I work in the paint coatings industry, so I figured I could lend a little knowledge. I see a lot of paint related issues being asked about on The RPF, especially in reference to painting plastics...so here is my step by step Rocketeer Helmet Painting.
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First things first:
I am working with a plastic resin helmet that was cast in a silicone mold. Mold release agents are usually used for easier removal of the cast from the mold. Mold release agents usually leave a shiny slick or slimy surface to a casting. I cleaned it with acetone and lighty sanded the surface with a light grit sand paper. This allows for better adhesion of paint.
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Last edited by MaddMaxx82; Aug 11, 2012 at 11:17 AM.
MaddMaxx82 said:
Just playing. There are many noobs with low post counts who will love a tutorial. Many of the members are expert painters here and have tons of knowledge from working in the movie business, so hopefully they can chime in too to give advice.
So I have cut any the un-needed parts from the helmet (eye holes and vents) ,cleaned and sanded the surface. Ready to begin.
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My target reader here is the beginner. So, for the purposes of this tutorial, I am using products that can be easily found at your local paint stores. You will mostly see spray cans, of Krylon products here.
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I would advise against Acetone on resin it can make it weak/brittle if too much is used. Usually a good scrub in warm soapy water is all you need. That or Wax and Grease Remover which is very mild and will not effect plastics and resin.
Next Step: Primer
Alway look for a primer that is recommended for plastics specifically.
I applied about 6 even, thin coats to the helmet, waiting about 2 hours in between each coat. Always follow the recommended dry times on a product.
I am using an all purpose Pro Industrial Primer here from Sherwin Williams.
After priming, I let the helmet dry over night. The next morning I lightly scuff sanded the helmet with a 400 grit paper. To smooth out any boogers in the paint job and to help promote adhesion of the base coat. Then I wiped down the helmet with a tack cloth to help remove any dust.
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This specific mold release agent would not come off and got gumed up and sticky, when cleaning with detergents, and simple degreasers. So I had to resort to the hard stuff.Finhead said:
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On to The Base Coat:
Here is what I used on this project because it was inexpensive, and readily avaiable almost anywhere.
For the base coat of gold I sprayed about 10 thin and even coats, waiting about 1 hour in between. Then I let it dry over night. This is the result.
A side note on this product:
If you over apply it in areas, the metal flake will dispurse unevenly and clump together giving you a crackled look.
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Top Coating with a Rubbed Glazing Effect:
To get that weathered effect on the helmet, I used a Clear Oil-based Glazing and mixed it at a 8:1 ratio with a pint of Krylon Fusion Satin Black.
I applied the glazing/ paint mixture with a rag. Only putting small ammounts on the rag. Rubbing the it in to the gold metallic surface, in small circular motions. In this process you don't want to over saturate the rag, you almost want the rag to be dry.
To get into the weld joints on the helmet I applied the glazing heavy with a brush, and wiped the excess off with a clean rag. Then I let it dry over night.
I then took some silver paint and dry brushed it over the rivets around the lenses to make them pop out a little more.
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Last edited by MaddMaxx82; Aug 11, 2012 at 12:34 PM.
Finished product:
After roughly 6-8 coats of an automotive clear. I installed the lenses. To make them stay put, but easy to remove, I used a clear silicone caulk to set them in place. the final result is this.
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Last edited by MaddMaxx82; Sep 8, 2012 at 3:36 PM.
That looks really good any shots of it outside?
I'm sure I have some floating around somewhere.
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Looks great! Gonna save this thread for sure!
Great tutorial. If I didn't know I would swear it was metal.
Great job!!!
what is the origina of this helmet I knwo it;s MIM but is it fan sculpt and how much was the kit?
GFollano
Definitely subscribing to this as I am definitely wanting to learn how to paint my upcoming (1st) project!
Thank you for putting this together for us n00bs!
I bought a kit from MonstersinMotion.comGF said:
It included the helmet and rocket pack. I was not impressed with the customer service, and as a result will not be doing business with them anymore. I was told though, that they ordered them from a maker in china...no Idea who exactly that is. Its been a few years since I got this but I believe the whole kit cost me around $950 after shipping.
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Last edited by MaddMaxx82; Feb 3, 2013 at 2:55 PM.
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