Figure painting tips

[Squad Leader]

seriously thinking about customizing some figures and would realy appreciate some tips, like can i paint directly on the figure or does it need to be sanded down and primed, if so what should i rub it down with, what primer should i use and what paints work best for the original Action Force figures and the Articulated ones, what paint brushes work best etc etc....
i was quite surprised not to find a sticky on this subject what with all the custom posts...

any help would be very appreciated

[Red Laser]

I use Games Workshop paints depending on the original colour of the figure I sometimes undercoat also it depends on the colour you want to paint onto the figure. For example I painted a TIE fighter pilot using white then red to make it lighter but I painted a figure today brown over the gray of their uniform and it turned out ok.

[Squad Leader]

do you rub down the figure or just paint directly onto it?

[Red Laser]

Paint directly on it as I have only changed uniforms and hair colour nothing too major again depending on your project but never do bright colours on a dark background they don't look too great

[Andy1672]

I just use white undercoat before the colour.

I also use citadel acrylics (games workshop) they dry much quicker !

[Squad Leader]

do you seal them at all?

[Double-Tap]

make sure you clean the figs before painting.
i always use an undercoat and also a dull varnish when finished.
Bill

[Squad Leader]

is there a certain method of cleaning before painting plus when you seal do you paint or spray?

[The Baron]

I've only painted vehicles, for which I use Plastikote sprays. Undercoat first, then the colour, normally only one coat needed and then a lacquer. There's a Which Paint? sticky thread.

[Double-Tap]

is there a certain method of cleaning before painting plus when you seal do you paint or spray?

just hot soapy water, make sure its dry before you start to paint.
i ues an old brush for the varnish. used spray once but it warped the plastic.
Bill