What sculpting medium do you use?
Depending on the requirements, I use plumber’s epoxy, MagicSculpt, Pro Create, and Super Sculpey. Plumber’s epoxy is fairly rough stuff. It’s not easy to sculpt small details with it. Plus, it’s fairly sticky and cures in about five minutes. I use it to fill in large holes. My primary sculpting (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 is Alumilite?
Alumilite is a two part liquid compound. When mixed, it turns solid in about three minutes. When solid, it has a consistency very much like ABS (hard) plastic. It can be easily sanded and painted. It’s an excellent casting agent for use with simple molds. A number of the heads (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...)
Where can I purchase Alumilite?
Some art and hobby stores will carry Alumilite. However, I have been known to order directly from the manufacturer, alumilite.com. (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...)
How do I make a mold for casting?
I am lousy at making molds! I cannot do this question justice. But the internet is chock full of information about. (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...)
What are “various sharp pointy things?”
When sculpting, you’ll find the best tools are whatever you have at hand. The truth is, you never know what you might need. I keep a selection of old dental picks, pens, letter openers, tooth picks, etc. on hand whenever I’m sculpting. (I recently discovered computer supply stores sell packs (read more...)
What is a Dremel?
A Dremel is a marvelous, multi-use tool available in most home improvement stores. It’s a small rotational motor. Dremels are designed to be used with numerous bits serving different purposes. It can act as a drill, a sander, a grinder, a small saw, a polisher, etc. It’s great for eating (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.