Building The Death Star - PRODUCTION

[vaderdarth]

Rob, to apply formica, they spray the formica underside, and the top of the cabinet it will be applied to, then use a hot iron to activate the adhesive so it bonds firmly to the cabinet. You definitely don't want to go that route. Spray is easier than any adhesive backed product or decal. It will take less time to mask with pin-striping masking and spray than any other method.

Dave

 

[Laffo]

OK, the obsession continues...

I was at a McDonald's (you know - special meal out for Valentine's Day and wife's birthday; I go all out), and they had a paneling in the dining area that was 100% identical to the speckled look of the the Death Star,

Identical.

It was a Formica counter top type finish; some form of laminate. Does anyone know how these laminate finishes are applied?

Won't work. Vaderdarth is right. You use either a heat sensitive glue or a Formica Contact Cement. Formica is around a MM thick and brittle, it won't take more than 50 degree angle. The design is printed on paper similar to rice paper.
When they make the stuff it's made in layers and baked. If the stuff you were looking at was Formica and not some other type of finish. Formica = Paper and resin. Here this explains it:
http://www.formica.com/publish/site...bout_formica/manufacturing/manufacturing.html
(Why do I know this stuff?)
Yes, my Thrift Store is chock full of Murenwear.
Laffo.

 

[feek61]

I may be mistaken but I believe he was asking how they get the pattern onto the formica itself; not how to attach the formica to a surface. It would by WAY too thick, lol.


Will

 

[vaderdarth]

Feek's right, it's almost like a paper decal that is embedded in resin. The pattern does look like the surface of the DS, no doubt.

 

[PHArchivist]

You guys are all pretty much right. Laffo, this, "The design is printed on paper similar to rice paper." is where my mind was going, and Feek, yeah - you got it.

But even if I were able to access the "rice paper" mentioned by Laffo and Dave, the amount of additional effort to get it and apply would be silly compared to spraying a spatter pattern with rattle cans.

 

[Robiwon]

You might want to pick up a profesional automotive paint gun. The expsense should work itself out. You will get a much better finish and better coverage with a paint gun. Just a thought.

 

[robn1]

This might be cool. If you can find a better shot like this one, you can print it
onto decal sheets and apply them. Real Deathstar surface :cool

 

[PHArchivist]

This might be cool. If you can find a better shot like this one, you can print it
onto decal sheets and apply them. Real Deathstar surface :cool

That's an interesting thought! reduced to the size necessary, it'd look like - well - speckles!

 

[PHArchivist]

Another look at the trench work...

Going silver...!

 

[Jedifyfe]

That thing is SOOOOOO cool! Looks better in daylight! I'm liking the trench better now also.

As far as adding anything that wasn't on the real prop, I would add the thermal exhaust port on the back side of it in the trench with a tiny Red 5 Xwing in about to shoot the torpedos


Brad

 

[robn1]

...I would add the thermal exhaust port on the back side of it in the trench with a tiny Red 5 Xwing in about to shoot the torpedos
Brad

It would be too small to see :lol As would my decal idea. If it's gonna look like
speckles, you might as well paint speckles. It'll be easier than applying decals.
Although decals would eliminate all that masking.

 

[Laffo]

I bet the speckled design on the original was made by Angel's tears falling from Heaven.
That a toothbrush and a paint covered thumb.
Pants and shirt size PLEASE.
Laffo.

 

[PHArchivist]

That thing is SOOOOOO cool! Looks better in daylight! I'm liking the trench better now also.

Try this then...! We still on for later this month...?

 

[PHArchivist]

I bet the speckled design on the original was made by Angel's tears falling from Heaven.That a toothbrush and a paint covered thumb.
Pants and shirt size PLEASE.
Laffo.

Lord knows it seems I've postulated some crazier ideas...


Actually, on the apparel, I'd need jeans, construction worker boots, and a white thermal top.

Lorne Peterson garb, not Dennis Muren.

Muren filmed the mother. Peterson built it!

 

[Laffo]

No, this isn't going to be that easy. Have you seen 70's construction wear?

Murenwear is going to be your best choice.
Laffo.

 

[Shadowknight]

You are very deserving of the praise my friend! I have been looking forward to viewing your build of this for a long time. This is going to be AMAZING when completed! And... VERY inspirational to all modelers!

I haven't seen you around here in a little while. Glad to see that your back.

No, this isn't going to be that easy. Have you seen 70's construction wear?
Murenwear is going to be your best choice.
Laffo.

lollol

 

[Jedifyfe]

Try this then...! We still on for later this month...?

Yep.

 

[PHArchivist]

A lttle late in the game for me to be saying this, but does the dish seem to be the correct size to you guys...?

Lately its been bugging the **** out of me because I'm beginning to think its too small.

 

[Jedifyfe]

A lttle late in the game for me to be saying this, but does the dish seem to be the correct size to you guys...?

Lately its been bugging the **** out of me because I'm beginning to think its too small.

DUDE! Rob! Step away. It is perfect!!! Here is a comparison that I did using your pics. I sized the edges of the DS to exactly the same width. Your dish is spot on!!

 

[PHArchivist]

Brad, man - thanks! That's what I need; reassurance!

And yes, I am "deeply immersed" and may need to step back a bit...