Paint peeling during rehair - solutions?

[SunPony]

Hi everyone, ah, I've only made three custom ponies, so I'm still learning.   The first two I did were G4, and I did not have this problem, but on the third one, a G1, I had a problem with the paint chipping and peeling around the plug holes as I was rehairing.  I thought maybe someone here has experienced this, and knows how to avoid it!   

Here are some details: I washed the (white) pony with dish soap and let her dry before painting.  I used regular craft acrylics (Americana).  It was a light color so I did many coats O_O.  I let her dry for a day, then I coated her with two layers of Mod Podge.  I used the needle and thread/floss method to add the hair.  It was when I pulled the folded over hair plug through the hole that the paint would chip/peel - but also if I used a thumbtack to widen the hole first.

I didn't think I was using too much hair per hole, but maybe I was?  Was it something about the paint?  Drying time?  I am flummoxed.

If anyone has any advice, I'd be much obliged!   

[kaoskat]

Sealant under the paint can help in the future. Also lots of extra sealant over the holes can help.

[kayveryn]

Sometimes waiting a week or so to let the paint/sealer really cure can help too. (this is coming from someone with a hairdryer in her craft spot to hurry up paint dry time ...lol)

Kayveryn

[SunPony]

Thanks for the ideas!  I will try both of them next time.  I never thought of using sealant UNDER the paint.  Would Mod Podge work for that or should I try something different?

[kaoskat]

Mod Podge will work fine. The paint just needs a better surface to stick to. I prefer Testors Dull Coat myself though as the spray sealant leaves a smoother finish.

[Raindrop]

Using a higher-quality paint would help as well.  Artist or model-quality paints are less likely to crack or flake than craft paints, and they often require fewer layers because they have more pigment.