How can I paint those tiny little details like eyes?
First, make sure you have some tiny, clean brushes that come to a good point. Use only a small dab of paint on the brush. Beyond that, it takes practice, a steady hand, and luck. I often paint an eye poorly, then cover over with a new base coat, and (read more...)
What is primer?
I always prime a piece before painting. Most of the time I’ll use Testor’s Dullcote as an “invisible” primer. It creates a bit of texture, allowing the paint to “grab” on. Without it, water-based acrylics can react in unexpected ways. On occasion I’ll use a white or grey primer, if (read more...)
Should I spray my figures grey? White? Black?
Most of the time I will prime a figure with Testor’s Dullcote. It acts as an “invisible” primer. But occasionally I will prime with white or grey. In unusual circumstances I might follow with a solid color, depending on the depending on the color scheme at hand. On really rare (read more...)
Can I use spray paint to paint my figures?
Yes and no. Obviously, you’ll want to use spray primers, as explained above. I’ll sometimes apply spray paint to a large area that requires a single color. However, this can be tricky. It often requires masking off other parts of the figure. Also, most spray colors do not come in (read more...)
What is Dull Cote?
Dull Cote will become your best friend when you’ve finished a project. It’s a matte sealer produced by Testors. (The company that makes enamel paints for models.) A few sprays of Dull Cote and your figure will have a smooth, even finish. Dull Cote is great for bringing paints of (read more...)
Where can I purchase Dull Cote?
Most hobby stores that carry Testors products will have it. You can also learn more about Dull Cote via the Testors site. (read more...)
Where can I find stands for my figures?
The black foot-peg stands seen throughout this site were purchased directly from a dealer at a comic book/sci-fi convention many years ago. They can still be found online. DC Direct and NECA have been know to sell their own branded versions. I also use Kaiser brand doll stands. Or sometimes (read more...)
What do I need to start customizing?
Lots of patience. It doesn’t happen at once. Start with some simple projects (repaints) and then take on more difficult chores. Also, I recommend you visit the sites of numerous customizers. Most will give a fairly detailed accounting of the techniques they use, and most are also happy to answer (read more...)
What materials do I need to start customizing?
There is no simple answer to that question, and every customizer will answer differently. Some basics include: X-acto knife & mat knife Superglue Acrylic paints Paint brushes Sculpting medium Sandpaper Pprimer Ultimately, one could get by with the above list. However, in the interest of sanity, I highly recommend some (read more...)
What is a an X-acto knife and mat knife?
These are both fairly common tools, found in hobby, art, and hardware stores. An X-acto knife is a small, fine blade. (Available in a variety of sizes and shapes.) It’s excellent for sculpting and slicing small parts. A mat knife, sometimes called a utility knife or box cutter, is a (read more...)
Easy: A simple parts swap. Little if any paint.
Basic: Some modified parts. Mostly a new paint job.
Moderate: New and modified parts.
Skilled: Lots of new and modified parts. “Frankensteining” often involved.
Advanced: All of the above, plus a great deal of original sculpting.