Customisation...again.

plasmodium

So, last time I talked about minifigures and customisation thereof, I was asking about the 'ethics' of it. The 'pro' side has sort of won me over, I must admit (well done, you guys). I would still rather, however, make or re-decorate custom parts myself than buy them from people who sell them. So, I was wondering whether any of you lot know what sort of decal paper stuff is advised? What sort of cloth does the chap from MMCB use, or what is recommended for that sort of stuff (to clarify, I would be interested specifically in replacing some frayed cloaks or making 'kamas' or 'pauldrons' for clone troopers, kinda like this chap's: http://www.brickset.com/minifigs/?m=sw377 )? I shudder at the idea of using Sharpies, but does anyone recommend them or some type of paint?

bluemoose

I shudder at the idea of using Sharpies, but does anyone recommend them or some type of paint?

How about ...
http://www.brothers-brick.com/2012/03/14/how-to-tools-of-minifig-customization-confessions-of-a-customizer-part-ii/
Also, part 1 ...
http://www.brothers-brick.com/2012/03/11/how-to-confessions-of-a-minifig-customiser-part-i-getting-started/

plasmodium

Thanks! Not quite what I was looking for, but some interesting stuff nonetheless.

What I'm after is more like, if I were to stroll down to my local Hobbycraft (if I had a local Hobbycraft), could I buy decal paper/cloth stuff there, what brand is advised, if I couldn't then where could I order it online, etc.

MinifigsMe

Hey - I'll PM you with the stuff I use. It's taken me months to figure out the right combo of stuff, and I am actually selling my customs, so I don't want it publically available to anyone browsing! but happy to share with a genuine bricksetter!

CCC

@Savage_Steel Could you PM it to me as well. I've been using waterslide decal paper found on ebay along with some spray acrylic from plastikote. Not too bad, but I find the finish a little shiny compared to regular minifigs. Thanks.

CCC

And PS. I don't sell my customs, so I am no threat! I rarely even show them to people, even family, unless they enter my cave.

MinifigsMe

To be honest CCC that's a combo that I've used successfully as well. I had to switch some stuff around as my printer changed and didn't get on with the paper I was using.
If you want them more matt put a final layer of matt varnish on.

CCC

OK. How have you found that combination for longevity of the decals? Some of mine are about 6 months old now. They have not yellowed at all (even on white torsos) and seem to be OK against scratching. I don't really play with them (mainly display), but they do get stored in a plastic box with other figures, which I rummage around in.

I use three or four coats of acrylic after the decal is on.

MinifigsMe

Yep - pretty much the same :)

plasmodium

How important is the varnish/finish on them? Just wondering.

CCC

They scratch easily if you don't have a final coat.