spray can turn whiteish or super high shine if it's too cold. (also dont spray too thick layers or too close - moderate distance and many thin coats = better than one thick :) )

I never did try Testor's, simply because it's not available where I live ^^
Title: Re: Do you have to seal ponies and other questions
Post by: NsMLPonies on November 25, 2017, 02:29:36 PM
Ty everyone. I make sure to seal all of my ponies now. Especially being that most of the customs that I've been working on are either put up for sale immediately, or are commisions. Thanks everyone!
Title: Re: Do you have to seal ponies and other questions
Post by: bright rabbit 1 on November 26, 2017, 10:37:29 PM
I've got liquitex sealant is that good to seal ponies?
Title: Re: Nov. 30th Tips for rerooting G4 princesses?
Post by: NsMLPonies on November 30, 2017, 12:20:17 PM
Hi,

I have another question, does anyone have any tips on rerooting G4 princess ponies? Being that their heads are sooo hard?

Ty!
Title: Re: Nov. 30th Tips for rerooting G4 princesses?
Post by: BerryMouse on November 30, 2017, 10:42:42 PM
I had no probs with the rerooting.
I'd stiched a needle through every plug (larger needle than the plug) before rerooting - that way it was easier to get the hair in =)

Example:

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Title: Re: Nov. 30th Tips for rerooting G4 princesses?
Post by: NsMLPonies on December 01, 2017, 10:21:16 AM
I had no probs with the rerooting.
I'd stiched a needle through every plug (larger needle than the plug) before rerooting - that way it was easier to get the hair in =)

Example:

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That's what I usually do. Hopefully it won't be that hard, being that their heads are as hard as a rock.

That pony is beautiful! Great job!
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