New to Customs - advice from the pros? (New Q p3)

[mysticrose29]

Hello!
Like I said in my intro, I'm really interested and excited to start making a custom. I have a whole page of ideas, so deciding on one will be hard, but I'm not too worried (I may even try a couple if I find free time).

At any rate, I've got a whole lot of ideas on how I'll go about it, but haven't actually put my hands in yet, so I'm a little unsure on know-how specifics.

I've read some custom FAQs to get some general guidelines, but I was wondering if any of you have any help / advice / recommendations.

Some general questions that can help me out a lot are:

- What custom do you think would be easiest for a first-timer?
(I see dragons and unicorns look fairly popular, was thinking of trying one of those?)

- Do you have any brands of epoxy, paint, etc. that you particularly like?

- How long does it typically take you to do one custom (start to finish)?

-What do you typically set up/ prepare when starting a new project?

-Is there anything in particular about LPS customs specifically that you think I should know (anything you wish you knew starting out)?

Any and all advice is much welcome, and I'm sure I'll find more specific questions as I get more into this. ;D

Thanks a bunch in advance!
I'm so excited to be here! ;D

[Allison]

I'm really interested in this, too!

[mrs"e"]

Some general questions that can help me out a lot are:

- What custom do you think would be easiest for a first-timer?
(I see dragons and unicorns look fairly popular, was thinking of trying one of those?)
Dragons and unicorns were my firsts. I say a unicorn or a repainted pet would be easiest to start with.

- Do you have any brands of epoxy, paint, etc. that you particularly like?
Aves Apoxie Sculpt (eBay)
Apple Barrel Acrylic paints (Wal Mart)

- How long does it typically take you to do one custom (start to finish)?
That depends on what you're making. I'd say a few hours, not including time to let glue, apoxie, primer and paint dry.

-What do you typically set up/ prepare when starting a new project?
I have my Aves Apoxie Sculpt, a soda cap full of water (Apoxie can get sticky), several sculpting tools, x-acto blade, pliers, paint, brushes.

-Is there anything in particular about LPS customs specifically that you think I should know (anything you wish you knew starting out)?
How to remove and reattach heads.....use a blow dryer to heat it up first, then just pull it off. Same thing with reattaching, heat it up. I also have a tool that helps me poke it down in the neck. Some necks are too small or too big for other heads. That when you'll need to either drill a wider hold, or fill it with Apoxie Sculpt.
I never paint eyes. They are very hard to do! I cover mine with silly putty during painting time. My pets' eyes, not mine.

[mysticrose29]

Awesome! Thank you SO much. Those are great to know! Very helpful!

I was thinking about trying a repaint first, just for the simplicity of not having to switch parts or figure epoxy (appoxie? sp?) out just yet.. lol.

I never paint eyes. They are very hard to do! I cover mine with silly putty during painting time. My pets' eyes, not mine.

That's very good to know! I was wondering about that actually. The eyes are what make LPS so unique, I dont think I'd like to repaint them, especially since I might be too clumsy and mess them up! I was wondering what I'd use to cover them, though. Silly putty, really? That's so cool; very nice trade secret to know! .. and hehe, yes, I don't think you'd wanna use that silly putty in YOUR eyes either! Might make it hard to paint...

Thanks so much for your recommendations about brands.. That will help me a lot, I know it!
Do you have any recommendations for primer?

What about glue? I hadn't thought about that, I think I was thinking appoxie would just stick onto the figure? Or do you use glue for that? LOL, I feel like such a newbie asking, but that threw me off, hadn't thought about that at all!
I'm pretty new to the sculpting thing, so I'll def be out of my safety zone with that! LOL (makes me lean even more toward a repaint for my first project).

Thank you again soooo much for all the wonderful tips!
Every little bit helps widen my knowledge base!
I guess soon I'll have to make my decision and jump in! ;D

[mrs"e"]

Do you have any recommendations for primer?

I use these for Priming and sealing.

The key is an even spray. Practice a few times on an old throw away toy. And use it outdoors or in a garage.

What about glue?
Super glue.

I think I was thinking appoxie would just stick onto the figure? Or do you use glue for that?
The apoxie should stick. I use the super glue for attaching spikes and horns and tails and such.

I'm pretty new to the sculpting thing, so I'll def be out of my safety zone with that!
Maybe buy some baking clay and practice your skills by making little bases or accessories for your customs.

[mysticrose29]

Ahh, brilliant ideas! Thank you soo much!!!

Very good idea for the practice too

Thanks again, you've been such a huge help already!

[mrs"e"]

Glad to help. I love custom talk.

[ttb73]

hi E..very informative....do you prime all your pets? or repaint them? just wondering

[mrs"e"]

ttb73 said:

hi E..very informative....do you prime all your pets? or repaint them? just wondering

Prime 'em all. But many just paint right onto the pet.

[ttb73]

thanks E.. very helpful!

[mysticrose29]

Yes VERY helpful! Thank you, thank you!

The primer pic you posted has 2 kinds, do you use the first (interior-exterior, black cap) for priming and the 2nd (crystal clear, clear cap) for sealing? Just wanted to double check, lol.

Also, do you know of any decent appoxie brands I might be able to get in a store locally? I'm a little sheepish about buying online, but if you swear by that brand, I'll def. check it out.

Thanks again! I've definitely decided to do a repaint as my very first attempt. I am still deciding on the theme though. I have a whole big page of ideas, so I really don't know! hehe!

[coolkat]

Well I've never done any major changes to pets yet but sculpy is great for accessories and depending on what you do you might can glue it on the pets.

[mrs"e"]

The primer pic you posted has 2 kinds, do you use the first (interior-exterior, black cap) for priming and the 2nd (crystal clear, clear cap) for sealing?
Yes, that's right. You could get the White primer instead of black.
Also, do you know of any decent appoxie brands I might be able to get in a store locally?
I've never found it locally, we get Aves Apoxie Sculpt off eBay. It's about $15-$20.
I have a whole big page of ideas.....
I'd love to hear what you have in mind.

[L41N]

Are there any other air dry materials that could be used? And would airbrush acrylic paints be good for the base coat before adding any details?

[mrs"e"]

Are there any other air dry materials that could be used?
You mean like Apoxie Sculpt?

And would airbrush acrylic paints be good for the base coat before adding any details?
YES! I love airbrushing. It's such a smooth and professional look.