Customizing w/blank mugg's. Q's and hopefully some A's.

[FishRockette]

So I'm getting set to begin work on my blank blank, if all goes well I'm going to try my genius idea on the white blank I own. The reason I'm asking these questions here is because I think a lot of previous questions/answers that are similar to mine are asked about muggs that are NOT blanks.

1. Do I have to prime a blank mugg other than washing it? I mean, I paid for a blank one, I'm gonna be pissed if I have to prime it too. PLEASE tell me someone has tested this!

2. Can I use blue painters tape since I don't have any paint to pull off just yet? Hobby Lobby had this special model masking tape, but it was SUPER skinny and cost $7 and I smelled a rip off.

3. What position should I put the arms in before painting them? Or does it even matter?

4. I'm painting black on top of my black, is that stupid? I just want to make sure it all matches, because I'm also painting on some silver and skin tone, etc. I figured the paint matte/gloss levels should match.

THANKS! I'm super eager to start! My mock up has been ready for a while and I can't start masking until I get answers! :D

[atgscl]

1. Nope. I washed mine with soap and water and then dried it with a hair dryer. (water can get inside the mugg so be careful)
2.yes. blue painters tape works fine, even if there is paint under it.
3.I dont think it matters but when the arms move, the paint around them can get scraped off sometimes.
4.thats not stupid. If you dont paint the whole thing black, they wil look different. one will probably be more glossy in the end.

cant wait to see the custom mugg! (btw, if you dont mind telling, who is it gonna be?)

[FishRockette]

It's a Catwoman based on Pfeiffer's take. I studied that suit like crazy! I'm ready! Lol, if I can just get it to translate from paper to plastic!

[FishRockette]

Oh and thanks! That helps a ton! I'm distracted by Big Bang Theory right now.