New to the world of customizing

What up Sector12!! Hey listen,... I'm getting ready to start customizing! (Enter the Rookie) I need some help. I have tons of ideas
and inspiration and tons of figs to customize,... and,.. and,.... wait for it,....."A wife that is encouraging me to start customizing!!" WHOOOO HOOOOO!!! I have lots-o-questions too. If anyone out there can help me,.. .. here are some of my basic questions.
1.) What is a good basic method for coloring/painting my figures?
2.) What is a good way to create that weathered/worn - been through battles and more look?
3.) How hard is it to dis-assemble and re-assemble figures at the torso? Or should I?

I got more questions,.. but I'll start with those. Let me know!!! Thanks a bunch!! Oh yeah,.. I checked out the gallery,..
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!! I can't wait to submit one of my own customs!!!

TheDarkOne!

Hey mate welcome to the site!!good to see your enthusiastic and keen to get stuck in!!!

Now the questions:

I always use games workshop paints,they have an amazing range of colours and will go on virtually any plastic,
(Probably my biggest cheat painting-wise is not to paint,if you can,use parts that are already the colours you want!!!) The single biggest paint problems are the dreaded articulated joints!!!

The weathered/worn look is best done by drybrushing/and or using ink washes (again games worshop do a great range of inks).i dont really do drybrushing,but i do LOVE my ink washing,its a great way to bring out detail,add grime,and is a pretty easy technique to pick up!!

As for torsos iv been lucky so far and avoided having to do this...so il let someone else field that!!

1.) What is a good basic method for coloring/painting my figures?

Easiest answer, I'd say start with a black figure like the new ultimate SE. They're peg-warmers around my area and this way you can accent the knee pads/holsters/pouches without having to worry about paint rubbing on the joints.

2.) What is a good way to create that weathered/worn - been through battles and more look?

Once the base coat has dried, dry brush layer by layer in similar appropriate colors. See the pic below for a finished example. As for paint choices I go with Tamiya acryl colors and Testors Model Masters (acrylic only) if I have no other choice. Both are pricey so it is up to you based on availability.

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3.) How hard is it to dis-assemble and re-assemble figures at the torso? Or should I?

The last time I tried that, I took off 4 layers of skin on my thumb, so I will pass on answering this question.

BTW, welcome to S12 and enjoy your stay!

The easiest method I have seen for disassembling a torso is using a vise (or is it vice? I forget, anyway.) You can find actual vises that are meant for hobbies. They can be pretty inexpensive and are well worth it.

Some have rubber stoppers to keep from damaging the figures but those tend to get damaged after a while so I would suggest not using those and just wrapping the torso in a towel or sock or something cloth like. Then just place the torso in the vise and tighten it up until you hear a crack. You may need something to pry the pieces apart as well, a small flat head screw driver is ideal.

Be warned, some torsos are easier to disassemble than others. The biggest pain I have come across has been the Sandstorm figure. That body just does not want to break apart easy. 4 times we have tried and 4 times it has caused problems.