Customizer's "How to" Guide

[fnwebslinger]

Thanks guys. That's it, I'm running to the store tomorrow to get a nice Citadel Silver. Wait, won't the Tamiya Clear Red mess that up too? And why would a spray-can paint be problematic? (I was considering using spray paint.)

[luke314pi]

As long as you wait until the silver dries completely you should be fine. Just no mixing different brands when they are still wet!

[youbastards]

If the paint is turning 'gummy' when you combine them, but fine when seperate, it sounds like one of the paints is acrylic and the other is an oil-based enamel.

The only reason I asked if it was a spray is that a lot of the metallics that give a good chrome shine are not acrylic based.

If you are going to use a spray, go with Krylon and their line of plastic specific spray paints.

[fnwebslinger]

Thank you so much to both of you, you've been very helpful. Like I said, I've never had these problems before, back when I was still into MLs and (for a VERY short time) MU. I'll post the results of my work after I get the paint I need.

[warbuny]

i would also like to add in regards to spraying. Don't spray when the weather is rainy it will cause frosting in the paint i learned that the hard way....

[lastmaximal]

Question: if metallic colors are done by painting a layer of silver and then a layer of clear, say, red paint over it, what Citadel paint type is best for the clear paint? For instance, I lay down a Mithril Silver coat -- what do I do next? Would an Ink or Wash work better?

[warbuny]

question i just got my x-factor iceman but 1 problem the front chest has a huge crack.

does any one have a solution on how i can seal this crack???

[luke314pi]

question i just got my x-factor iceman but 1 problem the front chest has a huge crack.

does any one have a solution on how i can seal this crack???

Wow, I have never heard of that happening before. Could you put some superglue in the crack with a toothpick and then squeeze his torso for a minute or so until it dries?

[youbastards]

I was surprised by that one too, can you post a pic Warbuny?

I know personally that if I had one with a cracked chest, I would feel obligated to replace it.

I'm sure there's someone here that has a spare X-factor Iceman they would part with...

[buttheadsmate]

question i just got my x-factor iceman but 1 problem the front chest has a huge crack.

does any one have a solution on how i can seal this crack???

Looks like a job for the buttheadsmate solution . If you could send me $4 via paypal & I'll send you the solution.

.......can you post a pic Warbuny?

I can't really see how this will help but I'm in a helpful mood..........

Edited August 18, 2010 by buttheadsmate

[groundhog7s]

My apologies if this has been brought up before, but is there a good place on-line to get Citadel paints?

Also, a friend of mine recommended Vallejo paints-has anyone used them before?

[Punisher]

Vallejo is my paint of choice, I cannot recommend them enough. They are MUCH better than Citadel, Testors, etc as they are the perfect consistency (not too watery like Testors or not too thick like Citadel sometimes is), so they paint on smoother without brush strokes. I also notice that they dry faster. I order mine through an ebay store called miniaturemarket.

As for ordering citadel paints, there's always ebay, or direct from the company, and Luke also has a paint set in his store.

Edited December 28, 2010 by Punisher

[groundhog7s]

as they are the perfect consistency

That's a huge selling point to me. Thanks.

and Luke also has a paint set in his store.

It's sold out, otherwise I probably would have ordered it before asking about the Vallejo stuff.

[Pete]

Can anyone share their knowledge on the best way to paint a stone effect, such as to make it look like a weathered statue?

Also, any advice on best way to create a metallic look?

Thanks!

[Punisher]

Dry brushing is your friend!

For metallic, the best thing to do is paint whatever you're painting silver, and then use clear paint of what color you want on top of that. It'll dry metallic

[Mirymate]

Okay... during my "lost year" I quietly began assembling fodder and parts to try my hand a minimate customizing. I'm not a complete noob at the custom game, and I swear I have been paying attention to the work you guys have been doing. I do have a procedural question.

For my first custom I'm starting with some very simple ones. Part swaps, a little painting, nothing horribly detailed yet. Among them, removing all traces of Skrull from SI Beast and SI Jewel. And that brings me to my question. What is the best way to attack these?

Acetone paint removal? Light sanding? Just paint over the green? And if paint, what paint best matches minimate flesh? (or what formula mixes best?) And if anyone as a good SI Beast match formula, I'd appreciate it.

[dj87]

While opinions will no doubt vary, I would say Acetone will damage the plastic, even when diluted (some people use watered down nail polish remover).

Recently, I've come to find surgical spirit (or... rubbing alcohol? in the US) to be perfect for this sort of thing... no damage, quick and looks rather professionally done.

[Liney]

I was just wandering if anyone has a solution or alternative to the stiff skirt peieces on minimates?

Mainly becasue I would like to have a Lt Uhura who can actually sit at her station on the bridge.

I was thinking maybe a trimmed down balloon slipped over the crotch piece, or the skirt template from the minimate factory cut out of one.

This way it would fit the waist but not to be tight as to hinder the legs.

Would this work?

[Liney]

I don't know if this will be of any use to anyone, but this is the template I use for my designs, which is the same as the one used on AA's control art.

[Fizzle]

I'm looking for some help - what's my best bet for fishnets on a minimate custom?

[buttheadsmate]

The guy who did this seems to have used some sort of stretched cable insulation....I'm guessing ?

Superb effect.

Edited December 20, 2011 by buttheadsmate

[Mystery Man]

Need help with the right program to print off simple decals for 'mates.

I have a Mac and both the Adobe Reader and the Preview programs won't let me print them off at either the right size for the chest OR they will but the color is really muddy.

Thank you!

[Punisher]

Need help with the right program to print off simple decals for 'mates.

I have a Mac and both the Adobe Reader and the Preview programs won't let me print them off at either the right size for the chest OR they will but the color is really muddy.

Thank you!

I just use Microsoft Word

[Mystery Man]

You can open .jpg files up in Word?

[Squall]

You can also use PowerPoint.