How to make a custom two tone Ikea Detolf with lighting and dust resistance (no drilling)

This video goes over how I created custom two tone painted IKEA Detolf display cases with lighting that requires no drilling and dust resistance.
UPDATED PAINTING INFO (from my brother after he watched the video):
"Never hold the button down and spray back and forth. Try to keep your movements the same pace, and when you are about to pass what you want to paint, spray past it and let go. Same thing when you swing back from the opposite direction. Start further away and keep moving closer until you find a good distance to make a good layer without adding too much paint at once."
Mirror cutting shop recommendations (Updated):
Your local glass/mirror shop. Construction companies get glass/mirrors cut all the time, get it cut locally, it will save you a ton on shipping.
Back glass dimensions:
Height: 62 in.
Width: 15 1/4 in.
Thickness: 3/16 in.
Edge: Flat Polished
Links to core items used:
- IKEA Detolf (Display Case): www.ikea.com/us/en/p/detolf-g...
- Commercial Electric LED Lights (Note: There are many kits like this, you don't necessarily have to use Commercial Electric): www.homedepot.com/p/Commercia...
- LED Aluminium Channels - www.amazon.com/HAMRVL-Aluminu...
- Clear Spiral Wrap - www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-B...
- Weather Strip for Dust - www.homedepot.com/p/M-D-Build...
- Wiremold Cord Cover Channel - www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand-W...
The music used in this video is licensed with InAudio.
inaudio.org/
0:00 Intro
0:31 Materials needed
1:49 Painting the Detolf
3:40 Assembling the Detolf
4:45 Lighting the Detolf
5:46 Dust proofing the Detolf
6:15 Finishing up

[@MRKILLERKOALA1996]

This is the best detolf/lighting tutorial on youtube

[@Drezzz15]

Awesome tutorial! You def gave me some great ideas. I actually did a set up that involved soldering. I really like the dust protection and how you covered the wires at the bottom. I did drill a hole into my detalf and painted it black so that it doesn’t show. Thanks for the mirror tips as well.

[@anbuzero367]

The best detolf guide on youtube

[@nagatoakatskui1978]

Thanks to your tutorial I finally set up my lights and my detolfs such a good video you explain every step well such a underrated video keep making goat videos man 👍

[@dztryr]

Hello captain! You got a number of HI3 figures there. Fantastic collection. Definitely going to follow this method of upgrading the DETOLF 👌🏼

[@becca9569]

Super clean! looks awesome!

[@zerocodercool]

Outstanding work mate!!!

[@paulha3430]

Best explained video for detolf

[@EliteCollector]

Dude I think you just became my favorite figure tuber 😂 super nice vids. This was easy to follow and you kept it under 10 minutes. I will definitely use this once I get a detolf.

[@kopiandmilktea1861]

Hi this is super informative! Thanks for sharing!

[@kurnitb]

Excellent tutorials, thank you!

[@Johnnyhoboy]

Great video! Looking to buy my first detolf cases and your look was exactly how I wanted it!

[@Battletide.]

Nice! Hopefully your area has them in stock, my area seems to be all sold out. :(

[@Trickst4r44]

@@Battletide. I really like your video and I will surely save this as a tutorial as I plan to build my own set up soon. My question is though, what is the product you used to put your Detolf case on top of?

[@nine_tails137]

I really like that mirror idea you did. I hope I can try it out once I finish moving.

[@Battletide.]

There are two ways to do it, buying a mirror and stick it on the wall behind the detolf. Or get a custom cut mirror (recommended from local shop instead of a distance shop and shipping it - most of these glass shops facilitate construction companies, so they should be easy to find) to replace the back glass. Buying a long wall mirror and sticking it on the wall is most likely cheaper. While getting custom cut glass looks nicer, but is 2-4x more expensive than the detolf itself. But good luck, I love being able to see the backs of my figures since a lot of them have so much detail.

[@nine_tails137]

@@Battletide. Thanks for the advice man. My mom said we should be finished moving in before Christmas, but I'm just brain storming ideas for how I'm gonna display my figures. My Largest one being my Omnimon G.E.M. statue measuring 2 feet tall. So I know he won't fit in a detolf. The rest might fit though, since they're slightly smaller, and not G.E.M. statues.

[@storianxia5452]

Thank you! I’m getting a couple detolf/led so my 50+ boxed figures can finally shine!

[@Battletide.]

Nice! Glad the video helped. ☺

[@godfather1116]

Very helpful! thank you

[@SneakyLolzsenpai]

Such a nice collection ang very good set up question where did you buy those glass mirrors and where did exactly put it back of the wall or back of the glass thanks 🙏

[@jensm5953]

This video is so under the radar and it doesn't deserve to be. Great vid and tutorial!

[@Omnimon.100]

Really great and well detailed tutorial!

[@markg813]

Nice vid! Only suggestion would be to add the links to the products directly in the bio!

[@Battletide.]

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it.

[@hugh4400]

Your videos have been bangers nonstop! Keep at it!

[@sebastianferreira261]

I know I'm super late but I'm curious as to where you got those black risers from?

[@RAFeraer]

Mate, this is a nice tutorial. Your collections are awesome too. It's really nice. 🙂

[@leebarrett6886]

Did you buy or build the risers? They are great. Awesome tutorial. Thanks for the wonderful ideas and tips.

[@Battletide.]

Funny you ask this, my latest video goes in depth of on display case riser. 100% recommend checking it out if you are looking for a display case riser.

[@victorfernandezabarca7648]

Hi, excellent video. What are you using to elevate the detolf? THX so much por the video

[@Battletide.]

That is actually the top half of a IKEA LACK TV unit stand. I would not recommend using it since it doesn't really support the weight of a detolf. I am actually half way finished a video that will talk about detolf riser options. I hope to release that video in October. I hope to add more insight to what you can do to raise your detolf.

[@Mocka-yf4ez]

excelent

[@FLEMFILMS]

I'm curious about the shelf you use under the Detolfs. I've been looking for the exact same thing but with no luck. Could you share a link? Also love the mirror in the back idea. Just wish I watched this vid before I assembled mine.

[@Battletide.]

It's the top half of a IKEA LACK TV Stand. For it to work you really need to reinforce it. It can't support the 150lb of 2 detolfs on it's own. I have also seen people use IKEA BESTA TV Stands (there are different types). Or the single column IKEA KALLAX. Note: all these need to be reinforced. As for the mirror, I love mirrors at the back of my display cases. I bought some custom cut mirror from a local construction supplier, and it wasn't cheap. Getting a custom back mirror will most likely cost more than the detolf. But also worth it in my opinion. (The shop told me that the price of glass/mirrors was going up for no good reason, other than the fact that everything else was going up in price) Good luck with your displays!

[@meltansays]

Wow, never thought about the mirror idea. Great tip! Might have to get some in the future. What are those bases that you used to put your detolfs on top of? I've been trying to find some with no luck!

[@Battletide.]

I was using the top half of an IKEA Lack TV stand, I don't recommend using it since it can't really support the weight of 2 detolfs. I got rid of them and replaced them with some custom built risers. That being said, I have a video coming out in October that is going to explore riser options. (I just have 2, maybe 3 videos ahead of it. Got a backlog I'm trying to pump out after taking vacation and coming back to a lot of work, haha)

[@meltansays]

@@Battletide. Oh awesome! I can't wait to see that video!

[@gokhanayvazoglu6295]

Thank you fir lightning tutorial. I’m not living in US and that led set not have in my country. I have to make set my self ;) pls can you give me how long is that cable 5:12 attatching led between cable ?

[@Battletide.]

Hey! Sorry for the delay. If you are talking the cable that attaches LED to LED. I would say a safe length is 42 - 44 cm. This gives it a little bit of slack so you can move it around or adjust it.

[@tonysun3707]

where did you get that stand!

[@luismarin3551]

Great video. Question, where did you get the risers your Detolf are sitting on?

[@Battletide.]

It's actually the top half of a IKEA LACK TV unit. That being said, I wouldn't recommend using them. The LACK table is meant for only ~55 lb max... and each detolf weights ~75 lb. I had to reinforce under it to support the ~150 lb weight. I actually don't use them anymore, I build my own risers that are pretty snazzy. I'm actually going to do a video showing how I built them (along with other riser options) in October.

[@luismarin3551]

@@Battletide. Thanks for the reply👍

[@Tweezybaby4]

Where did you get the riser for your detolf

[@damiendavila]

Awesome tutorial, thank you!

[@PLA8thRt]

Very nice!, ill be trying this out, what is the stand you have underneath the detolfs though?

[@Battletide.]

If I remember correctly, it was half a IKEA LACK TV stand. Don't recommend using it. For a detolf, the IKEA KALLAX 1x1 shelf fits a detolf. Recommend buying a door for it to make it a bit stronger, and maybe reinforce the back of it with some L brackets. The BESTA TV Stand also seems like a decent display case riser, though will still need to be reinforced if you plan to stick 4 detolfs on it (300lb). Building your own display case riser out strong wood is also a great option.

[@PLA8thRt]

@@Battletide. thanks for the info! Ill try the kallax method then

[@johnsbanana9404]

It looks just amazing 😍😍😍

[@karzir2328]

the back glass is 3/16 inch thickness, if I ordered a 5mm mirror, would it fit? or it is better to order 4mm? Thanks!

[@Battletide.]

Good question... 3/16 in is 4.76 mm. 3/16 in or 4.57 - 5.05 mm is the ASTM standard for glass, so it should be fine if you are in Canada and get 5mm cut mirror/glass. The glass is already pretty thin on a detolf, so I wouldn't want to go smaller like 4mm or 5/32in (3.78 - 4.19mm ASTM standard for 4mm). If you look at the wood cut outs in the detolf, there is some wiggle room, adding 0.25 mm shouldn't hurt it. Plus, I rather trim out the wood cutouts of the detolf to make more space than cutting thinner glass. But that is my opinion. Another mistake people make is they tighten the top of their Detolf super tight where the glass bows, you don't want to do that. Leave some wiggle room. Tighten to be firm, don't tighten as tight as physically possible.

[@hunterdaniel1]

Where did you buy the reflective mirror film

[@Battletide.]

I actually haven't used mirror film myself, just because I feel there is a lot of room for error. I have actual mirrors on the wall behind my detolfs. There are some great videos on KZbin that have recommendations for mirror film though. (I'm assuming the recommended film on Amazon is garbage)

[@alejandroalcazar2258]

How to be an expert anime figure collector in one week? - Step 1: Buy 12 anime figures. - Step 2: Buy enough Detolfs, remember to put lights and raise the Detolf. - Step 3: Subscribe to Battletide and wait for his next video. Congrats, you did it!!

[@mrmrgaming]

Hi. What width spiral wrap did you use? 10mm? or wider? Thanks

[@Battletide.]

The product says 0.75 in. which is around ~19mm.

[@mrmrgaming]

@@Battletide. Cool, thanks for the reply.

[@autobotratchet6557]

Thank You For This "How To Make" For A Custome Detolf Display For Figure's.

[@demoind9148]

What are the measurements to order the mirror glass?

[@Battletide.]

First off, I want to point out the mirrors behind my detolfs in this video are actually on the wall. Second, since I'm currently in the process of putting custom cut mirrors in some new (different) display cases, I recommend ordering your mirrors locally. I did a search for glass/mirror shops in my area and found like 10 within a 20 min driving distance, you will save a ton on shipping if you pick up locally. (For example: I was going to order 2 mirrors online for $210, and they wanted to charge me $465 on shipping, it's crazy) These are the dimensions of the back glass that I measured (though I do recommend double checking): Height: 62 in. Width: 15 1/4 in. Thickness: 3/16 in. Edge: Flat Polished Hopefully this helps you get started. Highly recommend double checking measurements though.

[@head3337]

Are the detolf shelves adjustable to different heights?

[@Battletide.]

They are not, but people have gotten creative and build their own shelf clips. Go on Ebay or Etsy and look up Detolf Shelf Clips.

[@head3337]

@@Battletide. awesome, also another question, is there spotlights that simply can be placed on the frame?

[@Battletide.]

@@head3337 Spotlights are not used that often, mainly because most display case spotlights require you to screw them into something. That being said, I don't see why they can't be used, but instead of screwing, using strong double sided tape to fasten them to one of the glass walls (using the metal framing to channel down the cabling).

[@pamorbagas2248]

what widht wheater stripping did u use? 9mm?

[@Battletide.]

The package says 6.3mm width, 5.5mm height. Also, a tip here, on the left side where the door opens, I placed the strips flush with the edge of the glass. This actually tightly "sealed" the gap on the left side. I don't recommend putting the strips flush on the edge on the right side of the detolf however since it does interfere with the door opening and can cause the glass to bow when opening the door. When I first put them on I made this mistake, but since it annoyed me, I moved the strips back 2-3mm. This does introduce a gap but I'm hoping the bristles catch/block some of the dust from reaching the figures.

[@pamorbagas2248]

@@Battletide. well noted sir. by the way, thanks for the tips, this is very helpful ✌🏻

[@TheFrankKnightRises2]

What's the name of the table you have in the bottom of the two displays? Where can I find something like it? Also insta subscribe u got a great personality

[@TheFrankKnightRises2]

I'm looking for something boxed and rectangular just can't find anything for my two displays

[@TheFrankKnightRises2]

Don't really know what to search for either

[@Battletide.]

I used to use half of a IKEA LACK TV stand. They aren't meant to support the weight of a detolf, so I got rid of them. I had to run support beams under them to support the weight. I have an unboxing video coming out in a week, then after that, I will have a large video on display cases and risers for them; I should be able to outline some better options than the LACK stand. Should be released mid-November.

[@TheFrankKnightRises2]

@@Battletide. I'll be anticipating 🤞 I get my detolfs by the end of November.. so midnovember would be treat for that video!

[@TheFrankKnightRises2]

@Battletide please release the vid!! 🙏 I'm not sure if you can recommend me any cabinet stand that works with two detolfs?

[@chantallatorre4122]

How did you raise your cases?

[@Battletide.]

It's actually the top half of a IKEA LACK TV unit. That being said, I wouldn't recommend using them. The LACK table is meant for only ~55 lb max... and each detolf weights ~75 lb. I had to reinforce under it to support the ~150 lb weight. I'll be moving in a month and aim to replace them with a more permanent solution. I know detolf raisers is a hot topic where it's hard to find good information, so I may post something when I got a final solution that I'm comfortable with.

[@chantallatorre4122]

@@Battletide. yes! Please do! Because I would love to raise my detolfs! Right now I dont have mine right next to each other so options to raise them separately and together would be nice!

[@aribalostmnt]

Nice 👍 thanks

[@jemango0302]

i do mine for 80$ cost

[@danielhumes]

Ikea wont let me get past Step 1 lol

[@Battletide.]

Tell me about it. It is kind of weird walking into Ikea's warehouse and seeing a lot of the racks empty. Hopefully material and supply chains are fixed soon.

[@markamd1]

Detolf is complete junk

[@snociloL]

A few Honkai figures, now that's rare. But where's Rita Maid of Celestia fig tho 🥲

[@Battletide.]

I know! I need to get if (if I can get my hands on her). Though, I am glad to hear Mei Raiden is finally starting to ship.

[@snociloL]

@@Battletide. ouh you mean the Herrscher of thunder, very epic 🔥and here I'm still waiting for my Rita's birthday box getting shipped(almost 2 months waiting now lol)