customizing a pristine accessory

[SeashellnBubbles]

Does anyone think I should paint Applejack's stupid baby blue hat brown like in the show? Do you think it'll positively or negatively affect the price? I'd also like to do the bucket, the watering can, and the carrot tops. What are your thoughts?

[Rainbowjuice]

They're fairly new.
I'd say do what you will. They're your possessions and you can do as you wish with them

[rybett]

I was wondering something like this, but G 1 stuff like the rockers.

[Sarahlacewing]

I have not tried this, however I tried customizing a pair of shoes that came on a fashion style Twilight Sparkle and they did not take acrylic paint well.  I wiped it all down with acetone, even tried sanding it to see if that would help.  There seemed to be a film on them or a sheen to the plastic that kept the paint from sticking well.  People had similar problems with my animal companion swap using the G4 companion animals.  Not all but some experienced the same issue.

It's likely a G4 plastic thing since I've seen the G1 accessories done without a lot of trouble.

[SeashellnBubbles]

Hmmmm. Ok, well, I guess it's a good thing that acrylic can wash off easily if it doesn't go down well. I may take a chunk out of the hat and try to paint the bucket like it's older and kinda beat up looking. Wish me luck!!

[Diamond]

The best bet is to prime it with a plastic primer, or use spray paint that is made for plastic.  Being the harder style of plastic most craft paints will not adhere to it.

[kaoskat]

If you want them painted I'd paint them.

[PhyllieBean]

The best bet is to prime it with a plastic primer, or use spray paint that is made for plastic.  Being the harder style of plastic most craft paints will not adhere to it.

^This^  I use a Krylon plastics primer that made for cars.  It helps fill little nicks and scratches too.  I got it at AutoZone for like $8.  Not too bad. 


ETA:  By the way, only use that primer for the hard plastic accessories.  I've used it on ponies with OK results, but it's really a crapshoot if it will come out without issues.  Usually those Krylon sprays stay sticky on soft vinyl like pony bodies. 

[cowsharky]

I've done repaints of the G4 animals and found that it requires quite a few coats, but eventually it will cover. Ditto for the other accessories (I've repainted some of the tea cups and such, and it can be a pain). As for repainting AJ's hat, most G4 collectors and FIM fans are sticklers for accuracy (I know I immediately fixed the hairdos on my ponies), so repainting the hat could very well raise the value. JMO.

[SeashellnBubbles]

I've already started painting! I can't believe how cool it looks for my first attemt. I think my problem might be in knowing when to stop, though...I've already made the shovel handle and shaft look like grainy wood, and her bucket looks old and used. What's really cool is that I don't even care anymore about the value of it being affected. I'll share the photos when I get well into it.
Thanks a lot!