Fixing Paint Divots On Action Figures: Quick And Easy Guide

Over time, your action figures may lose paint due to drops or bumps, resulting in a dull appearance. While you may be tempted to simply pick up a brush and start painting, there are several important steps to take before you begin. Firstly, you'll need to prepare the surface by cleaning the figure with mild soap and water, then using fine-grit sandpaper to smoothen any rough areas. Next, you'll need to select the right paint. Acrylic paint is a popular choice for action figures as it is durable and can be applied directly to plastic. However, if you're aiming for a more natural look, water-based paint may be preferable. Once you've chosen your paint, apply a thin, light coat of primer and allow it to dry completely before moving on to painting.

Choose the right paint

Choosing the right paint is essential to achieving the desired results and ensuring the paint adheres properly to your action figure. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the appropriate paint:

Paint Type

The type of paint you choose will depend on the surface of your action figure and the desired finish. Acrylic paint is a popular choice for action figures as it is durable and can be applied directly to plastic. It is also water-based, making it easier to work with and clean up. You can thin out acrylic paint with water if needed, and it dries to form a strong coating.

However, if you want a more natural or subtle finish, water-based paint is a better option. Water-based paints are available from various brands, including Tamiya, Testors Model Masters, and Citadel, which offer high-quality options.

Alternatively, you can use enamel paint, but be aware that it takes longer to dry and may not adhere as well to plastic surfaces.

Surface Preparation

Before painting, it is crucial to prepare the surface of your action figure. Clean the figure with mild soap and water to remove any residue or oils. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand down any rough areas, creating a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.

Primer

Applying a base coat of primer is essential to ensure the paint adheres properly and provides a consistent background colour. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying paint. You can use a spray-on paint primer or brush on a neutral colour like white or grey, depending on your surface and paint colours.

Paint Application

When applying the paint, use thin, light coats to avoid globbing and streaking. Multiple thin coats are preferable to a single thick coat, as they will dry faster and provide a smoother finish.

Sealer

Finally, consider using a sealer to protect your paint job and prevent it from rubbing off. You can choose between a glossy or matte finish, depending on the desired look.

Remember to test your paints on a small area or a junk figure before proceeding with the entire project to ensure the colour and application meet your expectations.

Prepare the surface

Preparing the surface of your action figure before painting is a crucial step to ensure that the paint adheres properly and that your final coat looks smooth and professional. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare the surface of your action figure:

Firstly, clean the action figure with a mild soap and water solution. This will remove any dirt, dust, or grease that may be on the surface. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently clean the figure, being careful not to scrub too harshly as this may scratch the surface.

Next, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand down any rough areas. You want to use very fine sandpaper, as regular sandpaper from a hardware store may leave noticeable scratches on the plastic surface. Gently sand any areas that need smoothing, ensuring that you don't over-sand and damage the figure's details. This step will help create a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to.

If your action figure has noticeable seams where the halves were glued together, you may choose to sand these down for a seamless look. This step can be skipped if you don't mind the seams, but it is recommended if you want a more polished final product.

Once the figure is smooth and free of any imperfections, it's time to apply a base coat of primer. Primer will help the paint adhere better to the plastic surface and will also provide a consistent background colour. Choose a primer that is suitable for plastic surfaces, and apply thin, light coats to avoid globbing and streaking. Acrylic spray paint can be used as a primer, and a white primer is recommended if your action figure has a dark theme. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

With these preparation steps completed, you will have a smooth, clean surface to work with, ensuring that your paint job looks professional and that the paint adheres properly to your action figure.

Prime the figure

To prime the figure, start by cleaning the action figure with a block of mild soap and water. You can also use alcohol or thinner to remove any old paint. Next, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand down any rough areas and to smoothen the surface of the figure. This will ensure that the primer adheres properly to the figure. Once the figure is smooth, you can start applying a thin, light coat of primer. Make sure not to apply the primer too thickly, as it may glob up and leave streaks. You can use acrylic spray paint as a primer, especially if the figure has a dark theme; in this case, use a white primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to painting.

Paint hard-to-reach areas first

Painting an action figure can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to reaching certain areas. To make the process easier, it is recommended to paint the hard-to-reach areas first. This approach ensures that you don't accidentally smudge or miss any spots that may become inaccessible once other parts are painted.

Before you begin painting, it is crucial to prepare the surface of the action figure. Start by cleaning it with mild soap and water to remove any dirt or residue. Once it is dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand down any rough areas, creating a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. This step is important to ensure the paint job lasts and doesn't chip or flake off later.

When painting the hard-to-reach areas, it is best to use a very fine-tipped brush for precision and control. Take your time and work slowly to avoid mistakes. It is recommended to use light coats of paint and build up coverage gradually. Thick coats of paint may glob up and leave streaks, creating an uneven finish.

For areas that are particularly challenging to reach, such as under the arms or the back of a cape, it is helpful to pose the figure in a way that exposes these areas. For example, you can position the figure with its arms raised to easily paint the underarm area. By tackling these tricky spots first, you can ensure a more seamless finish and avoid any missed spots that may be harder to reach later.

It is important to remember that when painting action figures, perfection is not the goal but rather capturing the essence of the figure. Don't worry if your first attempt is not perfect; you can always go back and make adjustments or corrections as needed. With practice, you will develop the skills to paint beautiful and unique action figures.

Thin the paint

Thinning paint is a great way to ensure a smooth and clean finish on your action figure. It is a simple process but requires patience, as you will need to apply multiple thin coats for the best results.

To thin acrylic paint, you can simply add a few drops of distilled water and mix it thoroughly. Some paints may require more thinning than others, so it is important to test the consistency before beginning. You can always add more water, but you cannot remove it once it is mixed. Aim for a consistency that is runny enough to flow into small spaces and cracks without the need for brushing. This technique is perfect for painting intricate details such as eyes, lips, or small symbols.

When thinning paint, avoid shaking the container if the paint has visibly separated and become watery. Instead, stir the paint first and then shake it to prevent bubbles from forming on your figure. Additionally, always stir your paints well each time before use, especially if they tend to separate over time.

It is also important to note that some colours may require a different base coat or primer. For example, when painting with a lighter colour, it is recommended to use a couple of coats of white or a very light grey primer to ensure the new colour adheres well and doesn't take on the colour underneath.

By thinning your paint and applying multiple thin coats, you will achieve a smooth, durable finish on your action figure with clean paint applications, free from lumps and streaks.

Frequently asked questions