how to make custom action figures

December 1, 2025

Custom action figures are one of the most creative hobbies out there — a perfect blend of art, sculpting, painting, and character design. But if you’ve ever searched “how to make custom action figures,” you’ve probably noticed that most posts cover only one technique. Some focus only on repainting, some only on sculpting, and others assume you already know how to use 3D modeling software.

This full guide walks you through every possible path — from the easiest beginner-friendly repaint to fully sculpted or 3D-printed custom figures. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a collector, or someone aiming to sell high-end custom pieces, this article gives you everything you need to get started.

Step 1: Choose Your Custom Action Figure Path

Before buying materials or picking up a brush, you need to decide which method fits your budget, skills, and goals. Custom figures typically fall into three categories:

Path A: Repainting & Kitbashing an Existing Action Figure (Easiest)

This is the most beginner-friendly method. You use an existing body as a base and add or remove details to create a new character.
This method is perfect if you want quick results or if you’re customizing known characters like superheroes, anime figures, or game characters.

Kitbashing = mixing parts from multiple figures.

Path B: Sculpting & Casting From Scratch (Advanced but Rewarding)

If you want a figure that doesn’t exist in stores — or a completely original character — sculpting from clay and casting in resin is the purest way to do it.
This involves armatures, clay sculpting, molding, and resin casting.

It’s the method used by professionals who make prototypes for collectibles.

Path C: 3D-Printed Custom Action Figures (Modern & Flexible)

With the rise of affordable resin printers, many artists now design digital figures and print them as parts. You can use free software (Blender) or sculpting software (ZBrush) to create your character.

This method gives the cleanest, most precise results — especially for articulated figures.

Step 2: Plan Your Custom Figure — Design, Scale & References

Before sculpting or painting, you need a solid plan.

Choose a Scale

Common action figure scales:

  • 1:12 scale (6 inches) – most Marvel Legends, DC Multiverse

  • 1:10 scale (7 inches) – McFarlane

  • 1:6 scale (12 inches) – Hot Toys

  • 3.75–4 inches – Retro or vintage scale

Pick a scale that:

  • Fits your collection

  • Matches accessories

  • Has base bodies available (if kitbashing)

Create or Gather Reference Images

You want clear front, side, and back views if possible.

Use:

  • Screenshots

  • Model sheets

  • Turnarounds

  • Fan art (as inspiration, not for copying large portions)

If you are designing an original character, sketch it first or use a simple poseable mannequin to plan proportions.

Step 3: Tools & Materials (Beginner to Advanced)

Starter Kit (Repainting & Basic Modding)

  • Craft knife

  • Small file set

  • Fine-grit sandpaper (800–1200)

  • Acrylic paints (matte preferred)

  • Paintbrushes (detail sizes)

  • Primer (gray or white)

  • Clear sealer (matte, satin, or gloss)

  • Epoxy putty for small sculpting details

Intermediate Kit (Sculpting & Casting)

  • Armature wire

  • Aluminum foil (bulk fill for sculpts)

  • Polymer clay (e.g., Super Sculpey)

  • Silicone rubber for mold-making

  • 2-part urethane resin for casting

  • Sculpting tools (needle tool, loop tool, smoothing tool)

Advanced Kit (3D Printing Customs)

  • Resin 3D printer (SLA or MSLA)

  • UV curing lamp

  • Isopropyl alcohol bath

  • Sanding sticks

  • 3D modeling software (ZBrush, Blender)

  • Nitrile gloves & respirator

Path A: How to Customize an Existing Action Figure (Repaint & Kitbash)

This is the best place to start if you’ve never made a custom before.

Step 1: Pick a Base Body

Choose a figure with:

  • The right height & proportions

  • Good articulation

  • A smooth surface for painting

Example: A generic 6-inch superhero figure can be repurposed into dozens of characters.

Step 2: Prep the Figure for Painting

  1. Disassemble the figure

    • Warm the plastic using a hair dryer or hot water.

    • Pull the limbs off gently.

  2. Wash the parts
    Removes oils, dirt, and mold release residue.

  3. Sand lightly
    Use fine grit so paint sticks better.

Step 3: Sculpting Extra Details

Use epoxy putty (Apoxie Sculpt or Green Stuff) to add:

  • Armor plates

  • Hair

  • Clothing folds

  • Belts / straps

  • Facial details

Let it cure fully before painting.

Step 4: Prime the Figure

Primer gives paint something to grip.

  • Gray primer = good for most projects

  • White primer = bright colors

  • Black primer = dark or metallic figures

Spray or brush-on primer both work.

Step 5: Start Painting

Use thin layers of acrylic paint:

  • Base coat

  • Shading & highlights

  • Dry brushing for raised textures

  • Washes for shadows

Painting Eyes & Faces

Many beginners struggle with eyes.
Use a fine detail brush and steady rests for your hands.

Step 6: Seal the Figure & Reassemble

Use:

  • Matte sealer → most figures

  • Gloss → for wet or shiny elements

  • Satin → armor or boots

Let everything dry fully before reattaching limbs.

Path B: How to Sculpt & Cast a Custom Action Figure From Scratch

This path gives you complete creative control.

Step 1: Build an Armature

An armature is the skeleton of the figure.

  • Use wire matching the shape of the character

  • Add foil “muscles” so you don’t waste clay

  • Lock in articulation points (neck, shoulders, elbows, knees)

Step 2: Rough Sculpt the Body

Use polymer clay:

  • Block out major shapes first

  • Bake or cure in stages

  • Keep proportions balanced

Step 3: Add Fine Detail

Sculpt:

  • Facial features

  • Clothing wrinkles

  • Hair texture

  • Armor or tech elements

  • Hands and feet (or sculpt separately)

Step 4: Make Silicone Molds

Once the master sculpt is complete:

  • Build a mold wall

  • Mix silicone and pour

  • Let cure

  • Cut mold open carefully

For more complex figures, use two-part molds.

Step 5: Cast the Figure in Resin

Mix resin → pour → allow to cure

  • Trim extra flash

  • Sand seams

  • Pin limbs together using metal rods

Now you can paint it like any regular figure.

Path C: How to Make a 3D Printed Custom Action Figure

Perfect for complex armor, robotic characters, or perfectly symmetrical designs.

Step 1: Create or Modify a 3D Model

  • Use Blender for modeling

  • Use ZBrush for sculpting organic shapes

  • Or kitbash existing 3D models (with rights to modify)

Step 2: Design Articulation

Plan joints early:

  • Ball joints

  • Hinge joints

  • Swivel pegs

Test clearances digitally before printing.

Step 3: Prepare Files for Printing

  • Add supports

  • Orient pieces for maximum detail

  • Hollow larger parts

  • Export in .STL or .OBJ format

Step 4: Print, Wash, Cure & Sand

  • Print using resin (best detail)

  • Wash parts in IPA

  • Cure under UV

  • Sand smooth for painting

Step 5: Paint & Assemble

Follow the same painting steps as a repainted figure.

How to Make Custom Accessories, Clothes & Capes

A great custom isn’t just the body — accessories bring it to life.

Weapons & Armor

  • Sculpt with epoxy putty

  • 3D print small accessories

  • Modify existing action figure weapons

Soft Goods / Clothing

  • Sew tiny jackets

  • Create wired capes for dynamic poses

  • Use fabric glue to avoid sewing where possible

Custom Heads, Hands & Extras

  • Use compatible pegs

  • Cast duplicates for alternate expressions

Painting, Weathering & Finishing Techniques

Prime Before Painting

Spray primer creates a smooth, even foundation.

Base Coats & Shading

  • Apply thin coats

  • Use darker tones in shadows

  • Highlight raised edges

Weathering Techniques

  • Dry brushing

  • Rust effects

  • Battle damage scratches

  • Dirt washes

Seal for Durability

This prevents paint rub and chipping.

Safety Tips Every Customizer Should Know

  • Work in a ventilated area

  • Wear gloves when using resin or silicone

  • Use a dust mask when sanding

  • Keep tools away from children

  • Never heat plastic over an open flame

How to Photograph & Package Your Custom Action Figure

Photography Tips

  • Use natural or diffused lighting

  • Neutral backdrop (white or gray)

  • Take close-ups of face & accessories

  • Use a tripod or phone stand

Packaging Ideas

  • Print custom cardbacks

  • Use clamshell boxes for a professional look

  • Add nameplates or character bios

How to Sell Custom Action Figures (Optional)

Many hobbyists eventually sell customs. Here’s the simple path:

Where to Sell

  • Instagram

  • Etsy

  • eBay

  • Facebook collector groups

Pricing Rules

  • Materials cost

  • Labor hours

  • Paint/skill level

  • Rarity of character

Legal Note

Selling customs of copyrighted characters is tolerated in many communities but can be risky.
Original characters and heavily transformed designs are safer.

Most Common Beginner Mistakes (and Fixes)

  • Thick paint layers → use thinner coats

  • Paint rub at joints → sand joints or use sealers

  • Sticky finish → allow proper drying time

  • Air bubbles in resin → pour slower or use degassing

  • Poor proportions → use reference images or mannequins

FAQs: How to Make Custom Action Figures

What’s the easiest way to make a custom action figure?

Repainting and modifying an existing figure is the fastest and easiest path for beginners.

Do I need a 3D printer to make custom figures?

No. You can repaint, sculpt, or cast figures without any 3D printing equipment.

What clay is best for sculpting?

Polymer clay (like Super Sculpey) or epoxy putty for small mods.

What scale should I choose?

1:12 scale (6-inch) is the most popular due to available base bodies and accessories.

Can I sell custom figures?

Yes — but stick to original characters or heavily modified designs for safety.

Final Thoughts

Making custom action figures is a rewarding hobby that merges art, design, and engineering. Whether you start with a simple repaint or advance to full sculpting or 3D printing, each figure you create will be one-of-a-kind. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and the guidance in this article, anyone can bring a character to life in physical form.