Where to Begin
Choosing the Proper Paint
Not all hobby paints are created equal. Because industrial grade vinyl paint is so hard to come by in the USA, many designer toy artists commonly substitute with automotive lacquers or model hobby paints that are made from urethane, acrylic, or enamel. These substitute paints merely sit upon the surface of the vinyl substrate and can easily be scratched off. Even moving the appendages on your toys could destroy your hard work. Why paint a toy if you can’t play with it? Unlike those hobby paints, Vinyl Wonder is formulated specifically for industrial grade durability. Our paints have the ability to penetrate the vinyl substrate, thus forming a chemical bond that won’t peel, chip, or scratch.
We have different paints for all your needs. Our standard opaque and metallic lines provide excellent coverage very quickly, allowing you to achieve brilliant sprays over even the darkest vinyl. Our fluorescent neon opaque and clear lines are UV reactive and provide a luminous pop that glows under black light. Our clear colors spray fantastically over clear and glow-in-the-dark vinyl. Clear colors are also fun to use when building up layers over white vinyl substrates. And our Multichrome colors offer a unique color-changing effect depending on the angle of the light when sprayed over black and dark-colored vinyl. Check out the video below by The Crafsman explaining the history of soft vinyl toys (sofubi) and the importance of using vinyl paint on your vinyl toys!
Choosing the Right Supplies
We’ve all heard the cliché, “it’s not the tool; it’s how you use it.” For the most part, this is true. However, using the correct tool can help the process run significantly smoother. Regarding airbrushes, there are many from which to choose. Those who rarely use the airbrush when painting vinyl may prefer a single-action airbrush to keep things simple. Here at Vinyl Wonder, we prefer dual-action Iwata brand airbrushes. Dual-action airbrushes are better for those wanting more control of both the air flow and the paint flow. The Iwata Eclipse HP-CS with a 0.35 mm nozzle/needle is an excellent dual-action airbrush that offers plenty of range, but there are many other dual-action airbrushes to choose from that are more affordable. You'll also need a decent air compressor that can handle your level of work output. If you live in an area with high humidity like we do, you may need to add a water trap and filter regulator to your set up.
For those who are painting large volumes of figures and need to lay down a lot of paint very quickly, an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray gun is a nice tool to keep in the arsenal. The Iwata AZ3HV2-15GC HVLP Spray Gun with 1.5 Nozzle is an excellent piece that's good for big projects. You will need a larger air compressor for this type of spray action. We use a 20 gallon Central Pneumatic air compressor equipped with a moisture trap filter regulator. We recommend you do your own research to find the best tools for your specific needs.