Dollieh Sanctuary

If they knew what was in the bag they'd be jealous.


Then comes the question as the motorhome isn't in "collector condition" between fading stickers and a couple of cracks in the frame should I put serious thought in to repainting it? Do I go psychedelic freakout Magic Bus or black and metallic space ship remembering all the time this is Barbie plastic and it's a beyotch to paint.

*cries* You are just CRUEL showing me that....


Well, I've been planning to use it was a freak out magic bus. So yeah, make my dreams come true

Any tips on what to paint it with? Everything I've tried on Barbie plastic so far has peeled off.

There are base coats that can make acrylic paint stick better to plastic. Also, if you really aren't fussed about resale value, you can sand the whole surface with very fine sandpaper to give the plastic more "tooth" to hold on to paint.

DollyKim wrote:Any tips on what to paint it with? Everything I've tried on Barbie plastic so far has peeled off.

Kim, it's been well over 30 years since I've seen one of those in person, so I can't remember if they're made from polystyrene or polyethylene. If it's the latter, Krylon Fusion spray paint will work. It'll work on styrene too but styrene is easier to paint with just about any solvent-based enamel. Use Goo Gone to remove the decals, give it a thorough wipe down with rubbing alcohol and a warm soapy bath wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

When you're working on something this size, it's good idea to use rubber nitrile gloves and maybe even a respirator when cleaning it with rubbing alcohol. In the quantities used, you can end up with a contact buzz, as I discovered when I was refurbishing a 21st Century Toy helicopter a few years ago.

BTW, if it were an accurate 1/6 scale tank, THEN they'd be jealous! The current motor pool here at Chez Mlatch is already busting at the seams and a lot has too be kept stored away and/or disassembled due to space restrictions.

The van its self is hard and stiff but thin, the seats and innards are a bit more flexible. It definitely needs a bath. Might make a good photo story get some dolls to do the work.

My previous attempt at repainting with Krylon Fusion had the paint flaking then peeling off without sticking. Any work would be done outside. If I laze out I can just take the Barbie pic off and put a Great Space Coaster logo on it, you're welcome for the ear worm.

*turns the monitor away from her dolls*

I still owe someone a bike. Curious to see what it looks like inside

embyquinn wrote:There are base coats that can make acrylic paint stick better to plastic. Also, if you really aren't fussed about resale value, you can sand the whole surface with very fine sandpaper to give the plastic more "tooth" to hold on to paint.

I've used plain grey spray primer on dolly furniture, etc. before. It's certainly worth a try here.

To remove stickers, I always heat them up with a hairdryer and slowly peel them off.