How do you put the pony head back...

[Lady Anya]

...without making the paint chip?

P.S. The head always deforms slightly, especially in neck part. So I'm a bit afraid.

[Em_L._Pea_Customs]

Sometimes if I have a really delicate paint job, I will cut a small piece/chunk out of the neck ring.  It allows for the neck ring to be manipulated into the neck hole easier, but will still keep the head on naturally (i.e., without super glue).  Hope this helps! 

ETA - I didn't even think about the fact that you might be customizing G4.  My advice applied to G3 or G1 only.  I am not sure if the same principle would apply to a G4 head, as I haven't really worked with those.  Sorry.

[Lady Anya]

cookhuman, this really helps! As I was trying to do a similar thing but I am afraid I just cut too much of the ring, so the head is now.. err.. broken..

P.S. I'm doing G4, but I guess that should work too.

[Em_L._Pea_Customs]

cookhuman, this really helps! As I was trying to do a similar thing but I am afraid I just cut too much of the ring, so the head is now.. err.. broken..

P.S. I'm doing G4, but I guess that should work too.

Oh no,  I am sorry that it didn't work for you.  I always cut a little at a time, with the thought that I can always cut more if needed.  Once it is gone, it is gone, lol.  Girl, get that super glue out and glue that head on or even glue a small piece of what you cut away back onto the neck ring!  Good luck!

[Lady Anya]

cookhuman, haha no worries, I'll learn from my mistakes.
Thanks for your help!!

[cacopony]

well..I paint my ponies and then heat them a little to place the head together...

[Teddy]

I've only done a few repaints before, and I always left the heads on while I painted them. Is that wrong? 

[Tulip]

On my most recent G4, I actually just cut the plug out and super glued the head back on. Obviously this means the head can't turn, but the custom I did this one on had her movement obstructed by lots of sculpting anyway.

[Colorscapesart]

I use an exacto to cut out the neck plug and save it.  I will then make four tidy and careful slices into the itty bitty neck ring, like a plus sign or an x.  I cut the slices almost to the edge.  When the knife come outs, the plastic retakes it's shape but it now has little "stress relief" cuts to help.  I put the head back onto the neck plug before I glue the plug back in the body.    The last step in a small bit of glue (watch for drips that could stick the head down) and plopping the neck plug back in place. Voila! 

[Eluluu]

on g1s and g3s ill cut little pie-slice notches into the neckplugs, one across from the other. on G4s, ill cut 3 or 4 mini slices into the ring inside the head so you can kinda click it back in while leaving enough 'prongs' to hold onto the plug, if that makes sense. im sure theres a smarter way to do it, but that's how I do it atm. haven't done many g4s tho.

[tsukikakushi]

I use an exacto to cut out the neck plug and save it.  I will then make four tidy and careful slices into the itty bitty neck ring, like a plus sign or an x.  I cut the slices almost to the edge.  When the knife come outs, the plastic retakes it's shape but it now has little "stress relief" cuts to help.  I put the head back onto the neck plug before I glue the plug back in the body.    The last step in a small bit of glue (watch for drips that could stick the head down) and plopping the neck plug back in place. Voila! 

This ^ It works wonders for those tiny little heads.

[Lady Anya]

Tried that yesterday, and it worked like a charm. Thanks so much everyone - you are just amazing!!

There definitely should be a tutorial of that tricky part too.

[Eluluu]

heh didn't even see your reply CSA! makes more sense how you described it.