Ever wished your WWE action figure lineup included that one superstar in a rare costume or a fantasy mashup you’ve always imagined? Custom WWE figures let you bring these dreams to life, adding a personal touch that store-bought toys can’t match.
With WWE’s rich history and ever-changing rosters, many fans crave unique figures that simply don’t exist. This article will guide you through creating your own—from choosing the right base figure to painting and finishing details—so your collection can finally feel complete.
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How to Make Custom WWE Figures
Custom WWE action figures let you step into the world of wrestling creativity. Whether you want to build a figure of your favorite wrestler in a classic attire, recreate a legendary moment, or dream up an entirely new superstar, customizing WWE figures is an exciting and rewarding hobby. In this article, you’ll discover how to make your own custom WWE figures, what you’ll need, and the tips to make your projects stand out.
What Are Custom WWE Figures?
Custom WWE figures are action figures that have been altered or built from scratch by fans and collectors to represent specific wrestlers, unique costumes, or original characters. These customs often use existing figures as a base, then incorporate new parts, paint, and accessories to achieve a truly one-of-a-kind creation.
Why Customize Your WWE Figures?
- Showcase your favorite wrestler’s rare look or attire
- Recreate moments not available in commercial releases
- Build dream matches and fantasy bookings with new characters
- Express your artistic talent and creativity
- Expand your wrestling display with unique figures
Materials and Tools for Custom WWE Figures
Before you begin, gather the essential materials and tools for the job. Quality parts and tools make the process smoother and help your customs last longer.
Basic Supplies
- Base Figures: Start with mass-produced WWE figures. Choose ones with similar bodies to your custom’s look.
- Spare Parts: Heads, arms, legs, and torsos from other figures. Some stores offer generic bodies and separate parts specifically for customizers.
- Paints: Acrylic paints work best for plastic figures since they bond well and come in a range of colors.
- Brushes: Fine detail brushes for faces and logos, and medium brushes for larger areas.
- Sculpting Putty/Clay: Use this to add hair, masks, or muscle details.
- Super Glue or Epoxy: Secure parts for a durable hold.
- Sandpaper or Nail Files: Smooth out rough surfaces and help putty blends in.
- Sealer: Spray or brush-on sealer protects your paint jobs from chipping.
- Cloth and Accessories: For costumes, you can use tiny pieces of fabric or look for professionally made accessories like belts and shirts.
Helpful Tools
- Precision hobby knives for cutting and trimming
- Tweezers for placing small parts
- Toothpicks or sculpting tools for fine detail
- Water cups for cleaning brushes
- Gloves to keep paint off your hands
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Custom WWE Figures
Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps so you can start building your own wrestling superstars.
1. Plan Your Custom
Before you start, decide which wrestler or character you want to create. Gather reference pictures from matches, magazines, or highlight reels. Sketch or list the elements you want, such as specific tattoos, outfits, or accessories.
2. Choose a Base Figure
Pick an action figure whose body type and costume are close to your custom’s look. This saves time when swapping parts or painting. For example, if your custom wrestler is muscular, start with a figure that matches that build.
3. Disassemble the Figure
Carefully take apart your base figure if needed. Most figures can be separated at the head, arms, legs, and torso. Warm water or a hairdryer can soften the plastic slightly, making it easier to remove tight joints.
4. Swap and Attach Parts
Mix and match heads, arms, or legs from different figures. Use super glue or epoxy to join them securely. Sand down any connecting spots or rough edges for a smoother finish.
5. Sculpt Details
Add extra features, such as facial hair, masks, or unique attire, using sculpting putty. Work in layers and let each layer dry before adding more. Use sculpting tools for precision, and continuously check against your reference images for accuracy.
6. Paint Your Custom Figure
Paint is where your custom comes alive. Remember these painting tips:
- Use acrylic paints for best results on plastic.
- Paint in thin, even layers to avoid lumps or brush marks.
- Let each coat dry before applying the next.
- Use fine detail brushes for faces, tattoos, and logos.
- Don’t forget the small details, like wrist tape or shoe laces.
7. Finish With a Sealant
Once you’re happy with the painted details, apply a protective sealer. This could be a matte or gloss spray, depending on your desired finish. The sealer prevents paint from chipping during play or posing.
8. Add Clothing and Accessories
Complete your custom with tiny T-shirts, jackets, or belts. Some websites and online stores sell professional-quality wrestling figure apparel, championship belts, and props designed for action figures. You can also make simple costumes using cut fabric, elastic, and basic sewing techniques.
9. Display or Play
Now that your figure is finished, let it join the action! Display it proudly, or use it in your own imaginary matches.
Tips and Best Practices for WWE Figure Customization
- Start simple: Begin with easy customs like repainting or basic part swaps before tackling more complex sculpting projects.
- Practice makes perfect: Your first customs might have flaws. Keep creating and you’ll quickly improve your skills.
- Photograph your work: Take pictures of your customs to share with other hobbyists and track your progress.
- Use reference images: Always check real-life photos of wrestlers to get details right.
- Invest in good tools: Precision brushes, hobby knives, and sculpting tools make a big difference.
- Store supplies safely: Keep paint, glue, and sharp tools away from children and pets.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Matching Skin Tones
Finding the right paint color for skin tone can be tricky. Mix paints gradually, and test on a small area. Some customizers prefer to harvest heads or arms from figures with the right tone to avoid painting skin completely.
Joint Tightness After Reassembly
Reassembled figures may have stiff or loose joints. Try gently sanding connector pegs before reassembly, and use clear nail polish to tighten loose joints.
Paint Chipping
Always let paint dry thoroughly and use a sealant to prevent chips. Handle your figures gently after painting.
Accessory Sourcing
Finding perfect accessories, like miniature belts or shirts, can be tough. Check online specialty shops that cater to custom figure enthusiasts or try making basic pieces yourself.
Cost Tips for Making Custom WWE Figures
Customizing figures can be cost-effective with a little planning:
- Re-use parts: Salvage heads, bodies, and accessories from thrift store figures or broken toys.
- Buy in bulk: Purchase blank bodies, heads, and accessories from hobby stores or online markets.
- Combine shipping: If ordering multiple supplies, buy from one store to lower shipping fees.
- DIY clothing: Simple shirts and pants can be made from old T-shirts, socks, or felt.
- Trade with other collectors: Swapping parts helps save money and find rare pieces.
Shipping costs can add up, especially when ordering specialty parts or accessories internationally. Try to estimate total costs (including shipping) before making large purchases to stay within your budget.
The Joy and Benefits of WWE Figure Customization
- Artistically Rewarding: You get to express your ideas and vision through each custom build.
- Personalized Collection: Make figures no one else has, representing your favorite moments and superstars.
- Community Connection: Connect with other customizers, share your work, and get inspiration from online galleries and forums.
- Possible Income: Advanced customizers sometimes sell their finished pieces to fellow collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to make a custom WWE figure?
The time varies depending on complexity. Simple customs like repaints or head swaps can be done in a few hours. Sculpting new features, painting detailed costumes, and sealing can take a few days to a week, especially if you wait for paint and glue to dry between steps.
What is the best type of paint for custom figures?
Acrylic paints are the top choice for customizers. They adhere well to plastic, dry quickly, and come in many colors. Use thin layers and allow each coat to dry. Remember to seal your work for durability.
Can I undo a mistake while painting or assembling?
Yes! If you make a mistake with paint, let it dry, then carefully sand or paint over the area. For glue or assembly issues, gently warm the figure to loosen parts, or use a hobby knife to carefully separate them. Always work slowly to avoid damage.
How do I find spare parts and accessories for my custom figures?
Check hobby stores, online retailers, and community marketplaces for spare body parts, heads, and accessories. There are specialty shops offering blank figure bodies, detailed heads, and custom clothing tailored for WWE figures.
Are custom WWE figures valuable?
They can be, especially if highly detailed or matching rare wrestler styles or attires. Value depends on quality, rarity, and demand. Some customizers sell their work privately, while others display them as part of a personal collection.
Conclusion
Customizing WWE figures is a fun, creative, and ever-evolving hobby. With a little patience, the right materials, and some imagination, you can build unique figures that capture the excitement of professional wrestling. Remember, every custom is a chance to improve your skills and bring a new superstar to life. Start simple, dream big, and enjoy every step of the customization journey!