A question regarding head shrinking

[MarcelloD]

Hey guys,
long time lurker who finally decided to make an account and post.

I have a few 1/12 heads that I would like to shrink down to MEGO size for some customs.
I have experience handling acetone and most of the info I have seen points to using that.
However, from previous experience, acetone can be complicated..if you expose your product to it too long..it might just get disintegrated completely.
How long should I leave my heads soaking in acetone? I am sure it differs based on the head but an estimate would be nice. Really appreciate it!

[LonnieFisher]

Welcome to the museum.
Shrinking is done based on individual heads. Some heads are thicker from the factory (with Mego heads) so soak time depends on how thick it is. I've soaked heads for a very short amount of time and had them fall apart in the acetone. Some I've had to soak twice to get to shrink.
1/12 is smaller than Mego. Mego 8" are 1/9th scale. I think 1/12 scale is 6"figure size.

[LonnieFisher]

If you mean heads from 12" figures (1/6th scale) then you can't shrink them down to an eight inch figure. They won't shrink enough.

[MarcelloD]

If you mean heads from 12" figures (1/6th scale) then you can't shrink them down to an eight inch figure. They won't shrink enough.

Sorry 12" is what I meant.
Thank you for the answer. What is the biggest head you have been able to shrink down to mego size?

[Carmelkettle]

You really need to test EVERY head and be prepared for damaged or unusable heads. Which means having duplicates of every head. This probably isn't what you want to hear, but better safe than sorry. Also know that when you are successful, it changes the properties of the plastic so it's usually more hard and brittle. Also some paints won't completely dissolve but will run and smear. I haven't collected or customized 1/6 figures in years, but with all the great sculptors and molds out there now, I'd say just look for the head you want in scale unless you really, really want to attempt the 'try and see' approach to shrinking. Good luck!

[LonnieFisher]

1/8th scale shrinks to about 1/9th scale.

[jessica]

You can make a mold of 1:6 head and then pour a shrinking silicone called hydrospan 400. Pretty fun to do. But be prepared to do cleanup of your cast once it is in right scale.

[LonnieFisher]

I wish hydrospan had a longer pot life!

[jessica]

Yes 30 seconds to stir and 1 minute before it sets. No time to worry about bubbles!

[TrekStar]

Sounds like a convention of head hunters.

[MarcelloD]

You can make a mold of 1:6 head and then pour a shrinking silicone called hydrospan 400. Pretty fun to do. But be prepared to do cleanup of your cast once it is in right scale.

Thanks! sounds promising. I have experience making copies of my heads..but..do you have any links to tutorials you recommend for leaning how to use hydrospan 400?

[LonnieFisher]

This isn't hydrospan, but looks promising.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdYw7tg-7DU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we0nOvtAMw4

[LonnieFisher]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YFjtKqv3QE

[LonnieFisher]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDry-goiVTY

[MarcelloD]

Thanks for all the help. Looks like I have some research and ordering to do haha