A few questions about painting, paint brushes and some other stuff

[The Little White Horse]

Hi guys!

I was wondering if y'all could help me answer a few questions I have about customising.

So I have a project for my Fiancé's Birthday which is in a few months so I've got plenty of time to work on it. It's a G3 styling size bait which will need - rehairing, full body repaint, eyes touched up and symbols painted on.

My questions concern the how to do the painting and the types of brushes I need. I've had a look at all the links in the section about tutorials and tips but haven't found the answers for everything.

I don't have an airbrush, so I'm assuming acrylics but how can I use it without getting big streaks on the pony due to the brush? Do I mix a bit of water in? Do I need an undercoat to make it stick to the pony and avoid crackling?

What types of brushes do I need - soft, hard? And what sizes (for the body, symbols, eyes)?

Oh, and how much hair will I need? I purchase my hair from Dollyhair, so how many MLP hanks are needed?

I will probably have other questions, but this is a good start.

Thank you for anyone who will help me out!

[kaoskat]

I don't have an airbrush, so I'm assuming acrylics but how can I use it without getting big streaks on the pony due to the brush? Do I mix a bit of water in? Do I need an undercoat to make it stick to the pony and avoid crackling?

Yes, acrylics. Yes, mix water in. The thinner the paint, the more coats but less streaking you will have. Some people use an undercoat, some don't. Most ponies won't NEED it but it won't hurt and some really do need it.

What types of brushes do I need - soft, hard? And what sizes (for the body, symbols, eyes)?

Soft brushes give less streaking in my experience. For the body, I use a larger brush and for detail work, the tiniest you can find is best. I'm afraid I can't remember the size of the large brush off hand, but my detail brushes are and 1/20 liner and a 1/20 spotter. I tend to prefer the liner.

Oh, and how much hair will I need? I purchase my hair from Dollyhair, so how many MLP hanks are needed?

I haven't done one that size, but I think I remember being told 4 to 5?

[The Little White Horse]

Oh my! Thank you so much for your response kaoskat. You've been so helpful.

This is really going to prevent me from tearing my hair out.

kaoskat = life saver 

[Eluluu]

yep. kaos beat me to it. =P im in the 'prime everything' camp. gives a nice even basecoat and will keep the ponys bodycolor from affecting your paints color.

and yeah id get at least 4 hanks for a styling size. tho id prolly get a couple extras just in case. all depends how thick or long you want it to be. so never hurts to get too much (woot for hair hoarding!) make sure you have plenty of spare needles if you use a rerooting tool too, cause they like to eat them.

cant wait to hear how the de-gluing phase goes. its everyones favorite step. happy boiling and stomping!

[The Little White Horse]

Thank you for your response Eluluu.

Good to know about the pony's original colour altering the paint. So I already have what I need for the base coating.   Just thought of another question though.

Would I need to seal(is that the term) the pony once she's finished? And what is the name of the stuff I need to buy if that's the case?

Yeah I know, I'm a noob. 

I'll be getting 6 hanks, and I need to renew my needle stock anyway so I'll be getting plenty of them. I'm terrible with my needles, plus I think that I have a wonky rehairing tool. 

What needle size? Same as normal ponies?

(See I said that I could always find more questions  )

Haha! De-gluing... No thanks, and I've just realised, there's going to be way more than usual.   

I'm sure I'm going to have fun with this custom. I have made a design on paper for it already. And it's looking pretty simple but cool. (Well I think so  )

Thank you for the help, and if anyone could answer my 2 new questions I would be grateful.

[kaoskat]

Would I need to seal(is that the term) the pony once she's finished? And what is the name of the stuff I need to buy if that's the case?

It is a good idea yes and certainly recommended. Testors Dullcote, ModPodge, and Mr Super Clear are popular choices.

What needle size? Same as normal ponies?

I.......I have no idea..... I've just always chosen them by looking at them...... Are you using a tool or needle and thread?

[Eluluu]

For sealing personally i prefer spray in dullcote, usually by Testors or Citadel (or similar. You can find it in gamestores that sell dnd minis n paints etc) multiple thin coats and give it time to dry between coats or you risk stickyness or crackling.

I also use brush-on type sealers for areas you want shiney. Triple thick is popular, but i also use Americana gloss and satin. (Good for eyes, or areas you generally want shiney, like sculpted silk, etc etc)

O and if you do glitter (or glitter paint) do that part AFTER you seal with dullcoat, or itll kill the sparkle. I typically paint, dullcoat, glitter, then gloss. You can use the brush-on gloss or triple thick over the glitter for added protection and sparkle.

Cant really help with needle sizes, i order mine thru Maniah and trust her judgement lol

[The Little White Horse]

Hi guys just a quick update!

Thanks to all your great advice, I have been able to order all that I need to make my styling size custom! I'm a bit scared, but still, I can't wait to get started!

Due to an accident at work I haven't been able to start yet, but fingers crossed I should be able to start next week.

[Dreambaker]

Instead of mixing water with your acrylics to thin them, I would use Windex. It's what I use and it works as a thinner, but it dries quicker than water, also when using water I find that the paint pearls up and drips off. I would suggest base coats for sure, since I started using them I have used significantly less layers.

[The Little White Horse]

Thank you for your advice Dreambaker. I'm going to look into Windex. Do you have any idea if it's available in Europe?

[Dreambaker]

I'm not sure, it is a glass cleaner that is blue in color though they have a clear one too. Any quick dry, streak free, glass cleaner works.

[The Little White Horse]

Ok thanks for the clarification. I'm going to have a look.