Repairing Action Figures: Fixing Paint Mistakes

Fixing messed-up paint on an action figure can be tricky, especially when trying to match the original colour. The process involves cleaning the figure, preparing the paint, and applying thin coats for the best results. If the paint job goes wrong, it can often be loosened and removed with a wet brush, or stripped with alcohol or thinner. This guide will cover the tools, techniques, and tips for repairing and repainting action figures to make them look as good as new.

Use thinner paint for touch-ups

When touching up paint on an action figure, it is important to use a thin layer of paint to avoid a messy finish. Thinning your paint will help to keep it from "clumping" and will make it easier to work with. You can thin your paint with water, and test it on a small area first.

Citadel paints are a good option for touch-ups, as they are thin and easy to work with. When applying the paint, use a small paintbrush and be careful not to use too much paint. It is better to use a thin layer and build up the colour gradually, rather than applying a thick layer that may be difficult to correct if it doesn't match.

If you are mixing colours, it is a good idea to test the paint on a scrap of plastic, such as an ice-cream tub lid, to ensure that you have the right shade. You can also use a hairdryer to quickly dry a small test area and see how the colour looks when dry, as some paints will dry slightly darker or lighter than they appear when wet.

If you make a mistake, you can quickly wash your brush and use it to loosen the wet paint before dabbing it off with a tissue. Once the paint is dry, you can always paint over it with another layer if needed.

Sand off bad touch-ups

Sanding off bad touch-ups on an action figure is a viable method to fix messed-up paint. This method can be used to smoothen down bumps and lumps, especially if the paint has started bubbling or chipping off.

To begin the process, source very fine-grit sandpaper, as regular sandpaper will leave noticeable scratches on the action figure. Sanding sticks are also available at hobby stores and can be useful for reaching tighter spots. Before you start sanding, ensure the figure is free of any dirt or oil. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, along with a soap and water solution, to gently clean the figure.

After sanding, it is essential to rewash the figure and let it dry completely before proceeding with any further touch-ups or repainting. It is worth noting that this process may be skipped if you are satisfied with the smoothness of the surface after cleaning.

When sanding, be cautious and patient, especially around detailed areas of the figure, as excessive sanding could unintentionally remove paint from unaffected areas. Additionally, if the figure has intricate shading or gradients, extra care is required to preserve these details during the sanding process.

Once the affected area is smooth and free of any paint residue, you can proceed with repainting, following the necessary steps to ensure a seamless finish.

Remove old paint with alcohol

If you're looking to remove old paint from an action figure using alcohol, there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, it is important to note that the type of alcohol you use matters. Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol is recommended, whereas acetone should be avoided as it can damage plastic.

One method is to dip a Q-tip or toothpick in rubbing alcohol and rub it against the areas where you want to remove paint. This is especially useful for small areas or details, such as trimming down eyebrow paint, as mentioned in a discussion on Reddit.

Another method is to soak the painted area in rubbing alcohol for several minutes. This can be done by soaking a rag or paper towel in alcohol and then scrubbing the paint. However, this method may not be suitable for thin layers of paint or old, cured paintings as it can damage the canvas or figure.

Before removing paint with alcohol, it is important to test it on a small area first to ensure it does not damage the surface. Additionally, it is worth noting that rubbing alcohol may not be effective on clear plastic, as it can turn it white and brittle.

After removing the old paint with alcohol, you can sand the area lightly with high-grit sandpaper to ensure the surface is clean and free of any remaining paint particles. Once the surface is thoroughly cleaned, you can repaint the area as needed.

Overall, using alcohol to remove old paint from an action figure can be an effective method, but it should be approached with caution to avoid any potential damage to the figure or canvas.

Prime the figure

If you're unhappy with the paint job on your action figure, you can start over by priming the figure and then painting it.

Primer Paint

Prime the whole action figure with some sort of primer paint. Make sure to put on thin, light coats of primer. Thick coats will glob up and leave streaks. Start by painting the hardest-to-reach areas first. For example, the back of a cape or under the arms. Pose the figure so that you can paint everywhere—for instance, with its arms in the air.

Sanding

Before priming, if the plastic is significantly scratched, you should address this first. Use very fine sandpaper to lightly sand the area. Normal sandpaper from a hardware store will leave big, noticeable scratches. You can also use an X-Acto knife to clean up any mould lines before sanding and painting.

Testing

When choosing a colour, it can be difficult to match the original paint. Work under a bright white light, and start with a colour that is close to the target tone. Adjust it until you are satisfied. You can test colours by putting a thin layer on a bit of paper and drying it off quickly with a hairdryer. This will show you what the colour will look like when it dries.

Painting

Once the primer is dry, start painting with light coats. Be patient—it will take several coats. Once this dries, you can start painting the details.

Colour-match with a base coat

Colour-matching is a tricky process, and the main difficulty lies in achieving the right paint mix to match the original colour. One of the most important steps in colour-matching is to start with a base coat that is close to the target tone and then adjust it until you are satisfied. For example, if you are trying to match a flesh tone, you could start with a base of flesh colour and then adjust it with other colours such as white, yellow, orange, red, or brown.

When mixing paints to achieve the desired colour, it is important to remember not to use too much paint, as this can make the process of mixing colours messy. It is also important to note that some paints will dry to a slightly different colour, so it is recommended to test the paint on a small area first. You can do this by putting a thin layer of paint on a piece of paper and drying it off quickly with a hairdryer or blow dryer. This will give you an idea of how the paint will look when it is dry and help you avoid any colour-matching disasters.

Once you have achieved the desired colour, it is important to apply thin coats of paint to the action figure. Thick coats will glob up and leave streaks. Start by painting the hardest-to-reach areas first and then move on to the main colours. It is also important to be patient and allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next one. This will help you achieve a smooth and even finish.

If you make a mistake or are unhappy with the colour, you can always start again. You can remove the paint by submerging the figure in rubbing alcohol or using thinner or alcohol to wipe away the paint. Once the figure is clean, you can start the colour-matching process again until you achieve the perfect shade.

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