1:1 R2D2 building from scratch - Just about done!

Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Hey Kev,

I'm not a paint expert by any means... I've never found white primer to be very easy to work with. I've always had luck with grey or black - I'm sure a few paint experts can chime in. :) The RustOleum Primer/Filler is grey and is primarily used for automotive uses - filling minor surface scratches, etc before paint. I've found it works just as well on wood, plastic, etc... It's an easy way to fill in all those little knicks, chips and minor wood grain that might show through) although wood filler is the best for those large surface areas.

The primer / filler works REALLY well with either brush or spray can. I would suggest using a spray can - you wont see any brush marks and you really want to get an even paint job. :)

RPFers, if I've missed anything please let me know!
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Then I will pick up a can of grey primer! :)

The main reason why I decided not to use spray can was that it's so damn expensive here, at least the blue color cost around 32 USD for 1 can.


Actually, looking closer the hardware store have just one primer, the other ones are paint. The only primer is grey (YAY!).
The clear/shiny white cost 12 USD for 1 can. To avoid brush marks I bought a small paint roll, or will I be better off with a few spray cans?


One last question (for now), does the primer block so that the spray can paint doesn't get sucked in? When I painted the booster covers with a spray can paint (the spray can paint is usually thinner than the paint in a can) it just got sucked in where the wood was cut or sanded. Will this happen with primer?
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Just another perspective.

You may want to buy a quart of primer and apply it with a roller or sponge. When dry you can hit it with a sanding sponge and it will come out nice and smooth, keep the MDF from absorbing your paint, and cost a lot less than buying primer in a spray can. Course, it does at a couple of more steps to the process...

Absolutely love your build, as soon as I get done with Wall-E I'll be following in your footsteps.
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Hi Kev,

WHOA! 32 bucks for a can of spray paint? Holy Moly! Maybe I would stick with brushing the paint on...

The reason the paint is being sucked into the wood is because the wood is very porous. Using wood glue, wood filler and primer in these areas will solve the problem. If it's a smaller area the primer/filler will also work but it might take a few coats. I know from experience that the cut ends of MDF are VERY porous and the primer just gets SUCKED into the wood. I usually dab some wood glue into the area, spread with my finger and then sand smooth.

Also... there are basically two kinds of paint: water based and oil (enamel). And they DO NOT MIX. lol I try to stick with water based paints. Easier to use. Easier to clean up and the dry time is SO much faster than oil (enamel) However, enamel is tough and does look really nice when it dries. If it was me... I would stick with water based.

If you brush / roll the paint on, you can lightly sand the "clear coat" (last coat after paint) to a VERY smooth finish using high grit sandpaper(s) (250, 500, 1000, 1500). You can easily get a mirror like surface in no time - but it definitely takes some patience and lots of elbow grease. I would practice on some scrap pieces of wood. You would be amazed at what you'll be able to achieve! :)

Hope all this helps

Greg

- - - Updated - - -

Snow Builder said:
Absolutely love your build, as soon as I get done with Wall-E I'll be following in your footsteps.
Click to expand...

I just might have to build my own as well! :)
 
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Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Actually the blue spray can cost 32 dollars, a clear/shiny white is 12 dollars for 500 ml.

Tomorrow afternoon I will try several different methods on some leftover MDF:
1. Brush without priming
2. Brush with priming
3. Roll with priming
4. Roll without priming

Appreciate it Snow Builder, but as a primer spray can also cost 12 bucks for 500 ml I better do it that way. :)


I think the painting I got on cans (the white and blue) are both oil-based, but that will be fine. If I'm not satisfied with the result dried on Tuesday I will buy the spray can.
To sand the finished result isn't a bad idea, as I still got the 1000 paper from the dome finish laying around I will try that too! For the best result afterwards I will use clear lacquer on all the parts that I paint, to make the R2 extra shiny and brand new from the "factory". :)


I hope both of you build an R2D2 yourself, just remember to make a building-thread! :D
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

K,

quick note: For best results you can apply 2-3 coats of clear while sanding in between each coat. No need to sand the color. :)
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Okay SofaKing, will do :)

I got the blueprints from a group on yahoo, called R2-D2 Builders Club
Yahoo! Groups

You have to write at least a few sentences to join, but they should accept.
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

WOW! dude you rock! 16 never worked with wood before. your doing an amazing job.
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Thanks! :D


I was at a plumber store after I bought the grey primer at the hardware store. But then I found out that they just sell to people who come there through a plumber company and not to persons as myself, but they only had 6 meters long PVC-pipes anyways.
I asked him if he knew where I could go go get shorter PVC-pipes. There were supposed to be another plumber store "downtown" close to the main street, but I couldn't find it anywhere.

But now I'm off to paint, will update around this time tomorrow with pictures and conclusion!



STUPID FLY! :mad:



Uuuhhh... the white paint on the floor was there before I started.. uhh... yheeaaa...
 
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Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Parts for the R2D2 leg is now ordered, with aluminum powder from worrparts.com. He says it should be shipped on the 9th of September.

Yay! :D
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

I'm more and more impressed with this thread, not only are you working quickly, but you're working at a high standard. To top it off you have a great attitude Kevlarr! This is what the RPF is about man!
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Thanks, that exactly whats cheering me up! :)




From top to bottom:
Brush with primer
Brush only
Roll with primer
Roll only

Very visible brush marks on the fist two, doesn't show in the picture, but the roll wasn't that good either.


Tried with spray today, a lot easier and without the mess.



I had a look at the blue paint today, I just though, no, no, no nooo!!
It's that bright in real life, maybe 10% darker.


Got some oil based black paint from a model shop laying around, I will try to mix it in the whole box. That color is the R2D2 color that I dislike :/
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Spray makes all the difference in the world. So have you decided how you're moving forward?
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

I looked at the parts that I did with the airbrush with the paint from the can, and it doesn't get sucked in nearly as much as the spray (on the sanded surface)

Compared to the easier version, the one with primer and white spray the result isn't as good as with the airbrush. On the side, even with 2 layers of full covering with primer and 2 layers of paint (spray) on the side it just got sucked in, and now it looks like priming/white paint is mixed on the sides, can take pictures tomorrow.

The conclusion is that with the spray can it's easier of course, but the result isn't nearly as good at all. So I think I will go with the airbrush although that too is a mess like the brush/roll.


Will try to get the dome rings equal tomorrow, and that's it I think. Need to relax a bit too :)
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Ultimately, you should go with what you feel comfortable with and what you think are the best results. :)

Look forward to seeing your progress!
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Thanks ! :D
I think I will go with airbrush, although it can be messy, specially to clean up the cup afterwards. But I didn't start this to take the easiest way, but to get the best result :)



Sorry for bad pictures, but really bad result with the sprayer on the sides:

Only the primer and not paint is visible..


The best side (it it took a lot of paint, and it's still not full)






Done and sanded:

I know it has small scratches and stuff, but it feels really smooth.


Thats the progress today, but I will be more efficient the next days!
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

HMMMM... Wood filler might help with those edges? A little more work and a lot more sanding.
 
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build

Appreciate the tip, but I think I will pass.

Only noticeable if you look for it and I think it won't be noticed at all with the paint on as it's so thick.
 
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