Vinyl figure help

Is the figure soft or hard vinyl? I've worked with figures done in both types. The vinyl can be carved with a X-Acto knife (use a very sharp new blade). I had luck grinding ridges off of hard vinyl with a Dremel tool and a steel cutter head, though you have to be careful not to cut away something you don't want to remove. As far as filling goes, after washing the figure with warm soapy water to get any mold release agent off of it, rinsing it thoroughly, and letting it completely dry, I've used gel type superglue to fill any defects, as if will stick to the vinyl.

I painted my figures using acrylic paints from the local WalMart's arts and crafts section, and didn't have any adhesion problems. Non-acrylic enamel paints don't stick well at best, and can have a chemical reaction with the vinyl that will prevent them from ever drying completely, so avoid those.

Pat

I suppose it would be classified hard vinyl. I have carved with a sharp knife, but it leaves marks that still need treatment. I hadn't thought of the Dremel. That is a good idea. I'm not real keen on the fire idea (I know my luck).

Thanks for the tips.

I spent far more time on that website than is healthy :o)

(kim)

You don't want to singe it either, just melt the surface slightly so that it smooths itself out.

Another alternative is to chill the vinyl in the fridge or ice water, and then use sandpaper. When it's cold, it'll be stiffer and easier to sand.

The Dremel works well on the hard vinyl, less well on the soft stuff. The trick is to shape it with several shorts touches of the cutter head, so as not to cause the vinyl to overheat and start to melt.

Pat

I was wondering about that. I suspect it will also be more brittle & could break. What I am trying to sand is a cape. It's not real thick but I'd be afraid of snapping it if it were cold.

I wish now that I had saved the stuff I cut off, so I could practice.