My attempts at making custom damaged saiyan armor

Hey everyone! So thrilled you're checking out my journey into custom damaged Saiyan armor for my SHFiguarts collection. It's truly a passion project, and seeing those iconic battle scars come to life on a figure like Super Saiyan Vegeta or even Son Goku is incredibly rewarding! When I started this project, I really wanted to capture that 'realistic Saiyan armor' feel, even on a small scale. The key to creating convincing damaged armor for your SHFiguarts figures lies in a few crucial steps. First, you'll want to carefully assess the existing armor pieces. For my custom Saiyan armor, I often use a hobby knife or a Dremel tool on a very low setting to create subtle nicks, scratches, and deeper cuts. Remember, less is often more at first! You can always add more damage, but it's hard to take it away. Think about where battle damage would naturally occur – edges, joints, and areas exposed during combat. After shaping the damage, the next big step is painting. This is where you can truly bring out the 'battle-worn' effect. I usually start with a base coat that matches the original armor color, then I'll use darker washes (like black or brown) to fill in the newly created cuts and crevices. This adds depth and makes the damage look more natural. Then, a technique called dry brushing with a metallic silver or a lighter version of the base color can simulate chipped paint and scuff marks. For example, when working on a Super Saiyan Vegeta's chest plate, adding those silver chips around the edges really makes it pop! You can also use a fine brush to paint small scorch marks or blaster impacts for that extra touch of authenticity. Thinking about the 'what is Saiyan armor made of' question, even though we're working with plastic figures, I try to mimic the look of a durable, yet flexible material. Some customizers even use thin styrene sheets or epoxy putty to sculpt additional armor plates or create more pronounced damage, like missing chunks of armor. This allows for even more unique 'Saiyan armor design' variations. For a Son Goku or Vegeta figure, you might even consider adding a bit of fabric or sculpted rips to their under-suit to complete the 'damaged' look. The beauty of customizing SHFiguarts is that you can truly make each piece your own. Whether you're aiming for a subtly scuffed Super Saiyan VE look or a heavily battle-scarred SUPER SAMAN SON GO, the possibilities are endless. Don't be afraid to experiment with different tools and paint techniques. There are tons of tutorials online for general figure weathering that can be adapted for your custom Saiyan armor projects. Sharing your 'custom saiyan armor' creations with communities like this is also a great way to get feedback and inspiration. Who knows, your unique 'SHF SHFiguarts SON GOXU' custom might just inspire someone else! It's all about bringing your favorite scenes and character moments to life. Every scratch and ding tells a story, making your figures even more dynamic and personal. Give it a try – you might surprise yourself with what you can create!