Ever notice that there's always one or two poses in a box of toy soldiers that you just can't use? He's stabbing downward or falling backward, shot. Or maybe you already have a lot of figures in the same pose and you want to create some variety among them. Perhaps with a different weapon, a flag, a turned head or a new head.
Or maybe you like to paint your figures, but don't have much time. Perhaps you'd like to paint your guys, but aren't sure you're ready or are looking for a very specific look.
Let All the King's Men fulfill your conversion and painting needs. I specialize in 54mm figures. I have almost all my life, and if I may say so have gotten good at changing them into all-new soldiers or making them come to life with paint. Take a look throughout this site for examples of my work. As with any artist, my skills have developed over time. Whereas I was once wary of replacing a head, now I swap figures' heads, torsos, hands and weapons, and bend and straighten arms and legs! Likewise, where I once created an exclusively "toy soldier" look (shiny finishes, single-color paint applications), I now shade, include eyes, address the smallest details and apply a matte finish.
No matter what, though, I paint to your specifications. If you like the toy-soldier look, you got it. If you want washes and a matte finish, it's yours. Maybe you're a collector who likes a set of six figures. Maybe you're a wargamer who needs dozens. I'm a collector and a wargamer and I can fulfill your needs.
Creation Steps
The following is a breakdown of the process I use on figures.
Cleanup: I wash plastic and metal figures thoroughly in detergent (often soaking overnight) to remove mold-release oils and debris.
Inspection: Sort of like a drill sergeant! I inspect each figure for mold lines, flash, scars and other imperfections, and eliminate them as best as possible to maintain the integrity of the figure. If a plastic figure has a warped musket or sword, I straighten it out!
Conversion: If changes to a figure are required, I can do them! New heads, changes in arm position, new weapons. Challenge me! I create some new additions with two-part putty, or use the same to fill large gaps. Any thin gaps that remain are also filled before painting. Whenever possible, I attach new parts with pins as well as glue to make a strong bond.
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Undercoating: Metal figures are primed white to ensure full color integrity. Plastic figures get a special undercoat that allows muskets, swords and other parts to bend without paint flaking or cracking! That undercoat is then followed by a white primer, all without losing any detail.
Painting: I apply a combination of base coats and washes to capture the textures of your figure, from folds in clothes to features on a face. Acrylic paints are used. I can make a figure historically accurate or apply a color scheme to your specifications. I include details as small as buttons, eyes, bands on muskets and lace.
Top Coat: Once painted, metal figures are sprayed with a clear protective finish, either glossy or matte, per your request. Plastic figures get the same special coating used as an undercoat to seal paint between flexible layers. I have used this process and bent muskets 360 degrees without paint cracking! I've dropped them off my deck to the gravel below with minimum damage! Plastic figures can also be finished glossy or matte.
Bases: The bases of your figures can be painted an earth color, whether green or brown, or treated with mixed flocking to create an authentic turf look, including soil, grass, stones and brush. If you're a wargamer, let's talk about mounting your figures on stands! If you want a display piece, let's discuss decorative wooden bases that are stained and varnished.
Approval Process
I'm not happy until you're happy. Before your figures are sent back to you, I will email you images of the work in progress to ensure that you like the results. If you have revisions, I'll incorporate them.
Providing Figures
If you have the figures you want brought to life, send them to me! If you have the various parts of some figures that you'd like to be combined in a conversion, send them all. I might even have the parts you need in my "spares bucket," a two-pound coffee can!
I can also try to acquire needed figures on your behalf, but cost and postage for the figures is added to the cost of your order.
Periods & Reference Materials
I can convert and paint 54mm figures of any era, from Ancients to WWII. I like them all, which means your figures will look good. I also have an extensive reference library, but if you have images or information of your own, feel free to send it along. You can include books with figures and they'll be returned with your order, or you can email scanned images or specs.
Delivery Time
This is a full-time job for me. I can paint a dozen or more figures a day, so I can turn your order around fast. Ask and I'll give you a time estimate, or feel free to check on the progress of your order. You'll get images of work in progress from me, and will get an email or phone call when the figures ship out. I won't fall off the face of the Earth with your toys!
Prices and Shipping
I understand that toy soldiers are a hobby, not a necessity. (Although sometimes we need those new guys!) You might be on a budget, and we all need to deal with real life first and foremost. If you would like converted and/or painted 54mm figures, in plastic or metal, contact me and let's discuss your project.
Larger, more complicated or complex ones such as cavalry may cost more, and conversions are a little extra - no more than a few more dollars a figure. If I acquire the figures you want worked on, the cost and shipping for them is added to your order. Conversion or painting of ATKM original figures combines prices for the work done and for the original castings.
You can also click here to see a pdf that provides an extended, more detailed explanation of the painting and conversion services that ATKM offers. Included is a price structure for various kinds of projects. No matter what, though, email or call me with what you have in mind and we can discuss it!
Postage and handling on custom orders is extra. I can quote you shipping costs in advance, which are based on weight and any extra services that you request, such as insurance. I primarily use Priority Mail from the United States Postal Service. For more information on shipping, see the Orders page.
Return Policy: If you are not satisfied with castings, converted figures, painted figures or other products that you order from All the King's Men, send them back in sellable condition within 30 days of purchase and your purchase price will be refunded. Please email or call in advance of sending returns. Reimbursement does not include postage costs.
The figures available on this site may contain white metal and/or have sharp points or edges. They are not meant for children.
