Topic: How to paint players?

[FoosApprentice]

Hi all,
I've recently purchased a foosball table for my family and the kids have requested that I paint the players.  Just wondering if anyone has experience with this and is willing to provide some recommendations?  I imagine paint could easily chip off during game play if not done correctly.  The players are Garlando plastic fused onto the rods.  Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

[alaskan thunder]

I know on certain tables, automotive paint works well. I don't know much about Garlando tables but if the men are plastic, why would you need to paint them? Plastic is usually the same color all the way through, isn't it?

[FoosApprentice]

Thanks for the tip on automative paint - the kids want me to paint the faces, hair, jerseys etc to make the players more lifelike!  I used to paint models/figurines as a kid, so could do it, just thought someone might have advice on primers and varnish or lacquer to help protect the paint.  I've seen plenty of pics of vintage tables with hand-painted players...

[kgstewar]

My only experience is painting aluminum Bonzini figurines. I used some automotive paint, which worked very well, and I used plain old Testors enamel, which worked fine but is not quite as glossy as the auto paint. They are both very durable and do not need a clear coat on top of them. The auto paint may have some solvents that could damage the plastic so if you go that route, do a test on a small area first.

To draw on eyes, mouth, etc. I used extra fine Deco color enamel paint pens (red and black).