Painting and Modding Honkai: Star Rail Figures
You can turn any Honkai: Star Rail figure into something truly special. Painting and Modding lets you show off your style and love for the game. Pick a figure that excites you, grab some basic tools, and get ready to create. Take your time with each step. You will feel proud when you see your custom collectible. Want tips or ideas? Check out online tutorials and join fan groups like the ones on Reddit.
Tip: Patience and practice help you get better results every time!
Painting and Modding Basics
Choosing Your Figure
You want to start with a figure that inspires you. Look for one with clear details and smooth surfaces. Plastic and resin figures work best for beginners. If you pick a figure with lots of tiny parts, you might find it harder to paint and mod. Consider a product like the Reverse: 1999 Sonetto 1/7 scale figure for its high level of detail. Try to choose a character you love from Honkai: Star Rail. This makes the whole process more fun and personal.
Tools & Materials
Gather your supplies before you begin. You need paints, brushes, and maybe an airbrush if you want smooth finishes. Acrylic paints work well for most figures. You also need primers to help the paint stick, and sealants to protect your work. Sculpting tools help you add new features or fix small mistakes. EVA foam, hot glue, and Mod Podge are great for making accessories or changing shapes. Safety gear is important too. Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles to keep yourself safe from paint and glue.
Here’s a quick checklist for your toolkit:
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Paints (acrylics recommended)
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Brushes (various sizes)
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Airbrush (optional)
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Primer and sealant
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Sculpting tools
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EVA foam, hot glue, Mod Podge
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Nitrile gloves, respirator mask, safety goggles
Workspace & Safety
Set up a clean and organized workspace. You want good lighting and plenty of room to move. Wet sand your figure to keep dust down. Work outside or in a spot that’s easy to clean. Safety comes first. Always wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection. This keeps you safe from fumes and tiny particles.
Tip: Online tutorials and community forums can help you learn new skills. Try following steps like color blocking, washing, and highlighting to make your figure stand out. You’ll find lots of friendly advice from other fans who love Painting and Modding just as much as you do.
Preparation Steps
Cleaning & Sanding
Before you start painting, you need to make sure your figure is clean and smooth. Dust, oils, and mold release agents can stop paint from sticking. Here’s how you can get your figure ready:
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Wash your figure in warm, soapy water. Use dish detergent and a soft toothbrush to scrub away any dirt or grease.
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Rinse the figure with plain water to remove all soap.
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Wipe down plastic parts with isopropyl alcohol. This dries fast and leaves the surface ready for paint.
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For stubborn oils, try soaking the figure in a product like Plastic Prep, then rinse well.
Tip: Always let your figure dry completely before moving on!
Now, let’s talk about sanding. Sanding helps smooth out rough spots and makes paint stick better. If you have a resin figure, follow these steps:
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Place sandpaper (start with 400-grit) on a hard surface.
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Dip the piece in water before sanding.
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Sand in circles, then switch to 600-grit, then 800-grit, and finish with 1000-grit for a super smooth finish.
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Change directions often. Try a figure-eight motion for even coverage.
You want your figure to feel smooth to the touch. Take your time here—good prep makes Painting and Modding much easier!
Priming
Priming is the next step. Primer helps paint stick and shows off any spots you missed while sanding. The type of primer you use depends on your figure’s material. Here’s a quick guide:
Primer Type |
Characteristics |
---|---|
Acrylic primers |
Water-based, dries quickly, great for plastic and resin figures. |
Spray primer |
Comes in a can, covers evenly, perfect for figures with lots of details. |
Epoxy primer |
Fills small gaps, makes a smooth base, takes longer to dry. |
Enamel primer |
Very durable, shiny finish, best for outdoor displays, slow to dry. |
Note: Always use primer in a well-ventilated area and wear your safety gear!
Once your figure is primed and dry, you’re ready to start painting. Good prep means your colors will look brighter and last longer.
Painting Techniques
Base Coating
You want your figure to have a strong start, so base coating is the first step after priming. Use high-quality acrylic paints for the best results. These paints stick well and dry fast. You can use a brush or an airbrush for this step.
If you use an airbrush, you get a smooth and even finish. This works great for large areas and helps you cover the figure quickly. Hand painting gives you more control, especially for small spots. Here’s a quick look at how each method compares:
Method |
Finish Quality |
Best For |
---|---|---|
Airbrushing |
Smooth finish, excellent for base coats and gradients |
Large areas, fast application |
Hand Painting |
Excels in micro details and textures |
Eyes, lashes, edge lines, leather veins, weathering |
Tip: Airbrushing saves time, but hand painting lets you work on tiny details without worrying about overspray.
No matter which method you choose, always start with thin layers. Let each layer dry before adding the next. This keeps your colors bright and smooth.
Layering & Blending
Layering and blending help you create depth and make your figure look more realistic. You can use these techniques to paint skin, clothes, or even hair. Here’s a simple way to build up skin tones on anime figures:
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Start with a base color that is a bit brighter than the final skin tone. Use a hard brush to fill the area.
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Add a new layer for shading. Pick a darker color and paint where shadows would fall, like under the chin or around the nose.
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On another layer, add blush using a light red or pink. Blend it softly with a bigger brush.
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Use a light color for highlights. Paint this where the light hits, like the forehead or cheeks.
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For extra realism, add a layer of reflected light. Choose a color that matches the skin and paint it in the shadow areas.
Note: Blending works best if you use a damp brush or a blending medium. This helps the colors mix smoothly.
Shading & Highlights
Shading and highlighting make your figure pop. These steps help show off the details and give your figure a 3D look. You want to think about where the light hits and where shadows fall.
Here are some popular techniques for small-scale figures:
Technique |
Description |
---|---|
Strong Shading and Highlighting |
Makes details stand out, even from far away. |
Use of Light |
Helps you decide where to put shadows and highlights. |
Material Consideration |
Use different methods for skin, metal, or cloth to match their look. |
Progressive Layering |
Build up shadows with several layers for more depth. |
Use of Washes |
Thin paint flows into cracks, making shading easy for beginners. |
Subtle Changes |
Change your shading and highlights a little for each material to make your figure look amazing. |
Tip: Washes are great for beginners. Just brush them on and let them settle in the cracks. You get instant shadows!
Detailing
Now it’s time to add the finishing touches. Detailing brings your figure to life. Use a fine brush for this step. Paint the eyes, lashes, and tiny lines on clothes or armor. You can also add weathering effects, like scratches or dirt, to make your figure look like it just stepped out of the game.
Try using a magnifying glass for super small details. Take your time and use steady hands. High-quality brushes make a big difference here. If you make a mistake, let the paint dry and touch it up with a small brush.
Remember: Painting and Modding is all about having fun and making your figure unique. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Every figure you finish helps you get better!
Modding Techniques
Sculpting & Accessories
You can make your Honkai: Star Rail figure unique by adding new things or sculpting extra parts. Maybe you want to give your character a new weapon, a cape, or a different hairstyle. There are many sculpting materials to pick from. Some clays are easy for beginners. Others are better for people with more experience.
Here’s a quick look at popular sculpting materials:
Material |
Type |
Notes |
---|---|---|
Magic Sculpt |
Epoxy clay |
Great for figures, but shipping can be costly in Europe. |
Aves Apoxie Sculpt |
Self hardening clay |
Easy to use for beginners. |
Super Sculpey |
Polymer clay |
Considered lower quality by some artists. |
Premo! Kato |
Polymer clay |
Preferred by high-end polymer clay artists. |
Fimo |
Polymer clay |
Another high-quality option for sculpting. |
XGB air dry clay |
Air dry clay |
Available in various colors. |
Shape the clay with tools, then let it get hard. If you want light accessories, use EVA foam. Hot glue is good for sticking pieces together or adding small details. Mod Podge helps protect your finished work.
Tip: Try making simple things like belts or hair clips first. When you feel ready, you can try bigger projects.
Pose Modification
Changing your figure’s pose gives it more personality. You can make your character look like they are moving, posing, or just relaxing. To change the pose, cut and move the arms, legs, or head. Use a hobby knife or a small saw for this. After moving the parts, fill any spaces with clay or EVA foam.
Here’s a simple process you can follow:
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Plan the new pose. Draw it or use pictures from Honkai: Star Rail.
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Cut the figure at the joints you want to move.
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Move the parts and glue them with hot glue or epoxy.
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Fill any gaps with clay and smooth it out.
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Let everything dry before you start Painting and Modding.
Note: Go slow and check your work often. Mistakes can happen, but you can fix most with more clay or glue.
3D Printing
You can use 3D printing to make custom parts or even whole figures. This lets you design a part on your computer, print it, and add it to your figure. 3D printing is fast and gives you lots of ways to add detail.
Check out the advantages of 3D printing compared to traditional sculpting:
Advantage |
Description |
---|---|
Speed |
3D printing allows for rapid prototyping, reducing the time from design to prototype significantly. |
Complexity |
It can create intricate geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional methods. |
Customization |
3D printing enables mass customization, allowing for personalized products tailored to unique specifications. |
Cost-Effectiveness |
Low initial setup costs and on-demand manufacturing reduce overall expenses. |
You do not have to make everything yourself. Many websites have free 3D models for Honkai: Star Rail figures. You can find mods, accessories, and even full character models.
Resource Name |
Description |
Link |
---|---|---|
HSR Hub |
Mods and Modding Resources by the Honkai Star Rail Modding Community |
|
Stelle X Rustic Noir |
A Mod for Honkai Star Rail |
|
Official MMD Models |
Official models for modding |
Tip: Join online groups and forums. You can find tutorials, free models, and tips from other fans who like modding figures.
You can mix sculpting, pose changes, and 3D printing to make a figure that is truly special. Try new ideas and show your work to others. You will learn new things and meet friends who enjoy Painting and Modding too.
Finishing & Display
Sealing & Protection
You worked hard on your figure, so you want to keep it looking great. Sealants help protect your paint job from scratches, chips, and fading. When you handle your figure, a good sealant acts like a shield. It absorbs small impacts and keeps the paint safe underneath. Sunlight can fade colors over time, but sealants also help block UV light.
Here are some popular types of sealants you can use:
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Matte sealant: Gives a flat finish. Great for a natural look.
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Gloss sealant: Makes colors pop and adds shine.
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Satin sealant: Sits between matte and gloss. Looks smooth but not too shiny.
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UV-resistant spray: Offers extra protection from sunlight.
Tip: Always spray sealant in thin layers. Let each layer dry before adding the next. Wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated area.
Custom Bases
A custom base can turn your figure into a real showpiece. You can use simple materials like wood, plastic, or even foam. Paint the base to match your figure’s theme. Add small props, like rocks or grass, to create a scene from Honkai: Star Rail.
Try these ideas for your base:
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Paint a starry sky or cosmic background.
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Glue on tiny crystals or gems.
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Use sand or gravel for texture.
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Add LED lights for a glowing effect.
A creative base makes your figure stand out and tells a story.
Display Tips
You want your figure to stay safe and look awesome on display. Here are some easy ways to show off your work:
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Place your figure in a glass case to keep out dust.
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Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
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Use stands or risers to show off different angles.
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Clean your display area often.
Remember: Your custom figure deserves a special spot. Show it off with pride!
Troubleshooting & Tips
Fixing Paint Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes when painting figures, especially at the start. You might notice clumps, streaks, or uneven colors. Don’t worry! You can fix most problems with a few simple tricks.
Here are some common paint mistakes you might see:
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Using paint straight from the bottle without thinning. This can cause clumping and thick spots.
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Not cleaning your brush before touch-ups. Old paint can leave marks or mix colors by accident.
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Using paint that is too thick or too thin. Thick paint covers details, while thin paint looks patchy.
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Leaving brush strokes because of thick paint or the wrong technique.
If you spot a mistake, let the paint dry first. Then, gently sand the area with fine sandpaper or use a cotton swab with a little isopropyl alcohol to remove the error. After that, repaint the spot with thin, even layers. Always clean your brush between colors and thin your paint with a drop of water for smoother results.
Tip: Practice on a spare piece before working on your figure. This helps you get the feel for paint thickness and brush control.
Repairing Mods
Sometimes, a mod breaks or doesn’t look right. Maybe an accessory falls off or a sculpted part cracks. You can fix most problems with patience and the right tools.
Try these steps:
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Clean the broken area. Remove any loose bits.
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Use a strong glue, like epoxy or hot glue, to reattach parts.
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Fill gaps or cracks with a bit of clay or Mod Podge.
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Let everything dry fully before painting again.
If you need to redo a mod, don’t rush. Take your time and check your work as you go.
Expert Advice
Want to level up your skills? Many artists share their secrets online. You can find step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and friendly forums. Ask questions and share your progress. Most people love to help beginners.
Remember: Every mistake is a chance to learn. Keep practicing, and you’ll see your figures improve with every project!
You now know the basics of Painting and Modding your own Honkai: Star Rail figures. Start with a figure you love, gather your tools, and follow each step. Try new ideas and don’t worry about mistakes. Share your finished work online and join the community for feedback and inspiration. You will get better with practice, and you’ll have a lot of fun along the way! About Bahomu.
Remember: Every figure you finish is a step forward. Keep creating and enjoy the process!
FAQ
How do I choose the best paint for my figure?
Acrylic paints work great for most figures. You get bright colors and easy cleanup. Try brands like Vallejo or Citadel. Test a small spot first to see how the paint looks.
Can I fix a mistake after the paint dries?
Yes! Let the paint dry. Use fine sandpaper or a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol to remove the mistake. Paint over the spot with thin layers. You can always touch up your work.
What safety gear do I need?
You should wear nitrile gloves, a mask, and safety goggles. Good ventilation helps keep you safe from fumes. Always read labels on paints and glues before you start.
Safety first! Protect your skin, eyes, and lungs every time you paint or mod.
Where can I find modding ideas and tutorials?
You can join online forums or fan groups. Try searching YouTube for painting and modding guides. Many artists share step-by-step videos and tips. You will find lots of inspiration and help.
Resource |
Type |
Link |
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GameBanana |
Modding Hub |
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Community |