Customs: Unorthodox Customizing Materials and Techniques

Discussion in 'Creative General Discussion' started by Sponge, Jan 15, 2015.

  1. Sponge, Jan 15, 2015
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    Sponge

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    So, over years of customizing/modding I've used some very strange things in customs, sometimes out of necessity, sometimes to achieve a certain aesthetic.

    While much of the time such things are somewhat experimental in use, occasionally you might find something to work well enough that you continue to use it beyond a single instance.

    The ingenuity of the customizing community is IMO quite astonishing, so I created this thread in the hopes other customizers would share the unorthodox and strange components and materials that they have used, or continue to use, in order to achieve a desired result.

    And remember, no matter how small or dumb you may think it to be, all contributions, both good and bad, are appreciated, and could serve to help others in their own projects


    Thanks for reading!

    -Sponge
     
  2. Sponge, Jan 15, 2015
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    Sponge

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    One of the strange things that I use for structural support, are lolly pop sticks, not just any though, specifically the sticks you get from the "Original Gourmet" brand of lolly pops

    [​IMG]

    Here is why, the sticks that they use are solid plastic rods just slightly under 4mm in diameter and 4in/10.3cm in length, and I've found that they are very strong, flexible, and adhere better than many alternatives when using glues and or epoxies, they are also thick enough that you can hollow them out if needed, and fairly cheap (about 50 cents).

    Yes I know you can get styrene rods for a cheaper length to cost ratio, however I have found issues with styrene in the past, as its far to fragile for some uses, but using metal rods may be harder to use, because they don't adhere well with glues, and can be problematic to paint.

    So I've found these to be a pops to be a very good material to use in customs, it also doesn't hurt that the lolly pops themselves are delicious! Lol
     

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  3. Rexidus, Jan 15, 2015
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    Rexidus

    Rexidus Autobot

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    I've used pizza box top things for necks before. Also for prop background stuff I've collected a number of doughnut and random food container boxes. Those things are great in shape but I haven't yet painted anything so I'm not sure if their cool shape will translate well into cool set piece.