We have listed a few of the questions (and complaints) that we are commonly asked. If you don't find the answer to your question here, please feel free to contact us. We have had many more compliments than complaints and we are grateful to our faithful customers. You guys are why we offer our props!
Q: What kind of paints should I use for my kit?
A: We use a spray on primer and spray automotive-type paints for base coats. For detail painting, we use plain old model paints and a brush. Seal with an automotive clear coat.
Q: I want to order "some stuff", how much is shipping?
A: If you are asking for a shipping quote for international orders, we have to know where you are and what you are ordering. Without both of these, we cannot calculate weight-based overseas shipping.
Q: Can your props be made hollow for electronics?
A: No, our molds are solid and cannot be altered to produce hollow props.
Q: Can I get an item painted a different color or color scheme?
A: Yes, just let us know what you want. Painting is easy to alter and we are happy to accommodate.
Q: What should I do if my pin backings fall off?
A: Sometimes the bond between the metal and resin detaches. You can re-attach the backings quickly and easily with super glue, Goop brand glue, or any two-part epoxy from your local craft store.
Q: How fast can I get my order?
A: As stated on our homepage, please allow 4-6 weeks to complete and ship your order. Our guys all have different work and family schedules to keep. Sometimes your order may be done quickly, other times it may take the full 4-6 weeks to send out. If you are within the US, transit time once shipped should take about a week. If you are outside the US, it is impossible to estimate, due to processing through customs. Once the order is out of our hands, we cannot control how fast it arrives. International orders wishing to have tracking available must let us know before you are given a shipping quote, as registered mail significantly increases the cost of shipping.
Complaint: The pieces I ordered are not smooth and/or perfectly white.
A: These are garage kits and as such they require filling, sanding, and prep work. The fun of building a garage kit is the ability to form it and make it completely yours. If you want it smooth as a baby's butt, you can always sand it that way. Often, the release chemicals we use to ensure a smooth cast attract dust, skin oils and such. We do not scrub or bleach your kit. You are advised to wash your kit in half-water and half-vinegar or Dawn dish soap and water to remove these chemicals, but that is up to the builder. You can make a garage kit into anything you like. That's the beauty of resin kits!
Complaint: My order has not yet arrived.
A: How long has it been since it shipped? International orders can take 4-8 weeks (or longer over the holidays) to arrive due to transit and customs times. If you still feel that it has been too long and your order has not arrived, please contact us with your concern. Filing a Paypal complaint and locking our account without giving us the courtesy of speaking to us and allowing us to try and resolve the issue slows the processing of orders for everyone else. It will also result in a ban from ordering from us in the future. If you can't play well with others, we don't need the trouble. Ask around, we have had to do this twice, and both times, the buyers simply didn't allow enough time for their orders to come through customs. We are all prop collectors ourselves and we have all been screwed by sellers. We don't do that to others. If there truly is a problem with an order, we will do what we can to make it right.
Note: if you have been banned from doing business with us for any reason and would like to appeal that decision, please contact our complaint department...except we don't have one, so whine to your screen instead.
Q: Can I get a rush order?
A: Rush orders are possible for an additional charge, but they depend on the items, your deadline to have the props in your hands, and whether we have other rush orders already on the table. Contact us to find out if we can meet your needs on rush orders.
Q: Can I get a discount on my order?
A: We strive to keep costs as low as possible for fans of sci-fi. As a result, we cannot offer discounts.
Q: But I'm really poor. Can't I get a reduced price? (This really was a question, I do not jest)
A: If you are really poor, you should be paying bills, buying groceries, and taking care of your family. You should not be buying toys! ARRRGH!!!
Q: Do you have this piece in stock and ready to ship?
A: No. Except for rare occasions, we don't keep anything in stock. Each piece is made when the order is placed. This helps us keep our costs down so we can keep your costs down.
Q: Are your belt buckles functional?
A: All of our finished belt buckles include metal hardware secured in place by epoxy so they can be worn with pretty much any belt. We do, however, recommend that they be used only with your uniform rather than for daily wear, as the paint will take damage if not treated gently. Here is a pic of the hardware that we use on our finished buckles.
Comment on a prop forum: Their resin has been compared to Ivory soap.
Response: Our resin is a ultra-low viscosity casting resin that does not require vacuum degassing. Fully cured castings are tough, durable, machinable, and paintable. They resist moisture and mild solvents and are applicable for small to medium sized sculptures, cold cast bronze castings, roto casting, special effects props, and decorative jewelry. They have a shore D hardness of 70 and a tensile strength of 3,000 psi.
Comment from a prop forum: The whole site looks like crap.
Response: Thank you, you're looking wonderful today as well.
Q: Can your pins be made with magnet backings instead of pin backings?
A: Certainly, just contact us first, as some pieces may not work well with magnets and there will be a higher charge for magnetizing pins.
Please note that we all make these props as a hobby. We do not make a living from this. This is a skill that was passed to us from friends and our guys developed it further. So many people asked if we would make stuff for them, that we put up a site for the regular fans who don't have cash falling out of their butts for hero props. As a result, if we get a creepy vibe from a potential customer, we reserve the right to refuse their order. Becoming threatening will not encourage us to reverse this decision, so don't bother going there. No one needs that kind of hassle in their hobby. Work with us and we'll work with you. Piss in the sandbox and we'll have to ask you to leave.