Painting Custom Yamato VF1

[sreichma]

I'd like to paint a VF1 in a custom scheme I've been thinking. If I can not locate one of the assembled unpainted kits (most I see are unassembled) I was thinking of picking up a cannon fodder VF1 because their low cost and painting it. My question for those of you who are elite at this is (because I'm smart enough to be humble) Do I need to to do any prep on the paint or will the custom colors go over the brown? If not is sanding with 200 grit an option like a car? Or would I be better off to pick up one of the lower cost version 2 DYRL VF1A's as they are white and would that be easier to custom paint?