Leo Martínez
Painting action figures in factories involves a combination of machine application and manual labour. While machines play a significant role in the painting process, with techniques like nozzle spray painting and tampography, certain intricate details and special designs are meticulously hand-painted by factory workers. The working conditions in these factories are often challenging, with workers assembling complex toys under stringent time constraints and receiving relatively low wages. The paints used are typically toxic in their liquid state but dry to a safe, durable finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Super toxic PVC when in liquid form |
| Paint toxicity | Harmless once dry |
| Painting process | Mostly done by machines or specialized tools |
| Painting technique | Spray paint, brush paint, tampographs |
| Paint application | Multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat |
| Paint preparation | Thinning with distilled water |
| Paint variations | Different shades, effects, and techniques |
| Factory conditions | Poor working conditions and low pay |
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What You'll Learn
Hand painting vs. machine painting
Hand painting and machine painting are two different methods used to paint action figures, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Hand painting, as the name suggests, involves factory workers manually applying paint to the action figures using paintbrushes. This method is often used for intricate details, such as dry brushing or paint washes, and on specific figurines known for their handmade design, like some Transmetal BeastWars figurines. Hand painting allows for unique variations between each figure, making them one-of-a-kind. Additionally, skilled customizers can achieve a high level of accuracy and consistency with hand painting if they invest sufficient time and effort. However, hand painting is a relatively slow process compared to machine painting, and it may not be feasible for mass production due to the higher cost of labour.
On the other hand, machine painting utilizes specialized tools and machines to apply paint to action figures. This method is highly efficient, with machines capable of producing at speeds up to 20 times faster than human workers. Machine painting ensures consistency and accuracy in the painting process, resulting in uniform products. For example, machines can precisely mask and spray paint individual pieces, creating perfect lines and evenly coated surfaces. Additionally, tampographs, a type of machine printing, are commonly used to apply intricate details. However, the initial investment in purchasing and programming robots can be costly for factories.
The choice between hand painting and machine painting depends on various factors, including cost, production speed, consistency, and the desired level of customization. While hand painting offers uniqueness and attention to detail, machine painting excels in speed, consistency, and scalability. Ultimately, many factories may employ a combination of both methods, leveraging the strengths of each to create high-quality, efficiently produced action figures.
It is worth noting that the working conditions and pay for factory workers in the hand painting process have been described as less than ideal. The pressure to meet tight production deadlines and the relatively low pay can lead to challenging working conditions for these individuals.
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Paint types and toxicity
The paint used for action figures in factories is typically a type of liquid PVC, which is known for its thick and durable coat. This type of paint is often inaccessible to consumers due to environmental and safety regulations, as it is highly toxic in its liquid form. However, once it is dry, it is considered harmless.
Acrylic paints are also commonly used for action figures and are favoured for their fast-drying time, water solubility, and non-toxic nature. They can be easily thinned with water and mixed with various additives to achieve different effects. Acrylics are versatile and can be used as a base coat for other types of paint, such as oil paints, to provide a foundation colour. Oil paints are less commonly used for the entire model but are often applied as thinned washes for shading.
Lacquer paints, while less commonly used due to their toxicity, offer a fast-drying and hard-wearing finish that is highly chip and scratch-resistant. They are typically applied through an airbrush for a smooth and even coat.
The application methods for painting action figures vary. In factories, machines are often used for spray painting and varnish application, ensuring consistent and precise results. However, some unique or specialised designs may involve hand painting or the use of specific tools for certain effects, such as dry brushing or tampographs.
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Paint application methods
Painting action figures in a factory setting can involve a combination of machine application and hand painting, depending on the specific requirements and design of the figurine. Here are the common paint application methods used in factories for action figures:
Machine Spray Painting
Machine spray painting is commonly used for mass-produced action figures. This method involves machines precisely positioning each piece of the action figure, applying masking material, and then using a nozzle to spray paint the item. The piece is then moved, and the process is repeated with additional masking and spraying as needed to achieve the desired coverage and design. This technique ensures consistent paint application and can produce a perfect line that wraps around curved surfaces, such as an arm. Spray painting can also be used in conjunction with other techniques, like varnishing, to create the desired finish.
Hand Painting
Hand painting is often used for more intricate details, unique designs, or special editions. Factory employees use paintbrushes for techniques like dry brushing or paint washing, adding variation and uniqueness to each copy of the same toy. This method is more time-consuming but can achieve intricate details that machines may not be able to replicate. Hand painting is also employed for action figures with specific artistic designs, such as certain Transmetal BeastWars figurines, to create a distinct look that differs from other copies of the same toy.
Tampography
Tampography, or tampo printing, is a machine-based printing process commonly used in factories for applying paint to action figures. This method involves transferring paint from a cliché plate to the surface of the figure using a tampo machine. Tampography is suitable for printing on curved or irregular surfaces and can achieve precise and consistent results. It is often used for adding small details, logos, or intricate patterns to action figures.
Preparation and Priming
Before painting, action figures are typically washed with warm soapy water to remove any oily lubrication applied during the manufacturing process. This step ensures that the paint will adhere properly to the figure. Some manufacturers may also apply a primer to the figure before painting, which enhances paint adhesion and helps create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. Sandable automotive primers are often used, and brands like Krylon and Plasticote are recommended for this purpose.
Thin Coats and Shading
Painting action figures often involves applying multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. This technique improves durability and gives a smoother, more consistent finish. To create different shades and shadows, painters may use various paint thinning techniques and apply multiple coats, paying close attention to details such as eyes and lips. Stirring the paint thoroughly before use and avoiding the formation of bubbles are also crucial steps in achieving a smooth and clean paint application.
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Factory working conditions
The working conditions in factories that paint action figures vary. However, there are reports of workers in the industry enduring miserable working conditions for very little pay. For example, workers assembling Transformers toys are expected to fully assemble a toy in less than nine minutes and are paid approximately seventeen cents per toy. The low pay and demanding nature of the work create an environment where factory employees are incentivized to smuggle toys out of the factory to sell them on the black market.
The use of toxic materials in the painting process may also contribute to poor working conditions in some factories. For instance, PVC, a common material used in action figure production, is highly toxic to breathe in when hot. As a result, factories that work with PVC are typically large to promote better ventilation and reduce the concentration of toxic fumes.
In terms of the physical demands of the work, it appears that both machines and hand painting are used in the industry. While machines can handle more complex and detailed work, they are expensive to purchase and maintain. On the other hand, human labor is more affordable, but it can be less efficient and consistent. Some factories may also employ a combination of both methods, using machines for certain tasks and hand painting for others.
Overall, while the specific working conditions can vary depending on the factory and the production process, there are indications that workers in this industry face challenging conditions, including low pay, exposure to toxic materials, and demanding physical labor.
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Surface preparation
Firstly, it is essential to remove any oily lubrication on the plastic surface of the figure. This lubrication is applied to the joints during the manufacturing process to prevent them from locking up. However, it can hinder paint adhesion. To address this, the figure must be washed with warm soapy water. Ivory or Dial liquid soap is recommended, along with a soft nail brush to reach the areas between joints effectively.
The next step is to decide whether to primer the figure or paint directly over the factory paint. Applying a primer is optional but can enhance the final result. A high-quality sandable automotive primer is suggested, ensuring that the plastic surface remains non-tacky. Krylon and Plasticote are mentioned as reputable brands for this purpose.
When it comes to the paint itself, it is advised to use multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. This approach not only yields a smoother finish but also improves durability. To achieve the ideal consistency, a few drops of distilled water can be added to thin the paint. Depending on the desired coverage, two to four coats may be necessary, with more coats required if the base colour needs to be fully obscured.
For certain paints, such as skin tones, yellows, metallics, and earth colours, it is recommended to use the end of the paintbrush opposite to the bristles to mix and apply the paint. Additionally, it is important to stir paints thoroughly before use, especially if they have been sitting for a while and their contents have separated. Shaking the paint should be avoided if it has visibly separated and become watery, as this can result in bubbles forming on the painted figure.
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Frequently asked questions
Action figures are mostly painted using machines or specialised tools/guides. However, some parts may be painted by hand, especially if they have a handmade design.
The paint used for action figures is often super toxic in its liquid form and banned for sale in certain regions. It is harmless once dry and very durable.
Factories use machines to achieve accuracy and consistency in painting mass-produced action figures. Machines can produce at a much faster speed than humans and with less variation.
The painting process involves multiple thin coats of paint instead of one thick coat. This ensures a smooth finish and enhances durability. The paint is thinned by adding a few drops of distilled water and mixed well. The number of coats can vary from 2 to 4, depending on the desired opacity.
