Painting/Dying Parts?

[MrSnapwalk]

Hi,
So, I was planning on getting some of these Galaxy Patrol armor pieces (pic below to jog your memory) for a new army, but there's one problem: they're dark blue with classic space logos on the shoulders, and I need plain black, no printing.


I've thought about painting them, but have heard that paint wears away with heavy use (aka BrikWars). I've also heard about dyes, but can't find out much about them with a simple internet search. Does anyone have any experience with these methods, and if so, any advice on which one to choose?

[Robot Monkey]

I'd say use matte/shiny (depending on the look you're going for) black paint, then spray over it with paint sealant. That should keep the paint on, even after heavy use.

[piltogg]

make sure not to paint over any parts that need connection. The thickness of the paint is enough to stop the parts from properly functioning in in some cases.

[Keldoclock]

I would strongly suggest you employ some masking tape and a very sharp knife to protect the Classic Space logos. Think how fucking sweet that would look, silver on glossy black!

[Silverdream]

All I can say is that Sharpie usually looks horrible.

[IVhorseman]

I sharpied a halberd black just fine.

[Zupponn]

Do not use glue. That won't work.

[Zahru II]

>painting lego

[Lord Mercat]

Use Vinyl Dye. It actually seeps into the plastic itself so that the color won't wear away over time, and so that there isn't that frustrating extra layer of paint on the piece that is susceptible to scratching/wear. I believe stubby posted a link to a guide on vinyl dye a while back, but I don't remember where it is.

EDIT- found it- just follow this link, it'll teach you all you need to know- http://www.minifigcustoms.com/node/5407

[MrSnapwalk]

I would strongly suggest you employ some masking tape and a very sharp knife to protect the Classic Space logos. Think how fucking sweet that would look, silver on glossy black!

My god, that would look awesome. I was just going to paint it black, but that would be even cooler!

Use Vinyl Dye. It actually seeps into the plastic itself so that the color won't wear away over time, and so that there isn't that frustrating extra layer of paint on the piece that is susceptible to scratching/wear. I believe stubby posted a link to a guide on vinyl dye a while back, but I don't remember where it is.

I would use this technique, but I want to preserve that classic space logo on the shoulders. Sorry!

[aoffan23]

I was just going to paint it black!

Thanks, now I can't get that song out of my head.

[morganm]

Use Vinyl Dye. It actually seeps into the plastic itself so that the color won't wear away over time, and so that there isn't that frustrating extra layer of paint on the piece that is susceptible to scratching/wear. I believe stubby posted a link to a guide on vinyl dye a while back, but I don't remember where it is.

EDIT- found it- just follow this link, it'll teach you all you need to know- http://www.minifigcustoms.com/node/5407

This is the ONLY way to do it with out enraging the Stud God.

Here's another really helpful thread: http://www.mobileframehangar.com/viewto ... =Vinyl+Dye

The guy actually spent the time to research and test a bunch of shit so you don't have to waste your time and money! Apparently there's some products out there that SAY they are vinyl dye and they aren't.... some say they are paint but are actually dye... just read that whole thread and go buy the correct stuff for this job.

Now get crack'n...