Ginger's first custom attempt! Step 1: Advice please :)

Gingerbread

Festive FelizNavidad Pony
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So I've decided to dip my toe in the customs waters and make something for myself, we'll see just how this goes LOL

I have a project in mind but first things first, I need advice on paint. Oh, wise and omnipotent customizers I humbly throw myself before you and ask you enlighten me! I cannot dye cause I'm using a sparkle body, so I gotta paint.

So what kind of paints do you guys recommend? I have a fear of paint lines, how do you get a nice smooth even color? What products do you recommend and do you use a sealer? I'm completely clueless so any advice is most welcome and appreciated!
 
I love it! I'm doing the same thing! I bought some acrylic paint pens on Amazon for the details. I have not gotten brave enough to try them yet but I have gotten the two ponies ready to go.
I can't wait to see what you come up with.
 
I’ve only done a few so I’m not an expert like some other members here, but I use the .50 cent acrylic paints from Walmart (I think the brand is apple barrel). But any acrylics should work, the trick is to water them down and do a lot of thin layers. Like a lot :lolpony:
That way you don’t get any brush strokes
 
I used Posca paint pens when doing my pony. You can get them in different sizes and even brush pens. When doing mine, I tapped some of the paint out and dipped my brush in the little puddle to brush on. It dries super smooth and if it helps to know, they’re water based and you can use them on many surfaces like plastic, wood and even fabric. It dries quite quickly but I think they may be a little pricy... I got some of the pens as presents
But that’s what I used and I love them :smile:

EDIT:
I forgot to add!
You asked about if to add a sealer, with Poscas it’s recommended with plastic to spray with clear lacquer. I do it with a matt one just to be safe to make it stay on.
And I just found out an artist used Poscas on one of those big G3’s at that Pony Project auction... thats cool
 
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1) You want an acrylic paint that works well on “plastics/vinyl.” My personal preference is Liquitex paints because they always have good coverage.

2) To achieve a smooth paint coat you need to do multiple thin layers of paint and allow each layer to completely dry in between each layer. If you use a gesso base coat that will also help with getting even layers. ;)

3) Yes, sealing your work is always recommended. Best to use a matte sealant something like Mr. Super Clear is always a choice of many doll and pony customizers.

4) Acrylic paint markers are great for beginners when doing tiny details. Again you should ensure they are meant to go on plastics and always test them on a bait pony before diving into your custom as some do have a tendency to bleed. :(

Otherwise just have fun and experiment as you go along. Also, you should be able to easily die a sparkle pony base. ;) You just can’t dye a lighter colour but that’s general rule of thumb for all pony dying. :)
 
So this may be a silly question but has anyone tried to spray paint a pony to avoid brush strokes/lines for the body of the pony?
 
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You can use spray paint but it often leaves drips down the pony and it’s hard to get an even coat. But worth it if you can do it, I would suggest practice on a fakie or a McDonald’s pony first. ;)

Because I do a lot of customs now, I purchased myself an air brush that does nice even coats. But again it’s multiple thin layers of paint. :)
 
Spray paint takes forever to dry, too. If you put too much it stays tacky. We had luck with acrylic marker and gel pens for tiny details, and nail polish was an interesting experiment. Sealing seems to be the key element. A clear acrylic made for plastic in matte finish with lots of thin coats to conceal brushstrokes worked out. Those acrylic paint pens look awesome.
 
So this may be a silly question but has anyone tried to spray paint a pony to avoid brush strokes/lines for the body of the pony?
Yep, on my custom pony’s post (lots of writing on it but there’s a picture and link to the exact post if you wanted to see), I sprayed her. I wasn’t too good with the spray because I usually spray stuff too close by mistake. It dries fine but I just wasn’t a fan of the texture

I bet an airbrush would look nice though but I’ve never had the opportunity to use something like that unless you count blow pens as little kid
 
Yep, on my custom pony’s post (lots of writing on it but there’s a picture and link to the exact post if you wanted to see), I sprayed her. I wasn’t too good with the spray because I usually spray stuff too close by mistake. It dries fine but I just wasn’t a fan of the texture

I bet an airbrush would look nice though but I’ve never had the opportunity to use something like that unless you count blow pens as little kid
Haha I always wanted those blow pens when I was a kid XD the commercial made them look so fun
 
@AzaleaArt and @Lilykin They were so messy. Very messy. And they dried out fast if I remember right. Why do they market stuff like that to little kids? Sure, they're fun but my goodness they're so messy. Me and my sister were never allowed them again after the mess we caused
 
So this may be a silly question but has anyone tried to spray paint a pony to avoid brush strokes/lines for the body of the pony?
I haven't ever spray painted a pony with canned spray paint, but I have used an air brush to good effect. You can get lovely gradients with an air brush and they're relatively inexpensive.
 
I've used virtually all the suggestions already made here, but can add just a couple of things to add...

Rit Dye for synthetic will work on any pony, and won't destroy the sparkles. Be aware of color mixing (like a green pony in red dye will look brown)
There are spray paints made specifically for use on vinyl, usually in the automotive section for use on car interiors or bumper matching paint. It won't run so long as you keep the coats THIN and be patient. Looks very similar to airbrushing once you practice a bit. I cover pony marks or eyes with white glue and let it dry prior to spraying. The glue can be washed off with hot water and not damage the eye.

I've learned that I want to seal a dark-dyed pony before going in with light coloured acrylic for cutie marks, because the dye will draw into the paint over time. 1 coat of matte sealer (I use modpodge) and then paint and then another coat of sealer has worked well for me in the past.

Anyway, have fun with it! :lolpony:
 
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