When making custom figures, it is important to direct attention to the smallest details. Good custom figures incorporate even the smallest details into the figure. Selecting the proper colors is important. Lettering and logos should look as accurate as possible. Adding items such as equipment logos and small team patches differentiate the average custom figure from the truly amazing pieces. Making goods custom figures take practice. Through practice, many customizers learn effective techniques for producing great custom pieces. This step by step
guide is provided to allow novices the ability to began producing custom figures.
1. Start by deciding which player you would like to paint.
2. Locate pictures of the player that provide various views of the facial features and uniform. See the logo/uniform section for more information regarding uniform location.
3. Select an appropriate existing piece to repaint. The original figure should look as close as possible to the desired player. Matching skins tones will save unnecessary painting later.
4. Obtain all necessary supplies before beginning. This usually includes:
- several brushes (a small brush for striping and larger brushes for uniform coloring)
- masking tape
- cleaners to remove oil and residue from the figures
- Primer spray
- acrylic paints (necessary uniform color)
- clear coat
- decal paper (optional - see decal section for more information)
- exacto knifes, sandpaper, scissors and other tools (optional)
5. Start be cleaning the figure
6. Disassemble the figure (optional). This step is necessary when different pieces (such as arms or head) are swapped onto the piece. Some customizers to prefer the entire figure to be unassembled prior to painting. To disassemble the figure, start by heating the pieces. This can be done be soaking the figure in hot water, or using a hair dryer. This softens the plastic and makes it easier to remove pieces from the figure.
7. Mask off parts that will not be painted.
8. Spray a light coat of primer over the parts that are not masked. This can be repeated until the figure has a through primer coat.
9. Start painting larger areas such as the jersey, pants and equipment. Work from lighter to darker colors.
10. If the figure has been disassembled, put the figure back together.
11. Apply any decals (optional - see decal section for more information).
12. Paint any stripping or lettering if decals are not used.
13. Spray the figure with a clear coat. Note: for best results the helmet should be done separately. Spraying the helmet separately with several clear coats before putting the helmet back gives a more realistic look.
14. Apply ground up chalk or other substances to create a dirty look.
15. Create customized packaging. (optional - see custom tips section for more information)
DECAL PAPER
Decal paper can be used rather the painting logos and lettering by hand. Logos and lettering are printed on a computer.
1. Start by locating the proper decals, stripping or lettering. If the image has any white areas, the use white decal paper. To avoid while areas between lettering, use clear decal paper. If an image requires both white and clear backgrounds, use a clear decal paper. Then cut white decal paper to fit the white areas in the decal. Place white material on your model and slide the printed image over the white decal while both decals are still wet.
2. Obtain printable decal sheets.
Try these products:
- Bel Inc. Decal Paper - http://www.beldecal.com/model_decals.cfm
3. Open the image in a graphics program (Photoshop etc.)
4. Resize the image if necessary.
5. Print logos on decal paper. A sample sheet may be run on normal paper to check the sizing and quality of the decals before printing on decal paper. It is desirable to print multiple copies of each image in case one is messed up.
6. Coat the decal with decal film to avoid smudging and will strengthen the film for application to the figure. (optional).
7. Cut the image out, and place it in a bowl of luke warm water.
8. Once the decal moves off the backing paper, remove it from the water.
9. Slightly moisten the area where the decal is to be applied with decal setting agent. (optional)
10. Use a damp cloth to blot excess liquid and smooth the decal in place.
11. Apply a clear coating over the decal. (optional)
CUSTOM PACKAGING
Use an exacto knife to carefully trim around the package on the back side. Don't cut very deep to avoid cutting through the other side. Do not cut all four sides. Cutting only three sides creates a flap to remove the contents of the package.
To create a custom backing, locate images of the player. Open the image in a graphics
editing program (Photoshop). Create a custom backing card large enough to cover the entire
area of the package. Images may need to be resized. Print the backing on thick stock paper.
Place the backing card and figure inside the package.
NO DECAL PAPER
If decal paper is not available try standard copy paper. Using ultra white paper (92 whiteness or higher). Do not use thick paper. Use regular school glue, like Elmer's to affix the paper to the figure. Use enough glue to make the paper flexible, allowing the decal to follow the flow of the figure.
ANKLE & ARM WRAPPING
Use teflon pipe wrapping tape to simulate taping of arms, hands, ankles etc. Optionally, spray over the tape with a clear coating.
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