Best metal looking material for a pistol ?

JANDERS10

Sr Member
Just want to see what opinions are on metal-looking finish for replica pistol that is not painted ? (aside from being cast in metal, of course!)
Liked the look and cold feel of the QMX Star Trek phaser, that's definitely what I'm after, but not sure how durable the Polystone would be for a handled replica?
I've tried resin with metal powder, but that has its limitations.
Any suggestions?
 
I haven't used it myself, but I've heard good things about Rub 'n Buff. There's a silver version that looks like it might give more of a grey/silver finish like the one on the QMX phaser.
 
Rub n buff is one of the greatest inventions ever for metallic finishes. It can be toned down, aged, polished etc. and a small tube goes a long way. I use it on everything. The only thing is you have to let it dry for a few days and seal it. Ive done projects without using any sealer, but a little always seems to get on your hands. i use krylon crystal clear. You cant even tell a sealer was used with that. And there are different finishes (matte, gloss, satin etc)

For spray on finishes, there are a few good ones out there. Usually associated with the auto industry. Check out a thread on here about a terminator build. The member used a spray on metallic with a black base. It looked fantastic but i can't remember what thread it was and who.
 
I've had good results rubbing graphite on my resin guns. Looks almost too real. It does rub off with use. I haven't found a clear that doesn't mute it but it's easy to reapply
 
Do you know if Rub n buff works on plastics (3d printing PLA), and do yo do multiple coats then, say a black base then metallic on top etc.
 
alclad perhaps, they have all sorts of different metal finishes:


72xf90metfusefin1.jpg


A few more images:
http://s224.photobucket.com/user/deanflyer/media/alclad_metalizerb.jpg.html

http://www.model-making.eu/static/images/alclad/tail_top.jpg
http://www.model-making.eu/static/images/alclad/tail.jpg

http://www.austinsms.org/article_pics/alclad_11.jpg
http://www.modellversium.de/tipps/bilder/8047-2188.jpg
 
Thanks Guys, some great suggestions.
Would there be a stronger/durable alternative to resin to cast the pistol in?
 
Basic hobby resin is cheap, you get what you pay for. Its surface texture is wonky, air bubbles can lurk just below the surface and leaching can be an issue. Its cheap for a reason.

If you want to do it and do it right, use a better material. I use MPK90 high impact. Never an issue when using it, never, and ive been with it from day one of its inception.
http://hobbysilicone.com/resins/#mpk90blk

As for the surface finish, if you use the above black color MPK90, simply coat your mould with graphite powder and pour away. As always for moulding and casting, every step is all about prep. Thats how I can cast in color parts, its all prep. But the basics is where to start. Casting in (multiple) color is a niche market for me thats brought lots of work so I wont be doing any tutorials or such. It couldnt even be explained in type form. Ive even had a close friend that knows industry moulding and casting work with me side by side trying to learn it that couldnt comprehend the process.

Graphite powder was the base here but there is more layered in than just the graphite. As a base though, its your best bang for the buck. Again black MPK90 casting material was used. Cheap hobby store resin will not yield the same or even similar results. The detail on the revolver cylinders wouldnt come out in cheap resin.
The real one is bottom right, castings are middle top and left.
upk6h.jpg



Real one top left, again all have zero paint, strait from the mould.
104mgyp.jpg


More gun parts, strait form the mould:
d8nch.jpg


and those untouched parts assembled:
2howjs1.jpg


the whole casting put together along with cast in color grips.
33dxi4y.jpg


it works with knives too, strait from the mould as evident by the pour sprues.
wi1pbr.jpg
 
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