First Painting and Restoration (1 Viewer)

[rcapps]

Hello all, below is my first attempt to paint a toy soldier. For my first attempt I decided to restore an old 1930s Grey Iron West Point Cadet.

It might not be the best idea to remove paint from these old guys because I am sure it lowers the value of the original soldier. However, I wanted to start with something simple as I have never painted before, with the exception of walls. You can pick these individual soldiers up on eBay for around $10.00 making them the perfect candidate since they are inexpensive and were originally painted with a rather childish look.

I would like to continue painting as I found it quite enjoyable. Now that I have posted my first attempt I would like any tips or constructive criticism you may have to offer. Thanks...

Robert

Original Painted Figure

Paint Removed

Primed Figure

New Paint

Gloss Coat

 

[rcapps]

Final picture of the before and after.

Before and After

 

[mikemiller1955]

Wow...what a difference...that's beautiful...great job.

 

[aujj65]

Robert,

Very good for a first attempt

Jeff

 

[Scott]

Nice painting. I repainted a few of the pirates like these and yes it spoils the resale. BUT you will probably enjoy your own work more than the few bucks you might get selling them.

 

[beating retreat]

Very nice clean finish, well done on your first attempt,keep up the good work

Regards John

 

[Leadmen]

Nice re-painting Robert. The cadet looks like a new figure. I have restored many Dimestore figures and find it rewarding. Some figures that are not badly damaged look better repainted. Eccles Brothers sell paints and parts for figure repairs. They are in Iowa and come to the Chicago Show. I still have more to paint and repair. Nice job on your painting. John

 

[theBaron]

Nicely done, Robert! You've taken a step into a broader dimension of the hobby, and I look forward to your next piece.

John's suggestion is a good one, and if you like dimestore soldiers, you've selected a category with a style and charm unique among toy soldiers. Look up the Eccles', and along with eBay, I'd look at toy soldier shows, but also at flea markets and yard sales. You can find a lot of raw material for restoration or even modification, for very reasonable prices.

Well done, prost!
Brad

 

[Mardasson]

Very well done Robert !

 

[PJDeluhery]

Very nicely done.

Don't worry about diminishing the value - just have fun and improve your skills. Unless you restore a "classic" or very rare piece, the impact on value IMHO is minimal...AND you now have something attractive in your display case.

 

[skeeterbuck]

Nice painting. I repainted a few of the pirates like these and yes it spoils the resale. BUT you will probably enjoy your own work more than the few bucks you might get selling them.

I would disagree that it spoils the resale value. Unless it's a very rare figure I think that if you paid $10 for the figure in that poor condition that it is still worth $10 in the re-painted condition not to mention that its now much more presentable.

This is Robert's first attempt, but a professional restoration of a figure in that poor condition would be worth more than $10. IMHO anyway.

Chuck

 

[skeeterbuck]

Final picture of the before and after.

Before and After

Robert, A few suggestions. First you should paint the visor & waist belt black like on the original. To my eye it looks unfinished like it is. Second, if you do other re-paints, try and match the shade/tone of the paint closer. In this example the gray & flesh color should be darker. You may have to mix the colors.
I agree with Jeff that this is a very good first attempt and that you are on your way to a whole other side of our hobby.

Good luck!

Chuck

 

[theBaron]

I agree with the others about the value of the figure and restoring it. In the case of dimestore toy soldiers, you can actually enhance the value by restoring it. There's a small group of collectors who do restorations and conversions, using old Barclay or Manoil figures, for example, and I see those selling for decent prices at shows. Often you can get your raw materials-old figures that have survivied backyard campaigns but are missing parts, especially the tin hat-at bargain prices, add your work to it, and sell the figures at a tidy profit.

Of course, the process and the result are rewarding enough, to me

Prost!
Brad

 

[Scott]

There's that.

He's done a really good job.