Help making pokemon gym badges

So a friend of mine wants all 8 (Kanto) Pokemon gym badges that he can pin inside his coat (apparently he's too lazy to go earn them like a true Poke-master ). Not actually an odd request, as I thought that would be pretty awesome to have. Anywho, I'm wondering if anyone would have any idea what materials to use. I'm thinking maybe some sort of sheet plastic (maybe?) if I make them 2d, or probably polymer clay if I go more 3d.


2d would be something like these:


3d would be something like these:


He said he preferred the 2d style, so I'd like to try more for those but I'm not exactly sure what material to use. I'm thinking something like the stuff rubber-magnets are made from (if that makes sense), or if someone would know a better colored plastic idea I'd love to hear it. Worst case scenario, I go the polymer clay route, which could still turn out cool.

If you can make 3D models, you could have them printed. If you can't, then there's a few people here that will take commissions on 3D models. Then all you have to do is some sanding and painting. Or you could mold them, and cast in a tinted clear resin, to make them look as if they were made with crystals. Anyways I've always wanted a set too :P

jazzygeoffery said:

---

If you can make 3D models, you could have them printed. If you can't, then there's a few people here that will take commissions on 3D models. Then all you have to do is some sanding and painting. Or you could mold them, and cast in a tinted clear resin, to make them look as if they were made with crystals. Anyways I've always wanted a set too :P

I have seen people cast gem like... gems. Hehe. I may end up trying several different sets, and whichever ones works best I may make more of. We'll see how this thing goes!

For the best effect, I'd say 3D print them in metal, but that will cost you. Metal badges would be the best looking though, and I think a lot more people would like a set.

markkNL said:

---

For the best effect, I'd say 3D print them in metal, but that will cost you. Metal badges would be the best looking though, and I think a lot more people would like a set.

3D printing metal doesn't usually look good, I think molding them in a tinted clear resin, and painting the metal parts would look the best(and be cheaper). Also when you mold them you can stick a pin in the back before the resin cures to make them wearable.

jazzygeoffery said:

---

3D printing metal doesn't usually look good, I think molding them in a tinted clear resin, and painting the metal parts would look the best(and be cheaper). Also when you mold them you can stick a pin in the back before the resin cures to make them wearable.

I was thinking something along these lines and I think what you're saying is some great advice! Any idea how to best tint the resin? I've heard oil based paint in small amounts can work because there isn't water which would mess with the resin. Not sure how well this works, so if you know anything I beg of you to divulge your secrets!

duke nukem said:

---

I'm thinking maybe some sort of sheet plastic (maybe?) if I make them 2d, or probably polymer clay if I go more 3d.

Just my $0.02 worth. I think sheet plastic like acrylic layered up to be more 3D would work and look cool.

If interested in commissioning someone to do some 3d modeling pm me and we can discuss that. You can check out some of my work on my site: www.9GsTheWebsite.com

Here's a quick test cast I did for the Volcano Badge.



First I made a sculpt from sculpy, then I just used regular fiberglass resin and some oil paint to color it. Probably not the best materials to use, but it's a good learning piece. The mold was some soft sculpy, mostly because I didn't feel like spending money on a different mold material yet

I have an original set from Toys R Us league from back in the day, pretty cool.

The 2Ds looks awesome

rnbuda said:

---

I have an original set from Toys R Us league from back in the day, pretty cool.

The 2Ds looks awesome

Neat, do you have a picture you could post?

did you manage to make the badges? if so, could you let me know how you made them in the end?