Question about custom painted pets

[falenn]

I'm curious as to what type or brand of paint do people use to custom paint their pets?. And what is used to make them glossy/shine. Can you buy the stuff at Michaels? I have a few doubles and would love to try one out.
Thanks

[mrs"e"]

Everyone is different, but I use Apple Barrel paints. They are super cheap, and you can find them at Wal-Mart, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby.
To make that shine, well I don't do that so much. I seal the paint job with Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear Protective Non-Yellowing Finish. But it doesn't look very shiny.
I know what other's use to make that shine, but I'm not giving it away. Sworn to secrecy!
What are you planning on painting?
Can't wait to see.

[falenn]

Aug 8, 2008 12:30:07 GMT -5 mrs"e" said:

Everyone is different, but I use Apple Barrel paints. They are super cheap, and you can find them at Wal-Mart, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby.
To make that shine, well I don't do that so much. I seal the paint job with Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear Protective Non-Yellowing Finish. But it doesn't look very shiny.
I know what other's use to make that shine, but I'm not giving it away. Sworn to secrecy!
What are you planning on painting?
Can't wait to see.

thanks a bunch! i have no idea what im going to paint just yet. i just thought it might be kinda fun 'designing' your own paint w/the colors you want but just wasnt sure how or what i need to do it.
So do you double coat them with paint? and if so... let the first coat dry first before adding the double coat? and just use a fine paint brush?
I want to try one just to see if i can do it but it's for my personal use....I have no intention on selling them.
thanks again.

[tookmo]

I know the first time my daughter and I used acrylic paints by Deco Art, Apple Blossom and Folk Art. We purchased some multi packs for all the colors and now we have bottles of it for our Garden Gnomes and Friends.

SILLY PUTTY is our friend for covering up the eyes. LPS Board rocks with advise! The eyes are so hard to do. I couldn't believe how hard it was to find Silly Putty, but it's at Toys R Us but its hanging on an endcap or down an isle.

We use a finishing sealant. Sculpey has both a gloss and satin lacquer that you brush on. There are many different types of sprays from matte to extra glossy. Of course, these are all available in the same isle at Michaels and scattered at Walmart. Dollar sale at Michael's is great for paint and fimo/sculpey clay for customs.

My daughter did Miley Cyrus and Hanna Montana out of 2 of the kitties with hair. One strand was pink and blonde and the other kittie was brown. I dabbled in orange and golds to make a ginger kitty with the East Indies feel to her.

It's fun and what's great, if you make a mistake, you can always get some primer spray and spray it all over and start painting all over. It's addictive. Once you dabble, you'll never be the same again.

Good Luck! Have lots of fun! Patience is the key to enjoyment! <>< FUN! FUN! FUN!

[mrs"e"]

falenn, the amount of paint coats depends on the painter. Everyone has a different style. I do dry-brushing. That means I put a little amount on the brush and do so many coats, it's annoying. I hope to one day do a youtube video of a custom. Like I said before, everyone has a different style, and mine may not be the right one for you. But I hope I've helped.
Good luck, I can't wait to see your work.

[falenn]

thanks Mrs "e" and Joan. i hope to try it out soon.
Joan... how do you use silly putty for the eyes? I thought you just repaint them.

[tookmo]

I roll a small ball of the silly putty and push the ball flat covering the eye. Then you can paint by it without the paint dripping into the eye. When you are finished, you simply peel off the silly putty and the eyes are protected.

Good Luck! <><

[falenn]

great idea tookmo on the silly putty. i could see how that would be hard to find.

I went to Walmart and bought some acrylic paints there's 12 different colors from Prism for $2.50 and i bought a couple of 2 oz tubes from FolkArt, some paintbrushes and little palette in case i need it. I will get the sealant at Michaels. I now have to brainstorm what animal and what exactly I want to create.

I have one more question...to not mess up the bottom area of the pet. Do you start at the bottom of the pet first then work your self up?

[mrs"e"]

Yes, you'll have to start with either the top half or bottom half of the pet. Allow PLENTY of time to dry before you attempt to paint the other half. You'll get so mad if you smash your fingerprint in the paint. So allow hours, at least. I usually start with the head, but it may be just out of habit, as opposed to strategy.

[♥ Kathryn ♥]

Can't wait to see one of your customs, falenn!

[lpscollector4life]

like to make an animal such as a rhino or whatnot, how do you make and glue on the horn? i have made some cute ideas with my doubles and want to make pets i think are cute that if people like, will sell them and make in whatever color.

[mrs"e"]

I use super glue.