Any suggestions/tips for creating nice rub effects on vinyl similiar to the black & white tecnique that skull toys did on little real head minis etc.

If you want the under-color to be different than the color of the vinyl, your first step will be to put down 2 – 3 fine coats of your base color, then follow that with 2-3 coats of sealer; you want it well-sealed so that only the top color will rub off when you get to that step. Then go ahead and spray or brush on a layer of acrylic for your top color (use acrylic rather than an intended-for-vinyl paint like MK or VC, as it will rub off easier); just enough so that it’s relatively even and opaque. Let it dry, but don’t seal. Put on some gloves, take some isopropyl alcohol and a rag, and go to town. Work over the whole piece, going gently at first so you can gauge how easily the top coat is going to come off- you don’t want to strip off more than you mean to. When you're satisifed, seal it all up!

If you want the under-color to be the color of the naked vinyl, just skip step one above.

Have fun!

Cel vinyl works great for rubs in regards to the alcohol rubdown

does it require a final clear coat? i want to use something where i don't have to clear coat.

i thought this thread was about something else

Yeah it will probably need clear coat

You know, unless you are displaying this toy in extremes of temperature or light, the paint will hold out and stay on/look just fine for as many years as you'll probably own it without any clearcoat... but I guess now I'm curious as to why you wouldn't want to seal with a clearcoat.

Perfect