Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 18, 2015, 09:13:56 AM
Do you do custom jobs on other stuff?
No. Not really. I look at custom work on figures as more like modifications and I've seen some custom work done on them and don't feel it does the figure any justice.
For example, I've seen old Kenners that have had silicone rubber or wax applied to the lower jaw to represent drool. I clean it off as much as possible and then use plastic polish to completely remove any residue. The same with painted figures, but they can be a bit more difficult as the paint can get caught in some of the figure's many concave nooks and crannies. I've seen eyes drawn onto the skull face and toe nails painted on them. I remove it. The problem with customising a figure is the person making the changes may feel that their modification is appropriate and suits their sense of what the figure
should be but such an action lacks the consideration of what the figure
actually is.
My aim is a little different and I attempt to restore the figures and return them to their original condition as much as possible. So that means cleaning them of any dirt, dust or residue. Reattaching and tensioning the arms and legs so they are no longer loose and can hold poses and stand upright. Tightening up the tail so it no longer swings loose... and so on. Using replacement parts is done as sparingly as possible and only where absolutely necessary to complete the figure. I don't use any glue. I don't use any paint. I don't do anything that actually alters the figure physically.
I don't make any changes to the figure itself where ever absolutely possible
unless it means making adjustments to an
already broken part. That is the only modification I consciously make an exception for; and that's only done if I don't have any decent derelict or carcasses available to cannibalise legitimate parts from.
One thing for sure. It doesn't get better than having an orginal 1979 Kenner Alien action figure in excellent condition with no damage, scratches, blemishes or parts missing. Unfortunately, such figures in that state are rare, in the minority and are worth a pretty penny when you find one. On the other hand, specimens that are degraded are relatively common and most of them just need a little considered attention to transform them from garage floor derelicts into something spectacular worth displaying.
I'm all for that if it's done respectfully and conscientiously to benefit the figure itself and not just impose an undisciplined Will upon it.
So yes. That's my defining difference between 'custom' and 'restoration'.
-Windebieste.