Cost of taking up this hobby

[BobAgentOfHYDRA]

I have been collecting Bowen MB (exclusively X-men) for the past 4 months or so and started looking at other MBs I could start collecting. I know DC is coming out with their own line of MBs but IMO do not look of the same caliber as Bowen. After posting in the DC Direct section of this site, Jesse321 posted pictures of awesome looking DC busts. I recently learned from him that these are kits he produces himself and that assembly and painting are required.

SO my question is, how much does it cost just to take up this hobby: assembling and painting kits? I am talking start up costs for equipment and materials, time it takes to be actually good, etc. I just want estimates if you could.

The last thing I need is another expensive hobby, but I figured I would at least inquire. Thanks.

[Tetragrammaton]

In general, kits tend to cost less than pre-painted MBs and statues.

If you then do the assembly and painting yourself, there is only a small expense in terms of materials. What is expensive is if you have the pieces built up by someone else. Each sculptor / painter has different rates but $100 for a bust and $200 for a statue are typical.

[BobAgentOfHYDRA]

Thanks for the response, but wouldn't custom kits cost more since the sculptor had to incur the cost him/herself?

If possible, could anyone give me a quantitative price of what it would cost to start up (ie. paint gun, brushes, paint, putty, etc) just to paint, let's say, one MB?

[Danno]

I think this is much too broad of a question and really,
quite impossible to give a simple answer to.

Starting (just like any hobby) is as expensive as you
allow. Art supplies are not cheap by any means and
I have probably 4K in paint alone in my studio.
Paint can range anywhere from .99 per bottle, upwards
to $17 for 1 once of specialty paint.

Paint brushes can range anywhere from .99 on up to
$30 per brush (depending on quality/size, etc..

Airbrushes, compressors...there is a wide cost range
depending on what you get.

[Vracula]

I was thinking of building kits and painting myself,but the real question is can i buy talent somewhere??

[Jesse321]

Originally Posted by BobAgentOfHYDRA

SO my question is, how much does it cost just to take up this hobby: assembling and painting kits? I am talking start up costs for equipment and materials, time it takes to be actually good, etc. I just want estimates if you could.

A LOT!!

[boondocksaint]

i would say start wit some small busts and maybe some hobby paints,,,see if it is something youll be interested doing,,,washing prepping priming then painting the kit.. after that then come back and we can give you some more detailed advice

[Jesse321]

Originally Posted by Vracula

I was thinking of building kits and painting myself,but the real question is can i buy talent somewhere??

When you find a place, let me know, I could use some.

[Jesse321]

Originally Posted by boondocksaint

i would say start wit some small busts and maybe some hobby paints,,,see if it is something youll be interested doing,,,washing prepping priming then painting the kit.. after that then come back and we can give you some more detailed advice

Good advice, I'd also suggest picking up an issue or 2 of Kit Builders Magazine and Amazing figure Modeler, they're the leading publications in the hobby and are chucked full of great information.

Also if you're in the area, I would suggest attending Wonderfest in May in Louisville KY. They have terrific seminars (all free with paid admission to the show) and you can talk to people about the hobby.

But heed our warnings, this is a REALLY fun hobby, once you get into it, it's like crack ... there's little chance for escape!

[goodydog12]

Im slowly tinkering with kits. Is it best to airbrush? If the kit is 1 solid color, is it ok to spraypaint? Does using a brush leave brush marks???? Someone answer me before I begin painting!!!! PLEASE!!!