Okay, so today I wanted to make something special, a “dekis tribute.” I had this idea in my head, and I just had to try it out. I’ve been seeing these cool custom figures online, and I thought, “Why not? I can probably do that!”

Getting Started
First, I gathered all my materials. This meant digging through my old boxes of action figures and finding some spare parts. I found a few bodies, some extra heads, and a bunch of random accessories. I also grabbed my:
- Super glue
- Exacto knife
- Some paints (mostly acrylics)
- Small paintbrushes
- Sandpaper (a few different grits)
I laid everything out on my work table, which is really just an old folding table I set up in the garage. Good lighting is key, so I made sure my work lamp was positioned just right.
The Process
The first thing I did was choose the base body. I went with a figure that had a good, solid build – nothing too flimsy. Then, I picked out a head that I thought would fit the overall vibe I was going for. It took a little trial and error, swapping out heads until I found one that looked right.
Next, I started on the modifications. I carefully used the Exacto knife to trim away any extra plastic or details I didn’t want. This part is tricky because you don’t want to accidentally cut yourself or remove too much. Slow and steady wins the race, as they say.
After that, I used sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges. I started with a coarser grit and then moved to a finer one to get a nice, clean finish. This makes a huge difference when you start painting, as it helps the paint adhere better and look smoother.

Painting and Detailing
Once everything was prepped, I began painting. I applied thin coats, letting each layer dry completely before adding the next. This is super important to avoid clumping and get a professional-looking finish. I mixed my own colors to get the exact shades I wanted. I’m not gonna lie, this part took the longest, but it’s also the most rewarding.
I also add the samll detail one by one, and keep waiting to dry.
The Final Touches
After the paint was dry, I added some final details. I used a tiny brush to paint on some small accents and highlights. I also found a few accessories that I thought would complete the look, like a small weapon and a cape I made from some scrap fabric.
Finally, I glued everything together, making sure everything was secure. And there it was! My very own “dekis tribute” custom figure. It’s not perfect, but I’m pretty proud of how it turned out. It’s definitely a fun project, and I’m already thinking about what I want to make next!