Custom Trouble

Hi! I'm Leo,

I have just started customising schleich models again. Does anyone know a way to make pastel transfer well on to a model? Right now I paint the model with a acrylic base but when I brush on soft pastels it does not transfer.

i'v read a bit but most people suggest produces that will make the model glossy which is a look i dont really like.
Any suggestions?

An acrylic base sounds like a good start.
I use a workable fixative for inbetween the pastel layers and that works really good (and it's not glossy)

Have you primered the model first? You will want to spray the model with primer (or you can paint on thin layers of gesso) before adding paint It's also important to note that it's going to take several layers of pastel in order to see any major difference. Seal each layer, let dry, then "paint" on another layer. Start light and gradually bring in darker colors. Adding too much of a darker color at one time will cause the paintjob to appear grainy. You will also get a grainy, muddled mess without sealing each layer in between. I would recommend waiting at least 30-45 minutes for the sealer to try before applying the next layer. Pastels take a lot of layers and tons of patience

Welcome here

Ahhh thank you for all the tips, I'll be sure to try them.

Welcome here, Leo

I am sure you can find good help here with so many great re-painters around

If you don't like glossy look, use a varnish with matt finish, you can add gloss on the eyes later if you like it

Ana wrote:

If you don't like glossy look, use a varnish with matt finish, you can add gloss on the eyes later if you like it

WOW ! That is a good idea ! I will steal it, if you don't mind

SUSANNE wrote:

Ana wrote:

If you don't like glossy look, use a varnish with matt finish, you can add gloss on the eyes later if you like it

WOW ! That is a good idea ! I will steal it, if you don't mind

I feel a bit of irony in your comment, Susanne

Sorry if I didn't explain it more clearly. There are several kinds of varnish sprays, often the same company produces 3 versions like matt, glossy and satin. A nice example is Valejo, I use them most of the time. My favorite is satin but I recently started trying matt and it's good too, gives a very matt finish. For the gloss (for eyes) the simplest (and often cheapest) solution is transparent nail polish.

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Thankyou, Anna

Thank you for all the tips, I'll post the finished result as soon as I finished (only have 1 more model to go) the tips have helped me out.

Leo_Tho wrote:

... 'll post the finished result as soon as I finished (only have 1 more model to go) the tips have helped me out.

I'm very curious what the results will look like