So what do you guys use...

The Crusader · Post by **The Crusader** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:19 pm

I am a graphic artist and am interessted in making a few custom made torso designs. Is there any particular paper or adhesive you use for such a thing? Also is anyone know a stud dimensions on a Lego mini-fig head, that would be the awesomeness

Roaglaan · Post by **Roaglaan** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:46 pm

I use waterslide decal paper wich you can get at afew diff places, micromark sells both inkjet and laser sheets. As for the stud demensions of the minifig head, not sure what you want but minifig customization network has templates you can download.

Roag

Quickblade22 · Post by **Quickblade22** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 8:25 pm

Hey Crusader! Here is a snip of what I wrote in another article.

I think playability has to do with how Lego-y you want your stuff to look, as oppossed to what type of material you use. I personally have no experience with water-slide decals. I hear that they are the best for making the stickers seem official. They are also the hardest and most expensive to use. I have used sticker paper in the past. I'm not too fond of how the ink manages to chip and the edges can lift and bend. The method I use is to print it on regular paper. Use packing tape to cover it and scissors to cut the edges. Here are the pros and cons.

Pros:
Cheaper
Protects the decal
Gives it a shiny surface
Keeps from damaging the original print

Cons
If you cut the tape wrong, it looks bad on your custom
you still have sticky substance on the minifig

I hope this helps

Luís · Post by **Luís** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 10:17 pm

Hi Crusader. I use the same method as QuickBlade, because of the advantages he wrote. As for minifig head dimensions, the neck is 5mm in diametter, the whole head is 1.2cm tall (including stud, not including the stud it's 9mm and not including stud and "neck part" it's 7mm) The top is about 1.2cm in diametter. The stud itself is about 4mm in diametter. Hope it helps.

And BTW QB, another con is that if you want to use an armour, beard, etc. it will be tougher to fit and putting it in and out will damage the sticker.

LEGOFREAK · Post by **LEGOFREAK** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:38 am

I posted in another thread, but you can use plain paper, and glue it on with a glue stick.
I am a huge fan of this if you don't want something permanent. If you do want a "collectible" (something you don't play with all the freakin time) then go with this method. If you want to put it on a shelf and say "gee, that's pretty!" then, use the decals.

Freak

shmails · Post by **shmails** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 3:08 am

I prefer quality looking torsos, so here is my process

I have been using waterslide decals for a few years now, and found that even spraying them once or twice, they will still bleed or fade (this is all using an inkjet printer, laser printers are different). Here is my process:

1) print a full sheet of decals, printing at least two of each design in case you mess one up.

2) let it sit for half an hour to let the ink dry a bit.

3) Spray with Krylon Crystal Clear (available at Michael's or Walmart). Wait 30 minutes

4) Repeat step three two more times (three in total)

5) Spray with Krylon Preserve It! (available at Michael's or Walmart). Wait 30 minutes

6) Repeat Step 5 one more time. Let dry for 2 hours.

Now your decals are completely sealed and will not run, bleed, or fade. They are also protected from UV rays.

After I place the decals, I use a softening solution, then spray the finished minifigure with three coats of minwax lacquer spray (available at Home Depot or Walmart) and the minifigure is very well protected. I have used this technique for minifigures I sold on Ebay and have not had any complaints about the quality.

If you want to see some examples check out my stuff at bauxdesign.com

Damien · Post by **Damien** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 7:44 am

It's ridiculous how many customized minifigs I have just laying around my house. I've been doing it since I got into the hobby some years ago, and my method's always been the same. Waterslide decals - which are printed for me alternately by either Will of BrickArms (as a favour, he doesn't sell decals), or by Kam of FineClonier.

Both use the same type of printer, so the resultant decal is pretty much the same. From there, I apply the decal and let it set for 24 hours before I do anything with it. After that, I apply a coat of 'Diamond' clear nail polish (which is the strongest nail protector out there). Let that dry for about 6 hours or more and apply a second coat.

After the second coat dries, I apply a coat of Testor's Dullcote to get rid of the severe gloss caused by the nail polish.

Personally, I think the result is fantastic and official-looking. Not only that, but even with the very rough treatment my minifigs suffer through, I have never ended up with a custom minifig being damaged in any way. I've actually -tried- to scrape a decal off with my fingernail and it just wasn't happening. So that's the process I'd suggest for anyone wanting 'playworthy' custom minifigs.