painting julips

[Echo]

Hi

I have an older Julip I just bought and it could use a new paint job. Can someone tell me what if need to paint these.  Do you spray paint them? Can you remove the previous paint with anything?  Do you use Acrylic paint or something else. Can they be pastelled? I am open or any suggestions.

Thanks

Echo

[george]

You can't remeove the old paint, but you don't have to - there's absolutely no need, it might be a bit annoying having to use several coats to go from a dark colour to a lighter one, for example, but would ruin the finish of the model if you tried to sand it, and damage the latex if you scrubbed at it with solvent designed to take off paints. Any new colour will stick just as well to the OF paint as it possibly could to the latex underneath, so don't worry about any sort of preparation beyond making sure the horse is dust-free and clean.

Some people like to airbrush them, but if you don't have an airbrush and paints already that can be a very expensive investment! Brush painting works fine, also various hand-applied paint effects like spattering with a toothbrush for roans or fleabitten greys, dabbing the paint on with a sponge or cotton bud to make dapples, all sorts of finishes are possible by hand.

Pastelling might be ok to smudge some shading onto a painted base colour, but I really wouldn't recommend as an entire paint method because of the spray sealant - the Julip latex will need to flex and age naturally, and can't if sealed with something brittle like that; you'll find you get a lot of cracking which gets worse and deeper over time.

I use and always recommend Games Workshop paints, I know a few other Julip fans who swear by them as well, but they're not compulsory and I'm sure people have managed good things with other brands of paint!

[Echo]

Thank you very much for the information. Since I am in the US I don't know if Games Workshop Paints are available here.

[george]

www.games-workshop.com/gws/storelocator/search.jsp

(They'll also be available online from hobby/wargames retailers, or ebay)

[Echo]

is this paint water based or oil?

[zirliz]

I've used those paints also

[Echo]

What is the difference between the dry and the base paint colors. Sorry, I know nothing about this.

[Echo]

I noticed one called Layer. Which one should I use?

[EG]

After checking my paints, base is just normal kind of consistency, layer is a bit thicker and dry is for drybrushing so it's quite thick and viscous.
I'd stick with base or layer if it were me. (oh and yes, they're water based)

This reminds me that I have a recently repainted newbie to show off soon...

[elli]

I haven't painted anything for a while (but really need to!) but have always liked the Deco Art acrylics.

[Echo]

Thank you EG and Elli. I need all the help I can get. Can't wait to see your new repainted newbie EG.

[Manda]

I use Games Workshop paints, mainly because they are a good consistency to go through my airbrush.

[Echo]

Thank you Manda.

[tesscarson]

Games Workshop paints are great! Thanks for the info on not using sealers.

[Tashie]

I would love to do a custom paint job, but I think I'm a bit too nervous I would ruin it!

[Manda]

Start with something basic, like adding a sock or a blaze, then move on to shading on muzzles and eyes, once you are happy with that hen you can go onto ,more advanced customs.
Either that; or get down your local charity shop, buy a few horse shaped things from the 20p basket and just go for it. Some will look amazing, some will be utter catastrophes either way, practicing on a 20p cake novelty figure is less daunting than starting straight away with your favourite Julip.

[Echo]

Thanks Manda for your help.

[Tashie]

Oooh the charity shop option seems like a good one!

[tesscarson]

Great advice, Manda!