Sealing Question

[Storm.Runner]

Me again I know I've been quite active in this forum with questions, but the coat on my first custom is nearly dry, I go home on Saturday and I'd like to get her paintjob and sealing done before I leave. I've got no classes tomorrow and my packing and cleaning won't take long, so I'll have plenty of time to work.


My question this time is, once I've finished her paint, the base coat is dry and the eyes are all finished along with her symbol and making sure her mane plugs are unblocked, what is the best way to go about sealing my custom? I've got a tub of Mod Podge and a paintbrush, though if you've been reading my other question thread about my paint having bubbles, you'll know that the brush isn't too soft. It's one of those cheap ones found at a craft shop, but I won't be able to afford a better brush for a little while.


Sorry if I'm babbling xD Are there any other ways to seal a custom with Mod Podge with no risk of brush marks? Her base coat is looking alot smoother now at least, I just want to get her sealing done perfectly first time. Also, how many coats will it take to completely seal the paint?


Thanks to anyone and everyone who reads and replies to my posts xD I really appreciate all the help and tips given.

[Em_L._Pea_Customs]

I use cosmetic wedges to seal customs.  It usually only takes one coat of sealer.  I would use Matte Mod Podge watered down to the consistency of skim milk and blot it onto the custom.  When you use a cosmetic wedge to apply the Mod Podge it can look bubbly/frothy when applied, but it will come out nice and smooth when it dries.

[Storm.Runner]

Brilliant thank you I'll have a look for some cosmetic wedges tomorrow then when I head out to Boots.

Additional question, about eyes and symbols. I've just been practising with my thinnest paintbrush and it's not quite thin enough - the lines are all thick and blotchy. Can a regular ink pen or a black Sharpie be used instead?

[Sarahlacewing]

Pen or sharpie has a different kind of shine on it that I don't like to mix with a paint job.  I'm sure it could be done but it stands out too much in my opinion.  Also it will probably seep into your pony so if you mke a mistake there is little chance of getting her clean again. May I suggest trying something else?  A pin head, a feather tip, pipe cleaner trimmed down, toothpick.  I've also seen people use actual makueup, like eyeliner instead because it has a softer look.  (can smudge pretty badly though)

I know that eyebrow fold can be down right challenging to paint eyelashes over.  I'd say vary your approach.  If you are trying an upstroke and it just isn't working flip the pony over or turn her around and try to bring the stroke down at a different angle.  Make sure your paint isnt the problem if it is globby or needs to be watered down a little. 

You've gotten some good advice already, I can't wait to see the finished result!

[Em_L._Pea_Customs]

Pen or sharpie has a different kind of shine on it that I don't like to mix with a paint job.  I'm sure it could be done but it stands out too much in my opinion.  Also it will probably seep into your pony so if you mke a mistake there is little chance of getting her clean again. May I suggest trying something else?  A pin head, a feather tip, pipe cleaner trimmed down, toothpick.  I've also seen people use actual makueup, like eyeliner instead because it has a softer look.  (can smudge pretty badly though)

I know that eyebrow fold can be down right challenging to paint eyelashes over.  I'd say vary your approach.  If you are trying an upstroke and it just isn't working flip the pony over or turn her around and try to bring the stroke down at a different angle.  Make sure your paint isnt the problem if it is globby or needs to be watered down a little. 

You've gotten some good advice already, I can't wait to see the finished result!

Great advice!  I also would advise against using pen or sharpie.  The ink will bleed, is easily smudged, and will just not look very good.  I know it is tempting, because thin lines are difficult.  I do know that some customizers use India Ink, but I don't know how expensive the pens are or how to seal them.  Good luck!

[Kanthaka]

It looks like you have some great answers already!  I would absolutely suggest avoiding Sharpie--it bleeds and fades.  Some inks can be used, but, like Sarahlacewing said, things you might have sitting around can be used--both to paint and to clean up paint lines and make them look thin and crisp.  Sometimes I dip toothpicks in water and use the tip to gently scrape away paint if I wobble when I paint lines. 

Watering your paint down with a thinner (if you can afford it) or water will help you apply paint smoothly.  As for Mod Podge, I thin it down just like Cookhuman said and paint it on with whatever I have on hand or whatever works.  I've used the cheap craft store brushes before without any trouble, and makeup wedges work well, too.

[Maniah]

I use a size 18/0 paintbrush for my eyelashes, and I still have thick lines sometimes.

It personally helps me to start with a dry paintbrush, then dip it in the paint. I find that a wet paintbrush sheds paint too easily, and can make thicker lines. I also prefer to use downstrokes if I am going over the eyebrow, so holding the pony head upside down really helps.

If  I mess up, I let it dry and gently scrape the paint away with a sharp xacto blade.

If things come out looking too thick, like too many lashes feathered together.. I use just the tip of the xacto blade and gently scrape lines into the lashes.. Like one of those scratch art boards.

[PandaBerryInSpace]

I use a size 18/0 paintbrush for my eyelashes, and I still have thick lines sometimes.

It personally helps me to start with a dry paintbrush, then dip it in the paint. I find that a wet paintbrush sheds paint too easily, and can make thicker lines. I also prefer to use downstrokes if I am going over the eyebrow, so holding the pony head upside down really helps.

If  I mess up, I let it dry and gently scrape the paint away with a sharp xacto blade.

If things come out looking too thick, like too many lashes feathered together.. I use just the tip of the xacto blade and gently scrape lines into the lashes.. Like one of those scratch art boards.

I never thought of using a dry brush, but that makes a lot of sense! I'm going to try that -- I have a very hard time doing eyelashes.