Want to do a custom, but no clue where to start

[Cassie85]

I want to do a custom pony for my mom. She has been through so many awful surgeries and health scares this past year, and I think a custom pony would cheer her up. I want to go a German inspired pont because my mom is German.
My problem is that I have no clue wherw to start! What types of paint to use, where to buy hair, ect.
Any pointers are so appeciated!

[Maniah]

http://mlparena.com/mlp/index.php/topic,302372.0.html

There are links to a great tutorial there done on a g4 pony. But if you do another gen, it's basically except for the neck plug. I think there are tutorials stickies here that address that.

If you are In the USA then dollyhair.com is a great place to order hair. And if you choose to rehair using a rehairing tool, I sell some and they come with instructions and tips. I know in the above link the tutorial recommends a place to buy hair if you are not in the USA and don't want to deal with long wait times.

[Sarahlacewing]

Most people use acrylic paints to paint the pony/do the symbols although brands differ from person to person.  100% Acetone (can be found at most stores like walmart) is good for removing symbols and eyes to blank out the pony.  It's like nailpolish remover only very strong.  Then once the paint is dry mod podge or testors dull coat are the standard sealers (If you buy the paint on you will need to water it down to a milky consistancy). Maniah is right dollyhair.com is a great place to find hair.  I use the nylon for mlp personally.  You can also post what you need on the customs dollyhair trade thread if you can't buy from them directly.

Think about which bait pony you want to use.  G4 can be tricky because they are smaller and I am not kidding I like always break that stupid neck plug.  But they are the easiest to find since they are still in stores.  I will say G4 doesn't take dye well.  So if you are thinking about rit dye instead of paint I don't recommend a g4. Feel free to pm me!

[Colorscapesart]

There are a lot of useful tutorials in the link Maniah mentioned   I'd suggested spending some time with the tutorials and then posting any extra questions you have here, we are always happy to help!