I wanted a display base for the custom Leader Optimus Prime that my sister bought me for Christmas this past year, but couldn't find anything that I really liked.

When I was looking in my toy closet, I saw the Target Exclusive Allspark Bumblebee packaging and knew that I had found what I wanted. The packaging for these figures is cylindrical with a lid that has either the Autobot or Decepticon logo depending upon the faction of the figure that you are buying. The first two pictures show the lid itself.

All I did was buy some Plaster of Paris and used the lid as a mold for my display base. Once the base was dry, I painted it up and printed out Optimus' name on some water decal paper. A clear coat finished it off and now I have a stand that I think fits the figure pretty well! The last picture shows the custom Prime figure on his new display stand.

I figured that I would share this just because it was so ridiculously easy to do and the end result can be pretty nice!

 

excellent idea. I actually save all those lids and embossed faction symbols for hopes to one day use on projects similar to this idea. Most deluxe packages have 2 faction symbols on their sides.

nice work!

 

That's a great idea, and you executed it very nicely! Great job!  

 

That's awesome! I will have to try this myself  

iDD

 

could you make a how to do for this awesome work man?

 

i did it!




coool! Thank you!

 

WOW! That is exactly what I was looking for for Leader Class figures!

I couldn't find any plaster  

iDD

 

We'd be glad to make a tutorial article with photos if someone wants to make one  

 

Hey all! I'm really glad that this idea has been taken so well! It's the easy ones that impress more sometimes!  

The process really is pretty basic and you can find Plaster of Paris in most craft sections. I found mine at Wal-Mart. I could do a step-by-step with pictures, but it would be at least a week before I could post anything. If anyone else wants to give it a shot, feel free!

Thanks for the positive responses, all!

 

[Someone] Go for it!

 

fark that's awesome. So simple, yet effective. The drybrushing really brings out the rough details of the plaster, and I love how the faction symbol has the faded edges as a result, too. Kudos! My only complaint is that it's an Autobot one.  

 

Curious if plaster of paris is the best choice for the mold. Is it susceptible to chipping or rubbing? I used some of the pre-mix kit stuff on a display, and it seemed very delicate. I am wondering what can be sprayed on or done to that stuff to make it resistant to chipping.

 

I'll have a complete picture tutorial up when the plaster dries out.

*edit
Ok, it's not dried enough yet BUT here are the first pics.


First get some plaster. I got some at the local Gamma (home depot for you Americans) and break out your TF package lids.


Mix it at a 2 to 1 ratio (2 parts water, one part plaster) Be sure to carefully read the instructions! Not all plaster is the same I recommend useing a bit more plaster You could add a waterbased woodglue to strengthen the plaster (thanks for the tip Optimus Primal13)


Be sure to have a level workspace and cover it with some paper or a plastic bag. I used both. Once it's hard, plaster can be a bitch to remove. You could rub a bit of vaseline, mold-release or dish-soap on the lids to keep them clean for later use.


Pour the plaster into the lids. Don't spill. I was a little bit too enthusiastic mixing the water with the plaster so I got some bubbles. I don't mind as most of it is on the underside of the base. When you have poured the plaster you can stir slowly or tap the lids to get the bubbles to rise to the top.

Now we wait! (leave it near a heat source overnight and it should be hard in the morning. To be sure you can let it cure for another 6 hours before you start pushing it out of the mold.

After that paint like you want! (Drybrush for movie customs, satin or gloss colors for G1 or Animated  

iDD

 

I either mixed the stuff up wrong (maybe should've used 1,5 part water and 1,5 part plaster instead of what the box recomends) but the plaster is still not completely dry yet.

iDD

 

Thanks for the tutorial IDD!

Also everyone should check the instructions to see if you're mixing by weight or by volume, sometimes that can make a big difference too.

 

thanks for this great idea! i love how simple and inexpensive it is to do. i will definately use this idea for some of my work  

 

I managed to pry them from the mold yesterday. They look awesome allready. I will be sanding and painting them tonight.

iDD

 

Q: Once the stands are dry, can they be sanded or polished in some way?

 

Plaster of Paris is kind of soft even after hardening, so you can sand it. I wouldn't know how to polish it, though. Honestly, I don't think it's possible. I used a glossy clear coat on my stand and it's pretty shiney!

 

I tried airbrushing with enamels on the plaster but that won't hold. I think you need some latex paint for it to hold...

iDD