I'll leave the helpful tips to the talented guys while I share my most common experiences.... MISTAKES! Feel free to add any bonehead moves or errors you've made. Maybe it'll save somebody else some headaches.
Do not attempt to speed up paint brush drying time with a hair dryer!! You can throw them directly in the trash.
Do not add water to RTV silicone. I was told it would speed up curing time, IT DOES NOT! It results in a gooey mess that doesn't cure.
Do not bother using dull knife blades... They bite!!
do not -DO NOT-!! use too much nail polish remover with acetone on your figs...remember the thug in Robocop, the one who had all th etoxic waste spilled on him? Well I soaked a 25th Gi Joe in some nail polish remover and that what was what he turned out like. All oup sandwhich like...