How do I use gel medium to affix emblems on figures?
This is known as decoupage, and there are a number of ways to go about this. (There are also many other customizers out there who are higher authorities on this subject.) In general, you’ll want to apply some of the gel medium to the back of the paper emblem, and (read more...)
What is Super Sculpey?
Sculpey and Super Sculpey are popular sculpting mediums easily available at most hobby/craft stores. It requires heat to cure, so the sculpt time is not limited. It allows for very fine detail work (especially Super Sculpey), and is easily shaped. However, once cured it can be very fragile. Don’t drop (read more...)
What is styrene?
Styrene is a type of plastic, most commonly found in model kits. It’s also available in raw sheets, rods, and tubes, in various sizes and textures. Styrene can usually be found in hobby shops. (read more...)
Where can I purchase Super Sculpey?
Most art and craft stores carry Sculpey products. (read more...)
What is MagicSculpt?
MagicSculpt is yet another two-part sculpting compound, like Plumbers Epoxy. By mixing equal parts of the two dough-like substances, you create a pliable sculpting medium. It takes at least four hours to cure. Cured MagicSculpt is not unlike rock. This is my sculpting medium of choice now. It’s relatively easy (read more...)
Where can I purchase MagicSculpt?
I’ve only bought the stuff online. I’ve never seen it in a store of any kind. I found the best prices tend to be taxidermy suppliers. Most recently I’ve ordered from McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. (read more...)
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...)
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.