How to Make Custom Action Figures: a Beginner's Guide
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- Let's learn how to make custom action figures! This is presented in a beginner-friendly way, hopefully. By upgrading your toys, you are also making your photography better!
I'm breaking down custom figures into 5 categories. I really hope that these can inspire you to upgrade your toy collection and make your own figures!
This is one of my longest videos. I have it all divided into chapters for each section. Please let me know if you have any questions.
CUSTOM ACTION FIGURE TOOLS:
Army Painter Starter Set: amzn.to/3GUKdxa
Citadel Paint Starter Set: amzn.to/4890FGf
Vallejo Black Wash: amzn.to/4asmKRx
Vallejo Brown Wash: amzn.to/3NDM2m3
Tamiya Masking Tape: amzn.to/488ZTsP
Mr. Hobby Matte Spray: amzn.to/3RStv8k
Krylon Gallery Series Matte Spray: amzn.to/41tr8f6
Krylon ColorMax Clear Flat Spray: amzn.to/47894sj
Gundam Markers: amzn.to/3GLEUAp
White Brushes for Dry Brushing: amzn.to/481E4v7
Starter Mini Brushes: amzn.to/482o0ti
Army Painter Brush Set: amzn.to/41yyVZ5
Army Painter Wet Palette: amzn.to/3TpUSHU
Airbrush/Compressor Bundle: amzn.to/48833Nu
Master Airbrush: amzn.to/475CQO7
Zeny Compressor: amzn.to/48lHd8Y
Vallejo Basic Airbrush Paint Set: amzn.to/48nheOy
Airbrush Primer: amzn.to/3RrqGJP
Dremel 3000: amzn.to/3TrvMs9
I love sharing toy photography tips and tricks and enjoy answering tutorial requests, so feel free to leave any ideas in the comment section.
SUBSCRIBE for more ACTION FIGURE PHOTOGRAPHY TUTORIALS like this: / @amusingking
EQUIPMENT:
My main camera: amzn.to/3YAXinE
My second cheaper camera: amzn.to/45sS9Af
Camera I recommend to beginners: amzn.to/45goTwP
Favorite Light for Toy Photography: amzn.to/3KIpaQQ
Wire 9 Gauge (huge roll): amzn.to/3OZ0Aha
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LINKS & RESOURCES:
Instagram: / amusingking
TikTok: / amusingking
Find all my equipment here:
www.amazon.com/shop/amusingking
Find all my accounts here:
linktr.ee/mattmafilms
#customfigures #actionfigures #toycollector
cinematic lighting
How to do toy photography?
What is a custom action figure?
How to make a custom figure?
Best tools for custom action figure?
00:00 Introduction: Making Custom Figures
01:07 Kitbash: Custom Figure 1
04:39 Weathering: Custom Figure 2
12:25 Painting: Custom Figure 3
23:18 Soft Goods: Custom Figure 4
28:24 Full Custom: Custom Figue 5
Enjoyed this mate. Something I've wanted to try but never really known where or how to start, mixed with that fear of messing a figure up. This is a great help 🙂🙂
Dude nice! Yeah, I could totally relate to that. Took me awhile to jump in. Now I can’t stop haha. Glad you liked it🙌🏼
@@amusingkingthank you so much bro I have been crying to find a way to do this I thank you keep up the amazing work😎!!!
That's awesome! Glad it was able to help! Thanks so much
Did I see a buzz lightyear inspired mandalorian in your stack of awesomeness?
lol!! Good eye!! You did 🙌🏼
Yes I was think it was buz at first look
Love seeing people genuinely enjoy something so wholesome
Ayy nice. Yeah, I definitely enjoy this :)
This is seriously one of the most spot on videos for all my my current hobby needs. Thanks for sharing this golden information. I'll be along for the rest of the journey! 🤘 📸 🧸 🌅
Wow that's so awesome to hear! One thing I try to focus on for tutorials is stuff I wish I saw when I was first jumping into the hobby. Thanks so much for the support!
I found you today and I’m happy with how you made this video. There’s hardly any vids on covering customizing and this is a valuable one. All around your work is awesome and I’m so very thankful. I’m hoping you make more tips ect. Maybe topics for in detail custom work showing work in progress. 🤘🏼⚔️ Thank you so much for your help bro !
Yooo that’s awesome! I really appreciate this comment. And yeah, definitely have more detailed stuff coming soon 🙌🏼
Thank you! I accidentally got into making simple framed action figure dioramas, and this is so much good info. I'm def going to use a clear matt coat next time. Haven't done more than simple touch ups and highlights so far, learning. A good source of leather/pleather are cheap thrift store purses and belts, it's usually thin material. Appreciate you doing this!
That’s so cool! Yeah, definitely helps starting small! I got some fresh fake leather this weekend. Excited to test it out 👀
This video is answering some of my in-depth weathering and figure customization 🤘
Nice! If you have any other questions, let me know🔥
tips:
lego technic, bionicle is great ways to completely replace connection systems (ball joints/peg connections, especially the cross pegs that look like a plus sign...along with the female end of the plug) can create amazing and sturdy "peg and hole" systems that will stay in place very well.
Oh nice! That’s really cool
Lots of great information! Thank you so much! I've only ever doubled in custom figures before but I'm definitely getting more into it these days. I've already tried some of these techniques and am excited to try some new ones.
Sweet! That’s really cool! It can definitely become addicting haha. Glad you found the video helpful🙏🏼
Looks great
Thanks!
Thanks for the tips i have customized before but woth markers i was little then but now i started to paint warhammer and miniatures. So my painting skills has gotten better and i also draw so it's very fun. Right now im focusing on making a custom jedi with a custom clone commander so i hope it goes well. You are the best iv'e subbed to you now😊👍😁🫡
Ayy sweet. Custom Jedi sounds cool! Thanks so much for the sub. I really appreciate the support🙏🏼🙏🏼
I really like your way of customizing!
Thanks so much! Means a lot
So beautiful action figure ❤
Thank you🙏🏼
Sir plz tell me about action figure business
Excellent video, lots of good information there and entertaining too.
Awesome, that’s great to hear! Thanks so much
Nice production value on your video! Keep it up!
Thanks so much! Really means a lot and will do!🙌🏼🔥
Thanks for this.I’ve been doing Warhammer painting and kitbashing for ages…. Never even thought about this for action figures but my son is starting to do it, and now I’ve got the bug, so thanks for this. Very helpful!
Sweet! That's really cool! I have a 5 year old son that is starting to mix certain pieces from figures and it's really cool to see. Careful with the bug, it can get out of control lol
Cool!!! Will definitely have to try this,
Nice, go for it! Let me know how it goes!
Really great info here matt, really do appreciate how you make things that are totally outta my wheel house completely attainable! I’ve painted and weathered some stuff, but haven’t made much of a custom wired cape or anything and have been wanting to (but I’m afraid of sewing machines 😂😂😂)
Once I get the chance, I’m going for it!
Ayyy I appreciate it Marc and glad you liked the video! My only experience with a sewing machine was my senior home economics class lol surprisingly, I remembered a few details to help me get started. I have a more detailed soft goods video coming later.
Definitely try it out and let me know how it goes🙌🏼
Very nice , love your videos, I just have stop buying new figures and toys and start taking pictures and videos, etc. I have so many ideas that I don’t know where to start. Thanks!
Haha yes! That was definitely me 😂 glad you love the videos and that I’m able to help.
thank you, thank you , THANK YOU! I run a channel about GI Joe Classified figures and my scratchbuilding projects around that line. I just started exploring making my own custom characters and Variants on existing figs and am trying to learn as much as possible. So this video was an amazing thing to come across. The sealer point for a start to painting is awesome. I just hand primed a figure with hobby primer, but there are definitely some softer pieces I can see why that approach is so good. I will be using that approach next fig , for sure! Thanks so much for this amazing video! Subscribed with a vengance😮😅!
Yo!! That’s awesome! Glad you were able to find it useful🙌🏼 and thanks so much for the support with subscribing. Really means a ton. If you have any questions or requests, let me know! :)
Great tips there man 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you🙌🏼
Welp is about time i start just didnt think it would be so soon
Haha! This is the way! One step at a time
I’m definitely going to try the matte spray just to knock down some of the glare. And to be honest I wasn’t really sure about your first figure (Cody) but when you show the photo I have to admit it looks killer!
Yeah! The matte spray is really good. I just did it on a cheap Pokémon figure and it made it look so much better.
And that’s a good point too! Some figures might look way better in a scene/photo than in hand.
One way that works for joints is to get gel superglue and use a toothpick to put it over the paint in a very thin coat you have to break it up into multiple areas going slowly so as not to seize the joint. It’s a long process and relies on a enough gap in joint. I do the cnenter insert dry it then bend knee or elbow to see if it scraped off. Cosmic legions and mythic legions have some tight tolerances
Oh dang, that sounds cool! I hadn’t heard of that but will have to give it a try
Really nice bro
Thank you so much!
Great video sir. I’ve sanded down the knee and elbow joints a little bit to keep the paint from rubbing off. If there’s a better way please let me know. As soon as I get home from work I’m reworking my Black Krrsanton. Great job on all of these dope customs sir. Thanks for sharing and have a good day brother.
You’re definitely welcome! And thanks 🙏🏼 yeah, I need to try sanding the joints for future projects. I’ve heard that’s the best way to deal with joints besides dying the figure.
@@amusingking yes sir.
at walmart they have some really good brush kits....
the ones im talking about is the brush heads are white...and the handle is blue.
they are about $20+ there's like 20+ sizes and types of brushes....and they are the best brushes ive used
For sure! It’s good to have a lot of brushes on hand
You are too hard on yourself with that trooper. I thought it looked great. Man def went through some hell with a story to tell.
Haha thanks so much! And yeah, I can definitely see that 🔥
If you use kids paint a certain one then you can weather your figure for a bit then you can wash it off
Oh yeah! That’s a good tip!
To keep the joint painted you got to sand them down a bit and then you gotta do very thin coats of paint
Cool! It's definitely something I need to experiment more with.
Great video! Could you make another indepth about cutting and sewing custom cloth for figures please? 😃
Yes! For sure. My plan was to make this one as kind of a general video but then taking each section later, and going more in depth. Still trying to improve and get better. Making custom clothes is definitely at the top of my list.
Sewing and making soft goods would be awesome.
Nice, good to know. I’m still practicing to get good patterns and figure out certain details. Hopefully can do a video soon.
Thank you so much for this video, I’ll sub to you ❤
Wow that’s awesome. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for the support 🙏🏼
@@amusingking can I ask u a question?
For custom u use the DAS too? Or something else like that?
Yo, sorry for late reply. I'm not sure what DAS is.
For some reason I recognize the name Amusingking but not Matt Ma. But either way, I'm glad I found this channel!
Haha! My IG and TikTok are amusingking! Not sure if you have seen my pictures on there. Glad you found this channel too🙌🏼
@@amusingking ha yes I see I follow you on Instagram for toy photography. I guess I just got tripped up finding you by searching custom toys on CZcams being a different context than searching toy photography
I wish I could do this.
Only thing I've done is just switch parts and heads on Marvel Legends.
Ayy that’s a start! Try weathering a figure next with a brown or black wash🔥
Cool
Thanks!
My first time using rit dye to make a white gi joe turbble bubble blue, the dye was not taking. I was leaving it in there longer and longer and eventually I checked and the dye took perfectly, BUT the plastic pieces also warped. Remember to check your parts frequently and I also should have placed them in something so they werent touching the bottom of the croc pot I was using ( used a croc pot to control the heat better). Ill use a heat gun to reshape them ( with a respirator mask. Plastic fumes are dangerous)
Oh wow! Definitely some good tips. Thanks for sharing. I still haven’t tried any dye but when I do, I will keep that in mind
Sweetness
Thank you!
if you use magnets....
use neodymium magnets that come in all strengths and sizes...but beware....you may need to use some serious adhesive cause them magnets will rip straight out of the figure....
tip: hot glue the magnets....then pull them out...then superglue them back in....
Hmm. Interesting. I like that 👀
@@amusingking another trick is to use CA glue (super glue, not the gel kind...has to be the original liquid version)
and if you mix that with baking soda
(some people sprinkle the baking soda on first, then add the super glue, but you can do the reverse, which works the same)
and you will have the most unbelievably strongest bond...it's amazing.
it creates kinda like a cement/motor type of finish that almost nothing will be able to separate it...💯
some pilots use this method to fix airplane propellers and even wings...
if you bond two items together using this method the actual structure itself will break before the superglue/baking soda bond...
you can even shape full structures of this stuff...
The way to do joint is sand them down.thats why the pinles construction sucks for customs. . Dying is another old way of doing it as well.
I have heard of sanding the joints, is that just to give space so the pieces are not rubbing against each other? But makes sense why the lines aren’t good.
Does anyone have any suggestions on what 1/12 scale figure would be best for using other 1/12 scale accessories? I know some of the hasbro head sculpts work well but I was more so thinking like sh figuarts dragonball style headscuplts. Like what figure has the suitable neck peg for that? Is anyone has any suggestions please let me know!
Thanks for vid, but can I ask which exact paint I should use after matte spray and should I wait a bit after using spray or you put on paints immediately?
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video. As for the wait time after the spray, it depends on the one you’re using. I think some people recommend a full day for certain sprays to cure. I’ve painted on minutes after before. I wouldn’t recommend that. Mostly, I would say at least 30 minutes. When it feels dry and smooth and not sticky, I’ll start painting. As for the paint, my favorites are Vallejo and Citadel. I do also like Army Painter.
There's a cloth die u can use boil it in water n let figure sit for an hour or two
Yeah, that’s the one I new to try out
Hi, great video. What do you use to prime before color and seal the figure once finished. Thanks
Thanks so much! I use the same stuff for before and after. Either the Mr. Hobby matte spray or the two from Krylon that I list.
For 3D prints or if I’m repainting most of the figure, I’ll use an airbrush and I have the gray, white, black primer from Badger. I have it listed as well.
Hello bro. Great video. I also do custom repaints for action figures. 🎉🎉🎉
Hey! That’s awesome! Painting is so addicting haha. Definitely something I’m really trying to get better at
@@amusingking thank u bro. I subscribed.
That 501st armor looks like it would be from the kenobi series Era.
How would he look with a poncho?
Mabye cals?
That’s true! And sounds cool. I will definitely try that🔥
I follow you on tiktok
Ayy that’s awesome! Thanks for the support 👍🏼
Would spray paint work for painting the figure? I want to make an omni man custom and my plan is to spray the whole body white and then hand-paint on the red parts
Sorry for late reply. I wouldn’t recommend any spray paint. But the one I recommended in this video as a clear primer is really good. Not sure if they have an equivalent to the exact same but white?
tip:
THIS TAKES SOME WORK...BUT IT'S WORTH IT..💯 💯 💯
There are these doll ball joints called JETON ball joints...
they are plastic ball joints people use for dolls or stuffed animals to create articulation.
they are white, they come in every possible size you would need...and you may have to custom work them by cutting or shaping certain parts of them....but THEY ARE UNQUESTIONABLY THE BEST BALL JOINTS EVER MADE TO USE WITH ACTION FIGURES...💯
THEY ARE VERY STRONG...some take special pliers to detatch or attach them....
but if you use enough creative ingenuity to modify them and get them bonded to your action figures.....THEY ARE THE BEST BALL JOINTS IN THE WORLD!!!!
THEY will never wear down....they will be lose enough to articulate ANYTHING NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL ACTION FIGURES....and they will never pop out no matter how much your kid plays with them....💯
you'll never need to replace them. i wish every action figure in the world would have these as standard bone stalk ball joints....
they are smooth, they can handle ANY amount of weight, they are fantastic....💯
they may be a pain to modify or bond onto a figure...but once you do it correctly....they are worth the work....💯
anyone who's not familiar...check them out....
www.amazon.com/OLYCRAFT-Skeleton-Adjustable-Flexible-Connectors/dp/B0BR9R8ZMB/ref=asc_df_B0BR9R8ZMB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693381012409&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14155006171500050552&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011497&hvtargid=pla-2188267600205&psc=1&mcid=9226db08273d3d7ca4dfa2a54d271c18&gad_source=1
just make sure you use the correct size for the scale of figure you want to add them to
Definitely going to look into these
Hey friend, how can i make their outfit ? I mean we have to buy some special machine or something? What should i do ?
Hello! I just use a standard sewing machine. Nothing special or fancy about it. For the fabric, you don’t want stuff too thick because it won’t look at the small scale. I’ve used worn out clothes and have worked really well. I’m planning on doing a tutorial focused on that but to get started, you can look up different patterns online and measure to your figure.
@@amusingking thanks 🔥
Hello there. I've been making soft goods for figures for years. If you ever want to talk and share methods, fabrics, needles, and the mechanics of it, i would be happy to.
Yo! That’s awesome!! I’ve been trying different stuff and not sure if it’s the best. Is the standard presser foot the best? And just straight stitches? And using the smallest needle size?
@amusingking 3 presser feet (foots?) That i use. A clear plastic one(primary to see), a teflon one (for pleather and non slidy stuff) zipper.
The needle i would stay 80 and under unless you are sewing something special like spandex then a 90 stretch would be a lot better than a 70 universal.
@amusingking the strait stitch is the best stitch for almost every instance. There are only two reasons i would not use it. 1) If i needed spandex to stretch at the seam, such as adding in a splice. 2) If im adding a decorative stich, i.e. smething with golden thread.
Dang you’re awesome!! Thanks. I’m definitely going to try those out. Need to learn some more patterns.
Do you make them for other people? I need a grandpa action figure with moveable legs, arms, torso and head... Around 6 inch tall
Ayyy just saw that you commented here 😂
People are always begging for free stuff in these comment boxes. Why Don you just make it yourself?
lol they never mentioned for free. I had received a message and was actually a paid commission.
By matte coat......you mea using a coat of primer, correct?
Some might be a primer but there’s also a sealers. The Krylon UV Resistant Clear and the Mr. Hobby super clear are labeled as sealers. But the other one I show from Krylon Colormaxx is labeled as a primer, I believe.
Anything on finding or making patterns at these scales? Been trying to make camo pants but can’t find anything at the scale
Do you mean like painting patterns? Painting on camo? Or patterns for sewing?
For painting, I'm not sure. I've seen some people do camo before but haven't look into the process. I will definitely look into and let you know if I learn anything.
@@amusingking meant more if you’ve seen fabric with the pattern at 1/6 or 1/12 scale but any tips for any route would be good
Oh gotcha! Yeah, I haven't found a good one yet. Would be cool to have.
Your airbrush/compressor combo link is wrong. Can you please post the correct one. The link you have up for it is for primer. Thanks
Dang. My bad. Thanks for letting me know!
I updated it. Thanks again for letting me know.
Do you like painting Warhammer miniatures too?
I love the look of Warhammer but haven't painted any. I do have Imperial Assault miniatures that I started painting a couple; never finished though.
@@amusingking when do you decide to paint Warhammer miniatures?
Not sure. I have a friend that's interested in getting into Warhammer.
no matter what.....ALWAYS CLEAR COAT YOUR PAINTED FIGURES (no paint in the world will not flake off or chip off or rub off)
don't EVER use spray can clear coat....it will ruin and eat your plastic figure like it was acid....use brush on clear coat
The clear coats I’ve used out of a can are good. I haven’t had any issues.
@@amusingking a pretty good clear coat I've used is a clear water based polyurethane. Minwax i believe the brand is. the silver and blue can can be very thick, but if applied correctly, and if it's had a couple weeks or more to cure fully, it's extremely effective and durable
the other Minwax can (aqua green/blue ) is more of an acrylic version of the same. it's much thinner and has a matte finish, if you apply a few coats of it it can be very good as well.
*** the only thing is YOU MUST LET EACH COAT FULLY CURE which takes a long time (2-3 weeks) to fully cure between coats.
i have tried a rustoleum 2x ultra hard ceramic automotive clear coat in the spray can. it's pretty damn good, but i would be very careful to experiment with that, cause the solvent in almost every spray can (no matter what it is) can easily eat away and not only ruin your paint job, but can also melt and destroy the plastic underneath as well.
if you can find a way to use THAT...i bet it would be a most supreme clear coat that if cured properly could potentially make your clear coat and paint job almost Indestructible.
if you look up safe ways to transfer the clear coat from the can into a glass jar, and hand painting it, i bet that would work...i just haven't tried that method yet...but do your research and look at lots of videos on how that's safely done i would highly suggest it.
let me know if you ever try that successfully and let me know how that turns out.
I just slap on some clay than I bring it to my sister because she is good and she's currently in art school
Dang!! That’s awesome! What are some things for figures that you’ve had her make?
@@amusingking ive had her make a zoro from one piece
Sweet!
Anything with an L I've noticed.
lol I’ll have to check it out
Are these sh figuarts?
Yo, not sure which you are talking about. I do have some SHFiguarts but also Black Series, Mafex, Mezco.
I am talking about the figures in your video
Well this video is about custom figures. I’m going through all of the customs figures I made. Most of them involve using Black Series figures.
@@amusingking oh ok👍
You pronounce some words like an American Latino.
Haha that’s awesome. I haven’t heard that before 😂 I live in Texas and my wife is Hispanic.
Lame
I’m sorry
Damn.. lol you just had to kill me with kidness. I dont mean disrespect. Its just, i thought you where going to talk about actual customizing with sculpting and how to use the dremel.. not just paint splashes lol
Lol!! Oh I get you. Didn’t I talk about dremel stuff? I do plan on other videos that are more specific dealing with making soft goods and modifying pieces which involve the dremel. I wanted to keep this one pretty beginner friendly to spark interest in customizing. I’m still learning a lot myself.
Dude you shouldn't do youtube.
Haha what?? Why?