Things You'll Need
Instructions
Take several pictures of each carousel horse to make it easier to match paints. Visit your home center and purchase small containers of acrylic paint in the original colors of the horses, and a gallon of acrylic clear coat.
Gently pry off the glass eyes by using a small flat screwdriver. Stop and wriggle an eye back and forth if it is difficult to remove. Continue using the screwdriver and wriggling method to remove all glass eyes.
Read the directions on the packaging of the chemical stripper. Take care to follow all precautions.
Put on safety goggles and gloves then apply the chemical stripper per the product directions. Allow the stripper to sit for the amount of time recommended.
Remove the paint from the horse by gently by rubbing it with old rags. Take a fine bristled toothbrush and gently remove old paint out of ridges or detailed areas on the carousel horse.
Fill up a small bucket a few inches with mineral spirits. Submerge a towel into the mineral spirits and slightly wring out excess moisture. Wipe the entire area of the horse down with the towel to remove any traces of old paint or chemical stripper. This will ensure that the fresh paint will stick. Use a fresh towel when the first towel becomes sticky and covered in old paint. Allow the surface to dry for 45 minutes.
Look over the carousel horse and determine whether it is made of wood or fiberglass. Use a wood or fiberglass filler to repair blemishes. Apply the filler to any holes or cracks by following the product instructions. Use fine grit sand paper to smooth any blemishes.
Apply a primer to the entire surface with a medium sized paintbrush and allow the coat to fully dry. Apply a second coat the next day.
Refer to the picture that you took of the horse and paint the entire animal in the original colors with an acrylic paint. Allow the paint to fully dry for 24 hours and then apply a second coat.
Use a small detail paintbrush and paint in the fine points on the mouth, mane and saddle.
Read the directions for the clear coat product and follow them for application.
Repeat previous steps for all carousel horses.