14 Easy Steps For Re-Painting Your Action Figure

Want to create and design your own look for your action figures?

Don't like their colors?

Or do your old figures need a "retouch?

What about your old Brett Favre action figure now he's changed teams?

Then repainting them is the answer.

Create the look and style YOU want.

Or change your figures team colors to match their new team instead of forking out for a new one.

Whatever your reasons for wanting to change your action figures colors this simple, easy to follow step by step guide will walk you through the process and at the end you will have a professional new for your action figure.

And who's knows, you may discover a new talent you never knew you had!

OK, let's start at the beginning (usually the best place).

The Step By Step Guide

1. First you need to prepare your action figure/s. And I don't mean a quick wipe over with a damp cloth, but a proper clean and scrub.

2 First use some fine glass paper to rub down your action figure; this will help the primer take to it. You DO NOT need to worry about removing all the original paint as you'll be applying a primer or undercoat on top of this.

3. Wash your figure thoroughly with hot water to get rid of any dust, dirt, grease or grime on it.

4. Allow your action figure to air dry or blow dry it, do NOT use any household towels or cloths or you'll just transfer more dirt, dust and grease back onto it.

5. Mask off and cover, using masking tape or surgical tape, any parts of your action figure you DO NOT want to re-paint.

6. Lightly spray Primer over ALL parts to be painted. Let it dry then repeat until there is a nice coat of it.

Now you're ready to start painting.

BUT...

"Do you have your plan handy?"

"Uh, what plan?"

DOH!

Did I forget to mention your plan?

OK, before you actually start to paint your figure you need to plan it first.

Make a rough scetch, or use a photo, of your figure.

Then give each color your going to use a number then number your action figure's sketch or photo like a color by number by number picture.

Finally list the numbers in the order you're going to paint them.

REMEMBER

Start painting from the base up working from light to dark colors.

7. Normal acrylic paints are the best to use and can be bought from any local Wal-Mart craft section or local hobby store, be careful not to be taken in by the expensive "modelers" brands such as Citadel as normal acrylic paints are just as good and a lot cheaper.

8. If you do a lot of painting or modeling then I would recommend you buy a paint rack, which usually contains 50-100 paint pots, this way you will always have plenty on hand and should get a much better price.

9. OH, and NEVER mix your paints as it's almost impossible to make the same color twice, so if possible ALWAYS use pure colors.

10. Carefully put the figure back together, trimming the sockets and joints as required in order to be able to easily re-assemble them.

11. Apply any new decals, logos or insignia as required. Set the area with micro-set and slide your decals in place.

12. Brush the decals with Micro-Sol especially any uneven or irregular areas. The Micro-Sol softens the decals so you will NOT be able to move or reposition them after it's dried. Use a soft brush, tissue; make up sponge or cotton buds to gently press the decals into any folds or creases.

13. Spray the figure with either Matt or Gloss "varnish" (for a shiny effect, such as helmets, guns, knives, etc), this will help protect the paint from chipping or flaking. Hairspray is also ideal for this, and waterproof

14. Finally...

Stand back and admire your craftsmanship, sorry just had to add one more because I don't like finishing with the number "13"!

Written by Colin Dorman

Do you enjoy customizing your action figures? Do you enjoy creating your own style and look?

Then why not enter my monthly competition for the best customized figure, don't forget to tell us how you made it and to send photos!

Enter the competition HERE

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