Paints on Plastic Atlantic Toy Soldiers (1 Viewer)

[hotel3alpha]

Gents,

So I picked up some Romans from Atlantic Toy soldiers still on Spue and I dig them. I have never forayed into Plastic and painting and was looking for a little guidance on some practice pieces.

Thanks so much,

John from Texas

 

[THE SHOOTIST]

Scrub them with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Spray on a couple coats of Krylon "Plastic Primer" available at Hope Depot/Lowes/Tru-Value etc.
Then, paint away, and don't forget to post pictures!

 

[theBaron]

I agree with cleaning them before painting; this step removes any mold release compounds or other grease and oils. But I'll be more specific--you want something like dishwashing liquid, or even a de-greaser. I use SuperClean, myself, just a couple of drops in a pan of warm water is sufficient. Scrub gently with the old toothbrush.

I used to use automotive primer, but I've tried Tamiya's primer for scale models, and I may switch to that for painting figures. It's very finely grained, and provides good "tooth" for the finish colors, without obscuring detail, which can occur with other primers, especially if you're a little heavy with the application.

I had the Atlantic Greeks and Trojans when I was a kid, along with Airfix Romans. I remember that they were nicely detailed, but I think they were also 1/72, while the Romans were HO, so I couldn't use them together. Atlantic did some large display sets, too, if I remember correctly, such as a Coliseum.

I look forward to seeing your work, prosit!
Brad

 

[Oldallamerican]

Baron, Atlantic also made sets in a 1/32 scale (closer to 60mm, I understand, I wasn't a fan of their stuff, but did like most of their ancients).

Totally agree with others' advice on painting, one needs a good primer (I use Krylon carefully). One more step I add is to get a good acrylic spray sealant once the figure is finished to further protect the job. Depending on the finish you want you can use gloss, matte, or flat. I also suggest testing the sealant before doing a large number as I've discovered the hard way some tend to fog upon drying and dull the finish. I've had the best results with "Plaid" brand. I've bought it from Michael's, Hobby Lobby, and even Walmart. 'Hope this helps, too.

 

[blaster]

I agree with cleaning them before painting; this step removes any mold release compounds or other grease and oils. But I'll be more specific--you want something like dishwashing liquid, or even a de-greaser. I use SuperClean, myself, just a couple of drops in a pan of warm water is sufficient. Scrub gently with the old toothbrush.

I used to use automotive primer, but I've tried Tamiya's primer for scale models, and I may switch to that for painting figures. It's very finely grained, and provides good "tooth" for the finish colors, without obscuring detail, which can occur with other primers, especially if you're a little heavy with the application.

I had the Atlantic Greeks and Trojans when I was a kid, along with Airfix Romans. I remember that they were nicely detailed, but I think they were also 1/72, while the Romans were HO, so I couldn't use them together. Atlantic did some large display sets, too, if I remember correctly, such as a Coliseum.

I look forward to seeing your work, prosit!
Brad

Hi Brad,

I once had the Coliseum. The plastic deteriorated over time....

Rgds Victor

 

[theBaron]

Hi Brad,

I once had the Coliseum. The plastic deteriorated over time....

Rgds Victor

Hi, Vic! Do you recall if it was of a different plastic from the figures? For example, was it in hard styrene, like other model kits? I'd imagine it'd have had to have been. I've seen that set from time to time at shows. Not one of my areas of collecting, but I've always thought it was an interesting set.

Prosit!
Brad

 

[Colebraden2011]

Gents,

So I picked up some Romans from Atlantic Toy soldiers still on Spue and I dig them. I have never forayed into Plastic and painting and was looking for a little guidance on some practice pieces.

Thanks so much,

John from Texas

I have not had much luck with sprays so I generally tend to avoid them so I use a simple mixture of elmer's glue and acrylic paint. A little less glue than paint does the trick for me. Just make sure not to gob it on there.
The benefits include: Cheap, easy to use, dries in about 45 minutes, flexible so doesn't chip when parts bend, can use any color you want with the glue.
So far, I have not had any issues with it chipping or whatever else. Just make sure to clean the brushes THOROUGHLY or the glue will dry on there and ruin the brush. I use scalding hot water and soak them overnight (not sure if that is necessary, however)
Good luck and post pictures!

 

[hotel3alpha]

Gents,

I am humbled by your expertise. Thank you for your advice one and all!!!

John From Texas

 

[theBaron]

Lots of years of making mistakes and learning from them, my friend! I hope it helps you, prosit!
Brad