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Hello and welcome to another one of my custom guides! Today we're tackling repainting a basic Transformers figure. Keep in mind this is only a guide, not follow-like-it's-law rules. This guide shows how I personally paint a transformer and there are many different ways to do this. Many great customizers are out there with their own methods to painting and this guide isn't meant to override them. I've had tons of requests literally filling up my inbox for a guide specifically on how I go about repainting a Transformer and if the fans ask for it, I try to supply! Please experiment with the techniques mentioned here. A paint-wash can go over dryrbushing and vice-versa. You can wash lighter colors for a glowing-in-cracks effect. You can dryrbush dark colors for weathering, like brick red over silver for rust. Pretty much everything can be mixed around if you experiment some and create new techniques. All the paints I'm using are either Testors Fantasy/Acryl series or Citadel/Games Workshop. I prefer Testors because it's formulated to stick better to plastic than GW paints but sometimes I just can't get the right colors in Testors like the GW Lich Purple I'm using. Do NOT go out and buy acrylics from Wal Mart or Michael's. They're great for wood and plaster (crafts) but don't stick to plastic. And believe me, I've tried 50+ brands and Testors Acryl is still my real only reccomendation. One thing you may notice is that I don't take my TFs apart. Some people swear by disassembling them but I find it just to be an extra step I can skip. I do often remove ball-jointed sections or the lightpipe eyes when painting to make it easier but never remove pins or unscrew bodies. About the last step, sealing: If your figure has any soft rubber parts like tires, nosecones, or faces, cover them up! Krylon Crystal Clear or any other spray sealer will make these tacky and will never dry on them, slowly dissolving the softer plastics. Sealing is an optional step as well. I usually don't seal my figures but if you handle them often or put decals on them it may be a good idea too. Krylon Crystal Clear matte or satin is my choice. Gloss gums up the detail too much in my opinion. In case you can’t find Testors I’ve provided the online ordering links below to them. Need brushes? I'm VERY pleased with Dynasty's 'Eye of the Tiger' line of brushes. They're handcrafted synthetics and come in every shape and size. Their 5/0 round is what I use for doing eyeballs and super-fine line work. Head HERE to pick up your sets for a very nice price! I suggest the 6-pack of rounds and the 6-pack of shaders, but they're so inexpensive you may want even more styles. Tip: Tinfoil is your friend. I get lots of people asking how they can easily mask off areas to drybrush or are worried about spraying soft rubber parts. Wrap those parts in tinfoil! It crumples around sections easily and stays there. No adhesive, no mess, you can reuse it. I buy those individual sheets so I don't keep having to rip off sections. You can even make tiny spray-masks with this stuff if you're careful enough. Ok, we ready to start? then get reading! This guide is split up into two parts. Click the link all the way at the bottom of the page to continue to part 2.       
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