Kevin is my first Dinosaur adoption. My process was developed working with him. I used fluorescent paints Green (Leaves), Orange and Yellow (Head/Face). The other colors were gloss – Light Turquoise (Egg & Eyes), Berry Pink (Mouth), White (Teeth) and Colonial Red (Tongue). The tops of the fluorescent paint cans may lead you to believe they are gloss. However, they are not.
Unfortunately, my experience has been the fluorescents do not hold up well outdoors. After a couple of summer months, the Yellow had almost completely worn off and the Orange faded badly where it was in the sun the most. I freshened up both the Yellow & the Orange May of 2015. I did not add a clear coat for extra protection during either painting. The gloss colors still look good even without the clear coat. This time I will recoat all the paint colors and add several clear coats for extra protection.
The first picture reflects the refresh in 2015. The remaining 2 reflect Kevin’s condition before this makeover.
I started by cleaning with a dusting brush and some light sanding. Next taping off everything but the leaves and applying a number of coats of the green fluorescent paint.
Then I taped off everything that would not be painted orange. After applying several coats of the fluorescent orange paint, I uncovered the leaves and applied several coats of High Gloss Clear Coat to the green and orange areas. Then removed the tape and inspected.
Next I taped off all but the egg and painted gloss light turquoise. Removed tape and touched up green, blue and orange. Added orange to egg to give appearance of the egg gel oozing out of cracks during the hatching.
Now time to mask off all except where fluorescent yellow is to be applied. The fluorescent paints, yellow in particular work based if applied over a white base primer. After applying a few coats of the white base the yellow was added. Several coats of High Gloss Clear Coat were used to finish protection and improve lifetime of fluorescent yellow.
After the tape has been removed, it’s time to repaint/touch up Kevin’s mouth. I used a car detailing vacuum cleaner accessories and cotton swabs dipped in a little water to clean out the mouth area. The flash light assisted in confirming a proper cleaning. Artist paint brushes were used to repaint the tongue and teeth. This was accomplished by spraying the paint in the caps and dipping the artist brushes in the caps to complete the hard to reach areas. The mouth was originally Berry Pink and the tongue Colonial Red. The red seemed too dark so I changed the tongue color to Berry Pink to match the rest of the mouth. And we are Finished! Well maybe not.
After Kevin’s makeover I decided he was going to have and honored place in the house. I told you metal dinosaurs are house broken. Look for my next post “Entry Sentry” to see Kevin’s new placement.
Your comments are appreciated Thank You!