Painting Mannequins (By Request!)

[BenVK]

Great work Mark, looks like a lot of fun too. I might just give it a go. One question though, don't you worry about the paint, laquer etc effecting the material of the caps?

[NZMark]

Hi Ben,
That's a good question. If the 'head' was left in a raw painted state, I'd have concerns about the abrasive action of caps/hats/helmets over a period of time - but with the final layers of lacquer, (which dries rock hard), there is no chance of that happening. I've carted my mannequins about to shows, and they've taken some hard knocks - the paint doesn't wear off - if hit, it 'chips'. (GASP!)
Cheers!
Mark.

[NZMark]

By the way, if anyone wants to post examples of their own style of mannequin painting, please feel free - let's see how others bring their 'boys' to life
Mark.

[spectre]

Mark,
I just finished going thru your 17 page collection thread and all I can is WOW!!

You are a very talented and blessed collector. Your mannequin painting is awesome and very realistic. I really enjoy the displays of the troops in full gear (great focus!! ) So many people are focused on officer this and officer that, that they miss how cool it is to have a squad of fully decked out Afrika korps grunts!!

Congratulations on a magnificent collection and an inspiration to a lot of us here.

Alan
(airborne infantry '81-'85)

[tex]

Hello Mark, beautyfull mannequins!
Since you are very good in making the mannequins more real life, i was wondering if you have an idea how to get this shiny thing of my mannequins head.

As you can see on the photo, the eyes and mouth are far too shiny. I don't have any painting material, like paintbrush nor do have the skills. But maybe you have a simple idea the get rid of the shine and get it a bit more "real"?

Regards Jasper

[PZIV]

Great work you do here man. Just amazing.

[NZMark]

As you can see on the photo, the eyes and mouth are far too shiny. I don't have any painting material, like paintbrush nor do have the skills. But maybe you have a simple idea the get rid of the shine and get it a bit more "real"?

Regards Jasper[/QUOTE]
Jasper,
The only way I can suggest is to buy a small, cheap paint brush and a tin of Satin (or semi gloss) modellers paint. Just paint over the area's you'd like to 'tone down' the sheen on. It has the benifit of being permanent, and will not affect the materials you wish to display on the mannequin. The cost would be tiny in comparison to the annoyance of having 'ol shiny eyes' looking at you!
And lose the eye lashes
Regards,
Mark.

[tex]

Thanks for the advice Mark. I will see if i can get something at a reasonable price. But even a amature can work with paintbrush? Or does it take time before one can handle with it?
This guy was just very eager with his eye lashes. Even during the war he wants to have nice eye lashes


Jasper

[NZMark]

Hey Jasper!
The cost will be VERY cheap - I guess about $5us?? for brush and semi-gloss all up. Just practice a bit on another surface to get a 'feel' for the liquid. The good thing about the eyes and lips is that there is a border which will guide you. And don't stress about making a mistake - it's a learning experience.
Cheers,
Mark.

[tex]

I was checking for paintbrush stuff, but don't you need a compressor?

[NZMark]

I was checking for paintbrush stuff, but don't you need a compressor?

Hi Tex,
Not at all. I paint everything by brush - 1/2" for the large areas down to a fine pencil pointed one for the details. Humbrol Model Paints are great to work with, and just need to be stirred properly. As for lacquers, they have no pigment anyway. Just gently brush the semi-gloss on - it will settle smoothly. BUT - practice on a piece of scrap surface first.
Don't stress - that's the most important part!
Mark.

[tex]

Ah, so you just use a brush, that's good to hear. Well, i'll give it a try. Thanks for enlighten me

[NZMark]

[Chap15]

Mark,
Well done, I didn't know you had a thread like this.
It will help me.
What do you think about the lips on this guy. Could I sand them down.

[Chap15]

Mark,
What do you think about the ears on this guy. Would car body filler work???
Thanks.