What prep is recommende for first-time PYO painter?

[WildwingSuz]

I just got my first PYO Windstone and am stoked to paint!  However, as a long-time model horse artist, I know that some materials need special prep first so I decided to ask here before starting.

I plan to do my unicorn in oils-over-acrylics.  This technique requires that I do a complete multi-layer paint job in acrylic paint and then a single coat of oils over that.

Is there any special prep I should do to the model before I begin with acrylic paint?  Is primer or gesso needed?  Also, once finished, is there a particular type of fixative recommended?  I generally use Krylon Workable Fixative while in progress and finish with Dull Cote.

I’m not going to paint the horn so I plan to cover it with blue painter’s tape.  In fact, the unicorn is going to be black silver dapple with mane, tail, and hooves matching the silver of the horn.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.  This is my first, but far from last, PYO Windstone, I can guarantee that.

[etruscan]

I’m not a painter, but I do know that oils are not recommended for Windstones.  The gypsum needs to “breathe”.  Acrylics should be fine.

[StormDancer]

Personally I rarely “prime” Windstones although I know that some prefer a base coat of acryllic as the first coat can be “sucked up” a bit by the gypsum. I only use a base coat if I need it for undershading of another color. To seal mine I use 2 or 3 layers of clear coat spray, generally Kyrlon clear coat in the semi gloss or satin.

 

Looking for:
"COSMIC SHIFT DRAGONS and KI-RINS" and the "OCTOPUS TANUKI TEST PAINT #1"

[etruscan]

I am sure that information about painting PYOs used to be “stuck” at the beginning of the thread, but I don’t see it now.  I have found these old threads:

https://windstoneeditions.com/topic/brand-names-list/

https://windstoneeditions.com/topic/tips-tricks-and-shenanigans-appreciated/

https://windstoneeditions.com/topic/antiquing-question/

https://windstoneeditions.com/topic/step-by-step-tutorials/

[WildwingSuz]

Thank you regarding oil paint.  I hadn’t heard that so I’m glad you mentioned it.  I’ll do straight acrylic, although I sure do love my oils for blending.

[WildwingSuz]

etruscan wrote:

I am sure that information about painting PYOs used to be “stuck” at the beginning of the thread, but I don’t see it now. I have found these old threads:

Brand Names List

Tips, Tricks, and Shenanigans appreciated!

Antiquing Question!

Step by step tutorials?

These are perfect, thanks.  I had tried to do a search for this topic in older threads but had no luck.

I’ll do two base coats of a flat tan acrylic as the undercoat and then start shading darker.  I use a varied mix of paints from cheap to expensive, craft to artist, so I’ll keep all this advice in mind in case I run into trouble.

[Landipan]

I know some people will prime there PYOs before starting paint, but I just go straight in since I know I’ll be doing lots of fixing of the color and it’ll end up being several layers anyway xD Also, yes to what was said before, oils are a no no for PYOs sadly.

Can’t wait to see your finished Unicorn! I love that sculpt!

*Formerly meowmix101
Not currently open for PYO commissions.

[Kim]

I don’t use a base coat when I paint pyos but I usually do 2-3 coats of acrylic paint anyway so don’t want the paint to be too thick.  I have both spray on Krylon clear coat and a brush on in semi gloss and gloss.  You can use matte too but most Windstones look nice with a semi gloss to show off the details more.

Looking for rainbow or pink & teal grab bags!

[Author]

Posts