5 Practical Tips for Customising Your Own Bearbrick

Published on 8 November 2023 6 min read

Pick your paint
Plan your design
Prepare your Bearbrick
Apply your paint
Seal your design

Customising your own Bearbrick is an exciting journey to personalise a toy that's uniquely you. With a bit of patience, creativity, and the right tools, it's easier than you think. And guess what? You don't need to be an artist to create a masterpiece! So, let's dive into the heart of Bearbrick customisation with these five practical tips.

Pick your paint

First things first, let's talk about the star of the show—paint. A customised Bearbrick that's truly your own begins with choosing the right paint. It's like choosing the right ingredients for a delicious meal: the better the ingredients, the tastier the meal. The same goes for your Bearbrick—the better the paint, the more stunning your design will be.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a popular choice for customising Bearbricks. It's forgiving, easy to work with, and dries quickly. Plus, it's available in a plethora of vibrant colours. Here's what you need to know:

Quality: Opt for high-quality acrylic paint. It might cost a bit more, but it's worth it in the long run. The pigments are rich and they won't fade over time.
Variety: Look for a set that offers a wide range of colours. This gives you more freedom to create the customised Bearbrick of your dreams.
Finish: Acrylic paints come in different finishes—glossy, matte, or satin. Choose the one that suits your aesthetic.

Oil Paint

If you're up for a challenge and have a bit more time on your hands, consider using oil paint. It takes longer to dry but offers a unique, rich texture that's captivating. Here's what to consider:

Drying time: Be aware that oil paint takes longer to dry—sometimes up to a week. So patience is key here.
Range: Just like with acrylics, opt for a set that offers a variety of colours. The more choices, the more personalised your Bearbrick will be.
Texture: Oil paint creates a rich, vibrant texture that's truly unique. It can give your customised Bearbrick an artsy, high-end look.

To sum it up, whether you choose acrylic or oil paint, remember to pick the one that aligns with your vision for your customised Bearbrick. After all, it's all about creating something that you love!

Plan your design

Now that you've picked your paint, it's time to let those creative juices flow and plan your design. This is where you get to decide what your customised Bearbrick will look like. Let's talk about a few ways to brainstorm and bring your vision to life.

Find Inspiration

Look around you. Inspiration can come from anywhere—a colourful sunset, a captivating movie, or even your favourite shirt. What colours, patterns, or themes catch your eye? Take notes, make sketches, and keep a record of ideas that spark your interest.

Explore: Wander through art galleries, browse through design magazines, or stroll through your local park. You never know where you'll find your next great idea.
Collect: Gather images, colour swatches, or anything else that inspires you. Create a mood board to visualise your ideas.
Think: What do you want your Bearbrick to represent? Maybe it's your love for nature, a favourite cartoon character, or simply an abstract pattern. The sky is the limit!

Create a Sketch

Once you have a pool of ideas, it's time to create a sketch of your design. You don't need to be Leonardo da Vinci for this. Simple, rough sketches will do. The goal is to map out your ideas before you start painting your Bearbrick.

Sketch: Draw the outline of a Bearbrick on a piece of paper and start filling in your design. This will give you a rough idea of what the final result might look like.
Revise: Don't be afraid to make changes. Experiment with different colours, patterns, or themes until you're happy with your design.
Finalise: Once you're satisfied with your sketch, it's time to move on to the next step—preparing your Bearbrick for the transformation.

Remember, there's no right or wrong when it comes to designing your customised Bearbrick. It's all about expressing yourself and having fun in the process!

Prepare your Bearbrick

With your design planned out, it's time to prepare your Bearbrick for its makeover. Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and even application of paint on your customised Bearbrick. Here are a few steps to get your Bearbrick ready.

Cleaning the Bearbrick

Before you start painting, it's important to make sure your Bearbrick is clean. Any dust or dirt on the surface could interfere with the paint application, leaving you with a less-than-perfect finish.

Use a soft cloth: Gently wipe your Bearbrick with a soft, dry cloth to remove any surface dust or dirt.
Give it a wash: If your Bearbrick is particularly dirty, you might need to give it a gentle wash with some warm soapy water. Make sure to rinse it well and let it dry completely before moving on.

Priming the Surface

Priming is an optional step, but it can help the paint to adhere better and ensure a smoother finish. It's particularly useful if you're planning to use light colours on your customised Bearbrick.

Choose the right primer: There are many types of primers available, so make sure to choose one that's suitable for the type of paint you'll be using.
Apply the primer: Use a small brush to apply the primer evenly over your Bearbrick. Once it's completely coated, let it dry thoroughly before you start painting.

Now, your Bearbrick is clean and primed, it's ready to be transformed with your unique design. The next step? Applying your paint!

Apply your Paint

Once your customised Bearbrick is prepared, it's time for the fun part - painting! Here's some handy tips to ensure you create a masterpiece.

Choosing the Right Brushes

Paint brushes are your magic wand in this process. Choosing the right ones can make a huge difference in the end result.

Size matters: For larger areas, you'll want to use a wider brush while fine details will require a smaller one. It's a good idea to have a variety of sizes on hand.
Quality counts: High-quality brushes can help you achieve smoother paint application and finer details on your customised Bearbrick.

Painting Techniques

How you apply the paint can affect the final look of your customised Bearbrick. Here are some techniques you might find useful.

Thin coats: It might be tempting to slather on a thick coat of paint, but thinner coats will give you a smoother and more even finish.
Drying time: Make sure to let each coat dry fully before applying the next. This can help prevent smudging and uneven textures.
Patience is key: Remember, creating art isn't a race. Take your time to carefully paint each detail for the best results.

With your paint applied, your customised Bearbrick is looking more unique by the minute. But we're not done yet! The final step is sealing your design to ensure it lasts.

Seal your Design

After all the thoughtful detailing, it's time to seal the deal. Literally! This final step in customising your Bearbrick will ensure the durability of your design and give it a professional finish.

Choose the Right Sealant

Sealants can vary in type and finish, and the choice you make can significantly affect the final look of your customised Bearbrick.

Gloss or matte: These are the two main finishes you can go for. A gloss sealant will give your bearbrick a shiny finish, while a matte sealant will give it a more subdued, non-reflective look. Decide on the aesthetic you want your Bearbrick to have before making a choice.
Water or oil-based: Water-based sealants are easier to clean and less toxic, but oil-based ones can provide a more durable finish. Consider where your Bearbrick will be displayed and how much handling it will receive.

Applying the Sealant

Applying the sealant to your customised Bearbrick is the final step in this creative journey. Here are a few tips to guide you through the process.

Even coats: Similar to the paint, applying thin, even coats of sealant can give you a smoother finish.
Allow drying time: Give each layer of sealant ample time to dry before adding another. This can prevent any smudging of your design.
Check for missed spots: Make sure to cover every painted area of your Bearbrick to ensure a uniform seal.

Once you've sealed your Bearbrick, your personalised piece of art is complete and ready to be admired. Congratulations on creating your very own customised Bearbrick!

If you enjoyed learning about customizing your own Bearbrick and want to take your creativity to new heights, check out the workshop 'Sculpt 3D Objects in VR!' by Tabitha Swanson. This workshop will teach you how to create unique 3D objects using virtual reality, giving you a whole new perspective on customizing your toys and collectibles.