Restoration questions: blush and symbols

[kid80]

Hi everyone!

Does anyone have a good technique for (re)applying blush to G1's? I tried applying acrylic paints with a qtip but it was a bit of a hot mess...

Also for retouching symbols, what's the secret to getting the paint smooth and flat?

[Artemesia's Garden]

Not eactly, but I think the blush was originally airbrushed and the eyes were transfers (decals) on most ponies. I think the greek ponies had airbrushed eyes. Symbols also look like transfers but I'm not sure about the metallic or glitter ones. So it's just a matter of trial and error as to what you can create with acrylic paint, but you can't really restore them as such.

[BlackCurtains]

Use chalk pastels for blush

For smooth paint, mix with water until it's the consistency of milk and use a lot of thin layers. It might sound counterintuitive but more layers will get you better results.

[Shaiyeh]

you can dry-brush with acrylic, as well. Otherwise, I agree with what BlackCurtains says ^^ (or if you own an airbrush, that would ofc work for the blush as well).

[kid80]

Wow, thanks for all these tips everyone! I'm hoping to find some good chunks of time for restoration/touch-ups in the coming weeks and you've given me so many great options to explore!

One follow up q if you don't mind--is there anything I need to do to set the blush with the chalk pastels?

[BlackCurtains]

You can use a spray sealant like Testors Dullcote or Mr. Super Clear BUT in my opinion, unless the ponies are actually going to be played with, you don't need to seal it at all. If they are going to be a collectable sitting on a shelf, how much handling is it going to have? The blush will stay on just fine.

[kid80]

Makes total sense. I have a kindergartener that can't resist ponies, especially after I give them a spruce up, and honestly I can't blame her I love passing the G1 love to a new generation, pardon the pun