How to - Custom "Think Tank"

[FB]

Welcome to the Action Figure Blues "How to - Custom Think Tank" thread. The purpose of this thread is to try and take the knowledge our forum members have regarding the above topic and share it with others.

The index below will be added to over time as different suggestions and ideas, etc become available. Feel free to add to the thread, but then please contact the moderators for details and they will ensure your idea gets added to the index too.

Thought we should have a Thread where we could help each other with suggestions and advice on how to achieve that certain effect in a Custom. Ask your questions here and maybe we can help each other out.
 
INDEX - Custom "Think Tank"

PAGE # - TOPIC

[FB]

I'll go first,i need ideas for a stretchable Cape.Basically this cape is affixed to the Body from shoulders to knees and out to the Wrists.It stretches out as the arms are raised for flight purposes.It's black so at least that part's easy and i unfortunately don't have any sort of decent piccie reference.
So whaddayathink?

[JackKnight]

Well did you could use craft foam like my Batros. I used fabric for my Black Condor way back cause he had the same issue.

[AQ71]

I think the craft foam idea is a good one. 
The other thing that would be a possibility is to use nylon(tent material). You'd need to hem the edges to prevent fraying and  could use rit dye to get the correct color.  Just a thought, I haven't tried it yet, but it is something I've been thinking about trying.

[Scotty]

Nylon sounds like a good idea, it will have a more natural flow to it, etc.

[dozymuppet]

Is there some way you could get a glue on fabric that retains the flexibility?

Great thread idea, FB.

I have a question re paint apps:

I want to try doing a "white" Silver Surfer, as we was always drawn white back in the Buscema days, and was referred to as white in practically the whole run (white-faced freak, etc). Obviously, a simple white paint job isn't going to do the job. I was thinking about a translucent white spray over a silver base, but then I realised what I wanted: The pearly white finish that the DCD New Gods Lightray has.

Any ideas how to achieve that?

[JackKnight]

There's a metallic pearl white paint put out by Folk Art. I could probably send you a bottle.

[NiteOwl]

I have also seen customizer's use large latex party balloons.

[JackKnight]

Okay guys. I need a base idea. I bought the parts to make the entire cast from the show Firefly from MikeS. Except for Jayne. Now I'm using Dr. Who figures and don't really know how well they compare to other lines being I don't own any. I do know they're 5 inch figures. Now Jayne was pretty big. So do you think a 6" figure would work and if so who? I have his head already; so I'm just looking for an appropriate body.

Pics of him can be seen here. Thanks. 
http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003807/

[FB]

Ohhh activity,questions and answers.I like it!

Good ideas on the Cape guys, i really want it to contract rather than fold up when you lower the arms.I'm being really fussy on something that i have next to no reference for i know.I was thinking maybe Lycra but i hate how daggy the edges get when you use material on figs.Don't know myself the way to tidy up those edges without stitching which would ruin the whole effect.

Dozy,Jack has the right idea.Those metallic pearl paints really do achieve the kind of finish i think you are after.Also have a look at the R/C Hobby Paints,i'm sure there's something similar there.And then you can spray it on too if you like.

Jack,i had 2 figs jump straight to mind.One would be the Stargate Jack O Neill figure in the t-shirt.Wears the same style of military pants as Jayne has which would save an effort.He was series 3 i think in the desert camouflage colours.
My second thought was the Balthazar figure from charmed series 1 figures.Bigger than 5" but not a huge 6" and his Jacket and pants could be easily made to work for Jayne.I think i have one of them floating around too if you want it.
And may i say as a HUGELY MASSIVE,NAY MILDLY OBSESSED Firefly fan i'm very excited to see you tackle these.Can't wait!

[Scotty]

I have also seen customizer's use large latex party balloons.

Okay, I need to see an example of that!

[dozymuppet]

There's a metallic pearl white paint put out by Folk Art. I could probably send you a bottle.

Is that this one? http://www.plaidonline.com/productDetail.asp?itemID=1663

It doesn't look like it's easy to find here, so you sending it sounds like a great idea!

Also have a look at the R/C Hobby Paints,i'm sure there's something similar there.And then you can spray it on too if you like.

That's where I got the idea of spraying a translucent white over silver, though I'm not sure it will be as good at the metallic pearl finish. There's an R/C shop just over in Leichhardt that I might check out to see if they can show me some examples or give me some ideas.

[dozymuppet]

Actually, there's a shop in WA here that looks like it has that paint, so might check that out first.

[JackKnight]

Yep. That's the one. Though I believe mine's indoor paint. lmk if you can't find it.

[FB]

Any better ideas for a Jayne yet Jack?I been trying to think of more for you,is there anything in the TDK Movie line that might do it.Wasn't there a Deadshot released?he might be ok.