Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Blank Shells made of?

All IDfabrications blank shells are made of a resin plastic that have each been hand sculpted and cast.

How do I know what size shell set to order?

On our website each shell set has recommended cup sizes that will fit. As these are only recommendations, the best way to know if the size is a fit it to compare the measurements given to the cup size of the desired base top. You can find a detailed video of how to size your shells on our Youtube channel @idfabrications

How do I paint the blank shell sets?

Each order will include detailed instructions on heat molding, painting, and attaching our blank sets. If you'd like to get a head start check out our Instuctions Page, as well as, our Youtube channel for instructional videos, We also have a page with Links to our favorite products, and inspiration photos can be found on our Instagram @idfabrications

What paints do you recommend? And are they ocean/aquarium safe?

We reccomend the Rust-Oleum brand spray paint primer to prime the shells for paint, a variety of acrylic paints to color, and Rust-Oleum brand spray paint High Gloss to seal. From the research that I have done, the general consensus is that once these are dry and bonded they are completely inert and will have no effects on fish or sea life... Check out our page: links to our favorites for a list of our recommend paints.

How do you attach the shells to a top?

For Gluing our plastic shells to a base top we recommend using lots of E6000 (please be careful and use this glue in a well-ventilated area) You can also, but not necessary, score the back of the shell with a hobby knife to give it a little extra hold when glueing. You can also drill holes into our plastic shell for a base free attachment option.

Are your Silicone tops and accessories skin safe?

All our silicone options made of dragon skin silicone and are skin safe.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Currently each blank shell is hand cast to order and will normally take 2-3 business days to create. Please note if ordering silicone sets, that silicone painting and sealing will take 3-5 days. Once shipped, items should arrive 5-7 business days depending on selected shipping method. Custom order lead times will be discussed during the design phase.

Can I sell the things that I make with your shells?

You are welcome to sell your creations made WITH our original casts, but re-casting, re-molding, and/or copying any of our creations is strictly prohibited.

Will you be making "insert shell here" any time soon?

Probably! We currently have a long and wonderful list of shells to be created BUT are always open and welcome new ideas and suggestions!

I’m not crafty, will you make me a custom top?

We do make custom tops and accessories! Please message us at mirelle@idfabrications.com to check availability and options.

How much is a custom top?

Custom tops normally start at $200 for a hard shell top and $350 for a silicone top. Both options go up from there depending on design and detail wants.

Instructions

Instructions for Blank Shells and Creatures:

Shaping: Use a heat gun on medium heat. Heat the product until hot, but not too hot to touch. Once heated, use your hands to apply slow and gentle pressure to mold into the desired shape. Hold the shape until the product is cool and set. *A hairdryer on high heat will work as well, but it'll take longer to heat to a moldable temperature.

Paint and seal: Prime shells with a primer made for plastics. We recommend Rust_oleum Ultra Cover spray primer for plastics. Once primed and dry, you can use any paint you like. Go crazy with colors, pigments, sparkle, and more. When your desired paint design is fully dry, seal it all with a water tight sealer. Our go to sealer is Rust-oleum Clear Coat High Gloss.

Attaching: For attaching shells to a swim top, we recommend gluing with a very generous amount of clear E6000 (about one regular size tube per set). For an extra bit of hold, you can score the backside of the shell with a hobby knife before gluing.