Behind the Builds - WIP photos + techniques for painting 1/6 scale props.
- info101455
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 1
welcome to your backstage pass into the creative process at onesixthjay. This page dives deep into the world of the 1/6 scale craftsmanship of the company, offering exclusive work-in-progress photos, step-by-step painting techniques, and insights into the materials and methods behind the custom props and figures. Whether you're a fellow builder, a curious collector, or just fascinated by miniature artistry, this will give you an inside look at how each piece comes to life—from raw concept to finely detailed finish.
🔧 1. From Sketch to Shelf:
The Full Workflow of a 1/6 Scale concept character artist.
onesixthjay see every build as a tribute, not just to the characters they love, but to the craftsmanship behind them. Each figure is more than a product; it’s a story told through scale, material, and dedication, this will explain each step that goes into curating one of the 1/6 scale pieces curated by creative minds at onesixthjay.
1. Research & Character Exploration
Before any sculpting begins, the journey starts with research by diving into the universe of the character or prop about to be created, whether it's from film, TV, or original concept. Understanding their narrative, personality, era, and visual language is essential to crafting a figure that resonates with collectors and fans alike.
2. Gathering References & Concept Inspiration
Curating a visual library filled with high-resolution reference images, screen grabs, behind-the-scenes footage, and global concept art is is the next pivotal part in the process of onesixthjays design. By drawing inspiration not just from the source material, but also from international design interpretations and stylistic evolutions that expand the character's aesthetic while remaining true to the core identity.
3. Digital Sculpting & 3D Modelling
Once reference materials are gathered, the design progresses into the digital sculpting phase—a stage that requires both meticulous precision and creative problem-solving. At onesixthjay, every element, from weapon edges and facial features to intricate prop details, is carefully modelled to scale. The team places strong emphasis on striking a balance between hyper-realism and practical functionality, ensuring that each piece is not only visually accurate but also feasible to build. This thoughtful approach lays a solid foundation before moving forward to subsequent production stages.
4. 3D Printing & Post-Processing
Once the digital sculpt is complete, the files are transferred to a high-resolution 12K 3D printer capable of capturing every intricate detail. Each component is printed layer by layer, producing sharp, clean forms that retain the full fidelity of the original model. After printing, the parts undergo a careful post-processing routine: supports are delicately removed, surfaces are hand-sanded, and each piece is thoroughly cured and inspected. This hands-on approach ensures structural integrity and a flawless finish—critical steps in preparing the figure for assembly, painting, and final presentation.
5. SFX-Grade Painting
At the heart of onesixthjay’s process lies a stage that transforms each figure from a well-crafted object into something that feels authentically alive: the painting. Drawing on techniques rooted in the SFX and model-making industries, every piece undergoes a meticulous multi-layered treatment. It begins with carefully applied base coats, followed by controlled washes, airbrushing, and detailed hand-painting.
But what truly sets the work apart is the finishing process. Subtle weathering, aging, and nuanced colour variation that bring a sense of realism and storytelling to each surface. The paint isn’t just there to colour the piece; it builds narrative, implying history, use, and personality. It's through this layered and expressive finish that onesixthjay’s figures achieve their striking sense of depth and authenticity.
6. Tailoring & Fabric Work
Equally as important as sculpted details, the soft goods in onesixthjay’s builds play a critical role in elevating each figure’s realism. Utilizing a blend of custom-dyed fabrics, genuine leather, and carefully adapted miniature tailoring techniques, the team ensures that every garment fits to scale with precision. From layered outerwear to weathered utility gear, each fold, seam, and stitch is designed not only to look accurate but to behave naturally—allowing the clothing to drape, move, and age just as it would in full scale. It’s this dedication to texture and movement that gives the final figure a sense of life and presence far beyond the expected.
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