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.

Links to our favorite products

Listed below are Amazon links to our favorite and recommended products for working with our blank shell sets.

Heat Gun for shaping:

We use a Wagner heat gun in-house, daily, and highly recommend it.

Spraypaint Primer and Sealer:

We highly recommend Rust-Oleum 2x Spray Paint for both the primer and their Clear gloss sealer. Once dry the paints are inert and will not yellow with use.

Detail paints:

These are our favorite paints to use to really make the details of our shells pop. The Shuttle Art Metallics and the Folkart Color Shift craft paints give incredible dimension and movement to the shells. For a quick paint with maximum impact, I highly recommend the DecoArt Metallic Luster rub on top of a Black primed shell.

Glue:

We highly recommend using E6000 to attach your shells to a base. Not only is it waterproof but it is also flexible when dry giving the shells and base movement when wearing.

Base Bras:

Boobs are weird and a beast to fit … everyone is different. These are our base bra recommendations and here’s why: When looking for a base bra the most important aspect you’re looking for is fit. The next (and what the two below offer) are a lined cup and a wide band. I like to work with a lined cup as it retains a better shape/fit when gluing. I prefer a wide band, so I’ll have more room to accessorize (because in my world more is more is best!) Again, these are recommendations, and the most important element is how it fits on you.