This is a WIP. I bought yet another Animated Arcee Figure. I'm repainting her in Paradron Medic colors. Her name is just Paradrone (as in, she's just a Paramedic Drone) I need some help though. I need to know how to make the blue Transparent plastic into yellow transparent plastic. I will be modifying her face to have a faceplate as well just like in the art piece. (3-7-10)Update 1: I messed up so I had to start over, however thanks to Redline's tutorials on removing paint, and Plowking's generous Time, I'm going to bust my ass to get it right this time. I'm hoping when finished it's gonna blow my previous Arcee out of the park. this is only my second custom lol I gotta make this one count. (3-8-10)Update 2: New "WIP" Photos added. (3-8-10)Update 3: Molded a new faceplate w/ Plastic Epoxy (using thumb tack and flat head screwdriver) (3-8-10)Update 4: Started on the paints, as usual...too thick. I reeeally need help painting, I hate painting. (3-8-11)Update 5: I've decided to toss in the towel on this one Painting with Brushes doesn't work, paint clumps and too thick. I'm too poor to do it any other way. I tried so hard on this piece and messed it up both times. Oh well, At least I tried and learned how to make a faceplate out of Epoxy. Photos of the Alt. mode have been added.
Usually it can be done by going over the plastic in a sharpie marker. But going from a dark color to a light color might be impossible.
Might just have to mold a new piece in the color you want. I've asked this question about TFs before and there isn't a way to go from dark to light, or to even remove color from tranlucent plastic. The only way is to leave it, or mold a new piece. Good luck, should be cool.
I don;t think you can switch it to another primary color. I know you can go darker, but not the other way around. Amybe it would be a better idea to paint it candy yellow?
you're just talking about the eyes right? An easy way is to use a hot glue gun. Remove the blue peice from the head mold, then fill the area in with hot glue. You may even be able to get glue in the color you want.
Hey Gauge! I just got my TFA Arcee thru the mail & while the face is good, IMHO it needs improved to look my 'toon accurate. I'm gonna resculpt the face & that will require a re-mold of both the front & back halves. I will most likely cast the back half in crystal clear resin for better light transmission ( & cause I'm gonna LED my Arcee's eyes! ) If you can wait for the back half of the head, I'll get you a casting if you wish? It should be no big deal to spray it up with a transparent yellow paint of some sort. Just a thought, lemme know! ~Cheers! -BK
Wish I had an answer....other than what was already suggested on the clear blue parts.... I'd say go with painting them, or go the scratch-building route of making a new ones from translucent yellow plastic (like a cd jewel case) this would work for the swords and canopy, but the back of the head/light piping would be a tuffy I do know Krylon makes a paint called X-Metals, and they have a golden yellow color available....its a two part paint, and it comes out looking like anodized metal. Either way, I can't wait to see what you come up with....if its like your Ani Arcee, I know it'll be a hit.
You might simply have to swap out the blue with actual yellow transparent plastic. Maybe get it from Cyb Hot Shot's gun or something? Cut up a visor shape to fit and stuff it in the head, that's all I can think of. Actually, the hot glue/transparent cast idea is probably your best bet. Then you can paint it in transparent yellow and you should be good to go. Hope this goes well. I'll be watching for sure.
Wow i am already working on one now. I think on mine i might just keep the head the way it is. Cant wait to see how ours compare.
Gah!!! the paint is turning out so bad I think I may have to buy another Arcee and start again. I bought the wrong Teal paint, it's glittery sort of and it seems to be eating the plastic, I can smell it melting the plastic. I shouldn't have used Acrylic based paint. I'm gonna finish it and use it as a example (of what not to do). lol And thank you all so much for the help.
Well if it gets to the point you cannot use the figure let me know. I may be interested in taking it off your hands if you are just going to dispose of it.
I think I'm gonna go ahead and soak the whole figure in paint thinner for a few hours. I hope I can save the figure. so far it's been awhile now and none of the acrylic paint is coming off even after being in paint thinner. perhaps it has already melted into the plastic.
Don't soak it in paint thinner!!!!! That will definitely ruin it! Try using some alcohol first....that should remove the paint...its gonna take some elbow grease to do it, but it can be done
Seriously, DO NOT DO PAINT THINNER. Plowking's right, get some isopropyl alcohol (70% to start with). It will strip the paint, but not ruin the plastic. If it needs more, you can go up to 91%. Be careful with clear parts using the stronger stuff, as it will fog.
I took Plowking's suggestions through Pming. (thanks so much for the help so far btw) Also I bought some epoxy for the new faceplate i wanna make. but I'm terrified, I've never used it before, I know for a fact if I screw up with the epoxy there's no salvaging so please...gimmie some pointers. What tools to I need to work with the stuff. And did I buy the right kind? Thanks so much all of you for the help guys. Edit: I also picked up something to color the transparent blue plastic and coat that coloring with (let me know if it will work or not) I also bought easy-off to get the acrylic paint off that I mistakenly put on in the first place lol
Update: As you can see by the newly uploaded photos I got a long way to go. But, at least her swords and eyes are green....and I can finally start the 2nd attempt at painting her after successfully removing most of the paint apps
That glue/epoxy you got works good, but its very like a "liquid goo" and takes a while to set....might prove dificult to work with if your looking to make the faceplate with that....if you're looking for something to make the face plate, try this: (link courtesy of F_R) 25 ML Syringe Plastic Welder, Plastic Bonding That Is Even Stronger Th I've bought from this site before, they ship quick. I use this glue all the time....it works great, is formable, and sandable, and sets in like 15 minutes or less. If you get this glue, when you're not using it, store it in a good Ziplock styled bag, inside another Ziplock styled bag....it'll preserve the glue longer as opposed to just placing the cap back on and letting it set out in the open. (learned this from experience)
