Spec me some paint...

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Ok so this isn't quite a spec for scale modelling but you guys are the ones who will know

I am soon to receive my

https://uk.hasbropulse.com/products/nerf-lmtd-aliens-m41-a-blaster

As such it was always the plan to paint it and wall mount it in my office.
I have been a massive aliens fan since I first saw the movie and have missed previous opportunities to get hold of a closer to realistic model
Now they seem to make everything in obviously not a real gun colours which is fine but I don't plan of taking it out anywhere it will just get wall mounted in my office so I am more than willing to face an annoyed copper should that ever come to pass

So I am looking for advice, mainly on the paints that would give a close to authentic colour but also a little on prep

Do the modern paints need any special prep, or are they fine with just primer onto plastic? (bear in mind it wont get wear, just occasional dusting I guess)

This clip being a decent close up leads me to a basic scheme of a dark military green, and black scheme with a small amount of something like gun metal grey? (looks like the spent shell casing is supposed to be metal with much of the gun i guess high tech materials)


Looks like there will be probably transfers to remove from the nerf as well.

I saw some of plas posts and particularly the Phantom 2 which has a kind of sheen to it (over coat?) which seems to match the kind of sheen the M41a gives off in the above clip

I am kind of leaning to it looking like a new gun as opposed to one thats been in action so was thinking nothing heavy in regards wear or anything like that.

Any thoughts suggestions well appreciated. been a very long time (like 35 years) since I painted anything any we were mainly using enamels at that point!

Oh I guess last point, is it worth considering a small airbrush for this or will brushes be ok?
Bear in mind I wouldnt be experienced with an airbrush it could actually make it harder.
 
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@Mercenary Keyboard Warrior I am by no means an expert and currently spend way more time watching YT painting vids than actually painting due to practical restraints.

If you do not intend to paint anything else, I wouldn't over invest in equipment. I might be worth considering rattle can primers and spray colours (even car based stuff from Halfords), so long as they are acrylics, for the primary surface work. You can easily mask off any areas that you want to protect and allow you to do different shades etc.

You could then go in with more specialist effects, weathering powders, oils etc. by brush before sealing the work, reapplying any stickers and final seal.

It may be worth having a search on YouTube for Nerf repaints and the like. Adam Savage has done custom builds before so has probably painted them too.

Also, I am gutted I didn’t see that last year. Looks fantastic even in 'play' colours and I can't wait to see what you can achieve. Aliens is one of my all time favourite films and I got my daughter hooked on it. Most of her friends are now coming around to it as a Halloween movie night staple (young uns' eh).
 
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Send it to me I'll paint it for you.

But basically rattle can it a base colour

Dry brush the edges.

Wash the recesses.

Then take a sponge with light amount paint and weather it, orange for rust and metallic silver in places for fresh scratches.

Can do some more with a brush after.

If you do a good enough job 100% without picking it up to feel the weight you'd never know it was made of plastic.
 
As mentioned above Adam Savage youtube channel is freaking amazing.

Also might open a bag of worms here same as Solos Coat in Empire.

Prop accurate or on screen? Brown bess or green haha?
 

Part of Adam's Aliens Colonial Marine armour build. Lists the colours used in the description.

[edit]
And this video at 34:40 has Adam's M41A Pulse Rifle in it.

And some nice reference images for an Aliens/Alien 3 screen used one from the Royal Armories.

 
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Liking the look of this even though its not a nerf


Never heard of rub n buff but that looks good to get the metal sheen, UK equivalent or is that same stuff good
(if anyone is still following this)

tempted by Nato black

but still not sure if I should go enamel or stick to waterbased


or https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01L0A1...2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&smid=AYUKZ891D7FLE

thinking for primer https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009163...0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&smid=A17DLE79GYOEO5&th=1

but should I aim for a completely diff colour like grey
 
Oh man I've just completed my office and I'm looking at painting mine to go on the wall. I'll see how yours comes out first

Edit: it's gotta be brown Bess over olive green imo
 
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