Customization help!

[Baby Primrose]

I have a question to all customizers. I was wondering how to get the plug out of a g4 without using a exacto knife. I'm very accident prone, I've accidently cut myself up trying to get the silly head off. Also how do I change the color of a g1 mlp. I tried dying with RIT but it didn't work.

[daisyd]

I've used Dylon Hand dye before - it takes a little while, but nowhere near as long as it takes for paint to dry ^^ That said, I prefer to paint, because there are many more paint colours to choose from, but dye is a lot more permanent than paint, and there's no need to varnish/seal it afterwards.

[sweetlittlejenny]

I've never dyed a pony before. That being said, I know many on here that have have said that if not done correctly the dye can fade or change colors. Some even let the bait sit for months after being dyed to make sure the color stays correct.

I airbrush now but when I started out I did full body repaints with a brush. Lots of thin coats and it can take awhile to get a good solid cat that looks nice. Some people have great success using makeup sponges but that never worked for me.

As far as G4 neck plugs go, I have no idea. I've only done two so far. The second was much more successful. If you have a coffee pot, run some plain water through it and put some in a coffee cup. Then put your pony in there head first and let her sit for a minute. Using paper towels carefully take her out and pull her head off. The hot water should have softened her plastic enough that the neck hole stretches when you pull on her head.
As far as the neck plug I don't have other advice. I used an exacto knife and carefully went around the plug. You have to go slow, don't rush or you will cut yourself or ruin your pony's neck.

Best of luck to you!

[Thrice]

It helps to stick the pony's head in really hot water and let it soak for a bit before trying to cut. Softens up the glue.

[Baby Primrose]

Thank you all, I'm still open for more replies.

[BarbedDragon]

I am also accident prone. I use a very very small flat sided blade after heating the neck with a heat gun gently. Very very slow and work all the way around little by little. I do the same with other generations of ponies but these are ones that you really have to use an exacto knife on. I have ripped the neck plug off trying to do it without cutting

[Colorscapesart]

Maybe you could find someone to help with the neck plug?

[Baby Primrose]

My parents don't like helping me with it. My mom always thinks I'm Destroying the ponies. My mommy doesn't understand.

Post Merge: October 15, 2013, 11:23:56 AM

Also! Does anyone know how to make blush without a airbrush? I tried the q-tip methods and they didn't work.

[Griffin]

Chalk pastels work pretty nicely for blushing. Also dry brushing acrylics works but it's a bit trickier, you might want to practice on a bait pony first. Keep the paint relatively thick and don't water your brush. A medium sized round brush works best for this. Pick up as little paint as you possibly can, dab it on the pony and smear around until you get that soft look. Let dry and repeat if needed (sometimes you may end up with a hole in the middle if the paint is too thin or if you don't let it dry between coats). You can also sand it very carefully with superfine sand paper if there are any lumps or other imperfections. I think this method works better on ponies with full body repaints as the paint sticks better when it has something to adhere to. Chalk pastels might be a better option for unpainted ponies.

[kaoskat]

I typically use my blush for blushing ponies. It works nicely. Just dust it on and seal it in.

[Baby Primrose]

What do I seal it with?

[Baby Mischief]

Stalking this one..

[kaoskat]

I use Testors Dullcoat. For me, that works best.

[Sarahlacewing]

Testors dullcoat or mod podge matte/gloss are pretty standard depending on what effect you want.  You'll want to water down MP to a milk like consistency.

[Baby Primrose]

Thank you all