Which supplies to get for custom builds?
Picture 1: me trying to figure out decals and top coats and paints and putty and-- @~@
2-3: The girls I'm planning to make first
I want to make custom Megami Device/Sousai Shoujo Teien figures of my OCs by mixing and matching parts. I'm pretty much a beginner, and my brain is melting a bit trying to figure out what to get.
I've been trying to find suitable decals for eyes, but character eyes are pretty distinctive and unique, so it's tricky. Especially Arnika's as she has a "sanpakugan" type look, uncommon for girl characters.
So I was thinking I'd paint them instead, but I'm a bit scared of hand-painting something so tiny and not sure if I'd be any good, or which supplies would adhere to the plastic.
Questions:
How easy is it to paint on SST/MD faces, and would the Vallejo paint work? Or would decals be better for a beginner? Are there any markers/pens that might make nice thin lines?
I heard it's possible to make custom decals? Is it worth doing, and if so, how 👀
Important: can you paint on top of applied decals? That might be the easiest way for me to get the look I want.
The 2nd girl has a unique skin colour, so I'll need to repaint the body parts. What is the best way to do that? (I sadly don't have an airbrush.)
Is a top coat recommended? What about primer? I see a lot of doll customizers use Mr Super Clear, would that work for these kits?
How well does epoxy putty typically adhere to plastic? Should I sand it first?
Things I already have:
Vallejo paint set
Tiny, but maybe not tiny enough brush
A bunch of various acrylic paints and markers and other art supplies
Epoxy putty
Mr Mark Setter and Mark Softer for decals
Sandpaper
The usual sprue cutters etc
Really appreciate any advice 🙇