Build Kits & Finished Builds FAQ
This page explains the two ways to buy on Props and Pixels: Build Kits and Finished Builds. Our objective was simple: produce a kit that cuts sanding and prep as far as practical, so you can get to assembly, paint, and the rewarding part faster.
Short version: choose Build Kits if you want the builder experience with less sanding, less prep, and less guesswork, or choose Finished Builds if you want a completed piece handled by us through a commission request.
Raw print vs vapour-smoothed starting surface
This is the same kind of part shown two ways. The untreated print on the left needs much heavier sanding, filler, and primer work. The vapour-smoothed surface on the right starts dramatically closer to the finish line, which is exactly why our builder kits reduce sanding time so aggressively.
What happens before your Build Kit reaches you
Every kit goes through a controlled prep path before it leaves the workshop. The goal is simple: remove as much avoidable labour and confusion as practical, while still leaving you the rewarding part of assembly, paint, and final finish.
Controlled physical build
Parts are printed in ABS for strength and real-world durability on calibrated Bambu H2D and H2S systems, using heated chambers and tuned print settings to produce cleaner, more repeatable parts from the start.
Cleanup and pre-assembly
Larger sections are cleaned and pre-assembled where that materially reduces alignment work, awkward joins, and wasted time during your build. Vacuum-formed pre-tinted lenses are supplied where the kit calls for them.
Vapour smoothing in calibrated chambers
Large visible surfaces are vapour smoothed in calibrated chambers where practical, specifically to cut sanding, filler, and ugly early prep before primer.
QA before dispatch
Each kit is checked before shipping so the parts you receive are already through the most important physical prep steps, rather than arriving as untreated raw output. Smaller components are counted and packed into sealed plastic bags so they stay organised in transit.
Detailed assembly and styling guides are available where noted through our in-house all-in-one app, accessible from any PC or phone with internet access. The same app includes our guide assistant, so if you get stuck during assembly, paint selection, or final finishing, help is in the same place.
Build Kits
The builder-focused option. You still get the rewarding part of assembly and painting, but with pre-assembly where it helps, vapour smoothing where practical, and detailed guides to reduce hard work and guesswork.
Finished Builds
The completed-build option. Finished Builds are handled by commission request, with assembly, prep, paint, and final presentation completed in-house.
| Option | Best for | You still do |
|---|---|---|
| Build Kits | Builders who want the joy of assembling and painting their own prop, but with a better starting point and clearer guidance. | Assembly, primer, paint, final detailing, and any remaining selective prep work. |
| Finished Builds | Collectors who want the finishing work handled for them. | Usually just unpacking, display, and any optional accessory setup. |
What is the actual difference between Build Kits and Finished Builds?
Build Kits keeps the builder experience while reducing as much unnecessary labour and confusion as practical. Finished Builds are completed pieces handled in-house and arranged by commission request.
Why are your builder kits different from a raw DIY print?
We are not just shipping whatever comes off a printer. Larger sections can be pre-assembled where it helps, large visible surfaces are vapour smoothed where practical to reduce sanding, filler, and prep before primer, and builder kits include detailed digital assembly and styling guides where noted so you spend less time guessing and more time building.
Does vapour smoothing mean I can skip sanding and filler completely?
No. It means there is usually less of that work than with untreated raw prints. Final prep still depends on the product, the finish standard you want, and how aggressive your paint and detailing plan is.
Will Build Kits reduce assembly time as well?
Often, yes. When larger sections are pre-assembled where it helps, some of the most obvious joins are already handled. That means fewer loose parts to align and fewer seams to chase before primer.
Which option should I choose if I want to customise the final paint job myself?
Build Kits is the strongest fit if you want the builder experience and full creative ownership. It already aims to remove as much unnecessary prep and guesswork as practical without taking away the rewarding part.
Which option should I choose if I do not want to build or paint anything?
Choose Finished Builds. It exists for buyers who want the finished object rather than the build process, and it is handled through commission request rather than standard self-serve checkout.
Do all products come in both options?
No. Build Kits are the main product catalog. Finished Builds are more selective and depend on whether the piece makes sense as a commission-led completed build.
Are electronics available in every option?
No. Electronics are used selectively where they materially improve the final piece. On builder-focused products they may appear as an option or pack. On premium finished products they may appear as a higher-tier version.
What tools and materials do I normally need for builder-focused products?
That depends on the product, but the usual list is adhesive, sanding materials, filler where needed, primer, paint, and finishing supplies. Product pages now call this out more clearly in the build details block.
Why is Finished Builds so much more expensive?
Because the real cost is labour. Assembly, seam work, prep, primer, painting, detailing, packaging, and commission handling for finished pieces take far more time than supplying a builder-focused kit. Finished-build pricing needs to reflect that labour honestly.
Where should I start if I am still unsure?
Start with Build Kits if you want the builder path. If you want a completed piece, browse Finished Builds and use the commission request page.