Advice needed. Paint flaking off of Collector club figure (1 Viewer)

[jomartvr]

Hi Guys,
I need advice. As you can see from the attached image the paint is flaking off of my collector club figure of Orde Wingate. I touch it, the paint flakes off. I have never had this problem. Any advice on my options?
THanks
Benjamin

 

[mikemiller1955]

Benjamin...
acrylic paint...
match your color...
repaint smoothly...
enough to cover indentation of flaking...
maybe 1-2 coats...
spray light coat of clear matte spray to seal...

 

[jomartvr]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the information. I know that your do not have a crystal ball, lol, however, is there a way to tell if this problem isolated just to those spots or the entire figure?

Thanks
Benjamin

 

[mikemiller1955]

Benjamin...

you could rub it with your fingers...
or a semi soft...but still stiff paint brush...
to see if more flakes off...
but I wouldn't...

what would I do?
I would just touch it up and then give it a good coat of clear matte spray to seal it...

there are some guys on here that do extensive repairs...
they are experts with this...

don't do anything yet...

let a couple of other people respond to your post first...

a simple fix...
good luck...

 

[jomartvr]

Thanks Mike,
Appreciate it.
Benjamin

 

[jazzeum]

Sounds like the figure wasn’t primed properly so you may have a problem that may spread.

 

[mikemiller1955]

true...

it was probably either not primed properly...
or got contaminated before it was painted...

either way...

a coat of clear matte should seal it once you repair it...

again...

I'm no expert...
but have read a lot of posts on this happening before...

wait til a few other guys to comment...
there are some very knowledgeable guys on here...

 

[jazzeum]

I’m certainly not knowledgeable either and am only going on the word of the person who repairs figures for me, Mike DeMarco. I’ve also had a few Figarti figures like the one you described.

 

[spartan71]

I had a problem with paint flaking off an earlier tank that I bought, from one of the manufacturer, so I returned it.Got a replacement, but Same thing was happening with that one. So I gave up on that particular tank.. But when ever I bought a tank from that particular manufacturer I seal it with some paint sealant. Dull Coat or related product... Never had a problem with any other product from them...

 

[Obee]

Sounds like the figure wasn’t primed properly so you may have a problem that may spread.

Yes, I'd agree that there was a problem, but the ones I have seen are similar and the metal primer, which is white, looks like it has adhered, its the acrylic paint.

I have never seen bare metal from a K&C figures, just the white. maybe there was some grease or oil on the undercoat?
Maybe the painter didn't wash their hands after eating stir fry ??

Who knows??

Anyway it can be fixed, so check out the suggestions and search on other posts on this subject, you are not the only one with that problem.

John

 

[Guy]

Start with adding a new coat of primer on the areas where the paint has gone . ( take a dark primer bacause of the green uniform, it will accentuate the green colour more than a white primer)
Let it dry for at least 24 hours
Mix some green and khaki colours to match the green colour of the uniform.
Repaint the affected areas and let it dry for at least 48 hours before adding a final coat of matt varnish
that's how I do it .
Guy

 

[joesgis]

I would first ask the mfg for a replacement figure. If not available or not an option then here's what I suggest:
Inspect the entire figure for any other areas that may have cracks or paint lifting away from surface. You're already dealing with five locations that have paint loss, and that's a lot for one figure (not counting vintage figures or pieces saved from scrap heaps). It is likely that other areas on the figure are susceptible to developing similar issues so look closely under magnification if you can. If you find much more damage a complete strip and repaint may be in order. But if the rest of the figure looks intact and you want to give it it go it's important to remove any loose paint. So while you're mind tells you "I don't want to make the chipped areas larger", you have to lightly chip away at the edges of the chipped areas (w/ a toothpick or finger nail) to remove any loose/lifting paint. Painting over poorly adhered paint is not a good idea, so do this until the paint no longer chips off.
Next you want to carefully, lightly hit the edges of the affected areas with fine polishing paper. This will help smooth out the transition from the existing paint to the new paint. Brush away any debris with a soft bristle brush and then you're ready to move on to paint color matching and painting. Depending on the application sometimes I use a brush on primer prior to painting. I let brush on primer dry for 24 hours +. Once you have completed painting and are satisfied with the work I recommend sealing the restored areas with matte varnish if not the whole figure. I hope this helps and I wish you luck if you decide to go for it.

Joe

 

[jomartvr]

Hi Joe,

Thank you for your note. I emailed KC on Sunday to ask them what brand/s and color/s were used to paint Wingate. I received a response on Monday that they would get back to me with this information. I am still waiting.

I am currently thinking of repainting Wingate. If I can find the references I will change the color of the uniform to comport with the one that he wore in Palestine during the British Mandate.

Best wishes,
Benjamin

 

[jomartvr]

Pearl at KC sent to me the information that I needed for repainting this figure.
Benjamin

 

[joesgis]

Pearl at KC sent to me the information that I needed for repainting this figure.
Benjamin

Excellent news Benjamin!
It's nice to hear of good customer service like that!
If you need any additional support just let me know.

Cheers,
Joe