Inanimate Objects » Tools & Materials

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...)

Where can I purchase raw vinyl?

Clear raw vinyl can usually be found at better fabric stores. It’s usually pretty darned cheap, too, especially if you buy the scraps. It’s available in varying thicknesses, so get a wide selection. (read more...)

What is a Dremel box?

A Dremel box is an ingenious apparatus that allows you to drill and sand without making a huge mess in the room you’re in. Depending on the material being altered, drilling and sanding can produce a lot of debris and dust. A Dremel box keeps most of that contained. I (read more...)