Maya Ellison
Painting plastic toy soldiers is a fun activity for collectors and kids alike. While there are many ways to paint plastic soldiers, some common tips include washing the soldiers with soap and water before painting, using craft paint or acrylics, and sealing the paint with a coat of varnish or diluted PVA glue to prevent flaking. Some people prefer to use primer or spray sealant to protect the paint job and prevent cracking and chipping. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a fun activity, painting plastic soldiers can be a rewarding hobby.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing plastic soldiers for painting
Once the figures are dry, you can begin preparing the painting surface. It is important to ensure the surface is properly sealed and has a good base to take your paint. Some people recommend using a primer designed specifically for plastics, such as those used for plastic furniture or car components. You can also use an undercoat or a flat colour such as black, brown, or grey as a base. If you are using acrylic paints, you can apply a coat of diluted PVA glue to the figures before painting to help prevent flaking and toughen them up.
Before you start painting, it is a good idea to have a plan for your colour scheme, especially if you are painting a large group of soldiers. It is recommended to paint one colour at a time, allowing each colour to dry before moving on to the next. This helps to avoid any smudging or mixing of colours. Additionally, make sure you have a good painting environment with proper lighting and ventilation.
After painting, allow the figures to dry completely for at least 24 hours. Once dry, you can apply a sealant to protect the paint job and prevent chipping and cracking. A matte or flat acrylic spray sealant is a good option, and you can apply multiple coats for extra protection. Following these steps will ensure that your plastic soldiers are properly prepared for painting and will result in a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
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Choosing the right paint
Type of Paint
Water-based acrylic paints are commonly used for painting plastic soldiers. They are known for their good coverage and ease of use. Craft paints are thicker and contain more pigment than regular model acrylics, resulting in more vibrant colours and better coverage.
Preparation
Before painting, it is crucial to prepare the plastic surface properly. Wash the figures with mild soap or a degreaser to remove any mould release agents. This step ensures that the paint adheres well to the surface. Once cleaned, allow the figures to dry completely before starting the painting process.
Priming
Priming the figures is an important step to ensure the paint adheres well and creates a smooth finish. Some people prefer to use an enamel undercoat, while others use a flat black, brown, or grey primer depending on their preference and the desired effect. Primers specifically developed for plastics, such as those used for plastic furniture or car components, can also be considered.
Sealant
To protect the paint job and prevent chipping and cracking, using a sealant is essential. A matte or flat acrylic spray sealant can be applied once the paint is completely dry. For extra protection, multiple coats of sealant can be applied, allowing adequate drying time between coats.
Toughening the Paint
To reduce flaking, which is common with plastic figures, consider applying a coat of diluted PVA glue over the painted surface. This adds toughness and helps the paint adhere better, especially if the figures are intended for handling.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing paint. Experiment with different types of paint, preparation methods, and sealants to find what works best for your specific project.
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Painting techniques
One recommended preparation method is to wash the plastic soldiers with water and washing-up liquid to remove any mould release agents. This step can be skipped if using enamels as the solvent in the enamel can break down the release agent. Alternatively, an ammonia-based window cleaner can be sprayed on as a degreaser and left to air dry before priming.
When painting, it is suggested to work on one colour at a time, allowing each colour to dry before moving on to the next. After the figures are painted, they should be allowed to dry for at least 24 hours before applying a sealant to protect the paint job. A matte or flat acrylic spray sealant can be used for this purpose, with some people recommending a second or third coat for extra protection.
To further strengthen the paint and prevent flaking, a coat of diluted PVA glue can be applied once the paint is dry. Additionally, some people choose to use a varnish as a final step. However, it is worth noting that varnish may not always be effective in preventing paint chipping or flaking.
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Sealing and protecting paintwork
Preparation
Firstly, ensure that your plastic soldiers are properly cleaned and primed before painting. Wash the figures with mild soap and water to remove any release agents or grease, then let them dry completely. Priming the figures with an appropriate primer will help the paint adhere better and create a more even base for the paint.
Choosing a Sealant
Select a suitable sealant designed specifically for sealing paint on plastic surfaces. Acrylic paint, for example, requires a specific type of sealant to achieve the desired finish. Different sealants will give you varying finishes, such as matte, glossy, or regular, so choose one that aligns with your desired outcome.
Applying the Sealant
Once the final coat of paint is completely dry, it's time to apply the sealant. You can use a brush or spray can, depending on the size of the plastic soldiers and your personal preference. Ensure that each layer of sealant is completely dry before applying subsequent layers.
Benefits of Sealing
Sealing your paintwork will protect it from fading due to light exposure and will also create a protective layer that prevents the paint from rubbing off during handling. While it won't completely safeguard against damage, sealing will significantly minimize the impact and help maintain the vibrancy of your paintwork.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter a cloudy finish when using a spray sealant, it could be due to insufficient shaking of the can, an issue with the sealer itself, or unfavourable application conditions. To rectify this, allow the cloudy layer to dry completely, then apply another layer of sealer, preferably using a different product.
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Repairing paint damage
When repairing paint damage on plastic soldiers, the first step is to clean the figure thoroughly. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the surface. If the paint is chipping or flaking, use a small brush or cotton swab to gently remove any loose paint fragments. This ensures that the repaired area is clean and ready for the next steps.
Once the figure is clean, assess the extent of the paint damage. If only a small area is affected, you may simply need to touch up the paint. Match the colour as closely as possible and use a small, detail-oriented brush to carefully apply the paint to the affected area, blending it with the surrounding painted surface. Allow the touch-ups to dry completely before handling the figure extensively.
For more extensive paint damage, you may need to strip the existing paint and start fresh. This can be done using paint strippers or thinners, but be cautious as these chemicals can be strong. Always work in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on your chosen product. After stripping the paint, wash the figure with mild soap and water to remove any residue and let it dry completely.
If the plastic soldier has broken parts or missing pieces, you can repair them using glue. Super glue is a popular option for small repairs, but for larger pieces, you might need to use a stronger adhesive or even wire and matchsticks to reinforce the repair. Ensure that any glued parts are held securely in place while the adhesive dries. Once the glue is dry, you can begin the painting process again, following the same steps as before.
To protect your plastic soldiers from future paint damage, consider applying a varnish. Choose a varnish suitable for the type of paint you've used (e.g., gloss or matte varnish) and apply a thin coat to the entire figure. Allow it to dry completely before handling, and your plastic soldiers will be ready for display or play!
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Frequently asked questions
Before painting, wash the plastic soldiers with water and washing-up liquid to remove the release agent from the mould. You can also use an ammonia-based window cleaner as a de-greaser and let it air-dry.
You can use water-based acrylics or craft paint, which tends to be thicker with more pigment.
Paint will likely flake off no matter what, especially if the soldiers are being used as toys. However, you can toughen them up by coating them with diluted PVA glue once they have been painted.
Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours before sealing with a matte or flat acrylic spray sealant. For extra protection, let the figures sit for another 24 hours and apply a second or third coat of sealant.
