Foam Sculpting My First Bio - Beyond The Final Rung

[BonzRus]

Your attention to detail is without doubt incredible.
I am truly in awe and envious of what youve done. Everything is so clean, sharp, neat.... I could go on...
I tip my hat to you Sir!

Christian.

Thank you Christian. I appreciate the compliment. I have enjoyed watching what you do with bios...the clean shiney masterpieces you create are amazing.

Watching this thread is pure pleasure.
Step by step to the perfect bio.
Can't await to see some paint on your bio.
Keep on that great work.

Thank you kind Sir! I am getting really close to being able to apply some paint and I am having a hard time not rushing to do so...patience...I need a little patience.

Damn Steve, I gotta keep up. I turn my head and you have 2 more pages of cool ****. This is without a doubt one of the coolest helmets around. Like the others have said, the details are incredible. The Devil is in the details, I think that means you must have a packed with the devil. Anyway totally great job. By the, where did you get that little bag-o-lasers I see in the back ground there?

Hey Jeff. thanks for the feedback. I think once I get the datails painted so that it brings out some of the definition it will make a big difference. The lasers I got off of ebay from this seller. http://www.ebay.com/itm/271020487750?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 They were a good price and 3V. They look like pretty good quality as well. I haven't yet fired one up but I am not really concerned that they will have any problems.


Next update...

I have started glueing pieces into the helmet and adding spot putty filler to blend them in. It is really looking pretty cool at this stage and once I I have it all sanded out after the filler work is finished I can give it a nice coat of primer. I will be following the 11 part bio painting process outlined by PredatrHuntr and am excited to be at a point where I can give it a try. I hope it turns out well. Anyway, here are the latest pics of where it stands.

I am using Gorilla glue and Bondo Spot Putty for this stage of the build. I want to utilize as much as possible readily available materials to do this so those who do decide to put one of their own together can do so without some special item that is not easy to find.

After a light sanding, I drew a line, basically free hand, with a pencil down the center of the dome to help align the ribs and glued them in. I also glued in the interior tri-hose detail and the piece in the lower left cheek opposite the single hose port.

I then positioned the center piece to help locate the two triangle shaped parts that extend up to the sides. On the right one I used the pencil to mark the location of the wire channel under it and then used my dremel to create a groove that ran all the way up to the tri-laser shroud cover. I did this to make it easier to fish the wires under the part and recess them where they will eventually be covered by the leather.

Since the centerpiece is removable the hose like part that connects it to the right triangle piece will be fixed to the triangle piece which is glued in place but free floating into a socket on the center piece.

The Gorilla glue I find is a bit thicker but allows for some repositioning if need be so I think it is a good adhesive for this process. With all the pieces in place it looks really cool in this cream color.

Started adding the spot putty filler. This is the first time I have used this product so I will see how it turns out.

Getting much closer to paint...

L8r,

Steve

 

[JehdinThwei]

That's looking incredible!!

 

[PredatrHuntr]

It's coming along nicely...great work. I like the way you're describing the process in detail, step by step...truly the way a tutorial should be done.

I would suggest trying out a product called Apoxie Putty for filling in gaps. It's basically like a mouldable clay that can be pressed and shaped as it hardens over the course of a hour. It's not cheap but it is the best stuff I've used for filling gaps and cracks. It's also sandable once it's hard. It's easy to use and requires very little clean up. Just an idea for you to try sometime.

Keep up the updates

 

[BonzRus]

Thank you guys...and Jason, thank you for the information. I will definitely look into the Apoxie Putty. How good is its adhesion? In otherwords, could I build up a little on the bottom side of a part and push it into place, then simply clean up what pushes out around the edge and have a permanent bond? The Fix-it Stick I have used seems to grip well to whatever you put it on but it is not very smooth as a putty goes. Also, is it very stiff or soft and pliable? Just curious.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[wonko]

Just when I think all the details have been revealed, I find more.  That center piece looks really good Steve  and I really like how you're  thinking ahead on how things should/will be installed.  All I can say is amazing!  I've used the stuff Jason is talking about, and can definitely recommend it over spot putty.  It can be used as an adhesive, and like he said, easy to sculpt into shape while it's drying.  I would think that most craft stores, and certainly hobby shops would carry it or something similar.  It's also nice to see that the bondo can be used in place if it can't be obtained.  How soon do you think you'll start painting?  I'm convinced that this is going to exceed the expectations of allot of people, considering it all started with a giant block of foam.  Thanks for keeping us all updated!

Brian

 

[REYALS1]

I am still in disbelief of this. Out of the park Steve. You have totally shown that ANYONE can create... as long as the passion, and drive is there to push them forward.

Simply beautiful my friend.



SQUeeeeeeeeeee...mommy!

 

[made007]

Can i call it " the perfect bio" ?

Seriously this thing is perfect

 

[sulaco1967]

Steve you are officialy the Willy Wonka of bios...have loved every step of this..

sean

 

[PredatrHuntr]

Thank you guys...and Jason, thank you for the information. I will definitely look into the Apoxie Putty. How good is its adhesion? In otherwords, could I build up a little on the bottom side of a part and push it into place, then simply clean up what pushes out around the edge and have a permanent bond? The Fix-it Stick I have used seems to grip well to whatever you put it on but it is not very smooth as a putty goes. Also, is it very stiff or soft and pliable? Just curious.

Thanks,

Steve

Apoxie is rock hard when it cures (24 hrs) and the adhesion is perfect. It's just like clay - very pliable and then gets harder as it cures.  This allows you to move it and still shape it as it dries.  If you still need to shape it after its cured, take a dremel ot sandpaper to it.  Seriously - this stuff is amazing.  

I can never find it in any hobby stores and end up buying it online.  Search Google for Aves Apoxie Putty - or look on eBay for some

 

[BonzRus]

Just when I think all the details have been revealed, I find more. That center piece looks really good Steve and I really like how you're thinking ahead on how things should/will be installed. All I can say is amazing! I've used the stuff Jason is talking about, and can definitely recommend it over spot putty. It can be used as an adhesive, and like he said, easy to sculpt into shape while it's drying. I would think that most craft stores, and certainly hobby shops would carry it or something similar. It's also nice to see that the bondo can be used in place if it can't be obtained. How soon do you think you'll start painting? I'm convinced that this is going to exceed the expectations of allot of people, considering it all started with a giant block of foam. Thanks for keeping us all updated!

Brian

Hey Brian, the painting started last night actually...just primer but hey it IS paint... Sounds like the Apoxie putty is definitely the way to go so I will have to get some.

I am still in disbelief of this. Out of the park Steve. You have totally shown that ANYONE can create... as long as the passion, and drive is there to push them forward.

Simply beautiful my friend.



SQUeeeeeeeeeee...mommy!

Hey Ricky...thank you. I am nearing the home stretch on this one.

Can i call it " the perfect bio" ?

Seriously this thing is perfect

Hey Jose, perfect? Well, I wouldn't go that far...there is actually quite a bit wrong with it. Don't get me wrong, I do think it has turned out very well considering it's beginnings but I do not consider it to be screen accurate or anything like that...maybe screen close??

Steve you are officialy the Willy Wonka of bios...have loved every step of this..

sean

BLAHAHAAHA...! Sean, you seriously just cracked me up... The "Willy Wonka of bios"...I gladly accept that tittle my friend, I kinda' like the sound of it.

Apoxie is rock hard when it cures (24 hrs) and the adhesion is perfect. It's just like clay - very pliable and then gets harder as it cures. This allows you to move it and still shape it as it dries. If you still need to shape it after its cured, take a dremel ot sandpaper to it. Seriously - this stuff is amazing.

I can never find it in any hobby stores and end up buying it online. Search Google for Aves Apoxie Putty - or look on eBay for some

Thanks Jason, it sounds like this stuff would be the perfect thing to attach the detail pieces in the helmet. I see from a google search that it comes up as 'Apoxie Sculpt' and you are right, it is a bit pricey but I will have to get some for the next helmet I put together. There is always opportunity to improve...

Now for another update...

Well, yesterday afternoon I had to take one of my kids to the eye doctor so I decided I would take a 1/2 day off and get in some good time on my helmet as well. As it would happen though, on the way home it was raining so hard and I hit a big water puddle. When I did my bus threw the serpentine belt and by the time I figured out what happened and got stopped the belt was no where to be found. I thought it had broken so called for help, got another belt and put it on but it ended up taking most of my afternoon to fix so I did not get as much done as I would have liked. I did later find the belt and I'll be darned, it was not broken. I would have never dreamed the belt could come off like that. Anyway...here are a few more pics...enjoy.

Finished filling the places around the detail pieces with the spot putty. It worked OK and dried fairly quickly so I was able to get the helmet sanded out to the point I could start applying primer. I will be using Apoxie Sculpt the next time around though as I think it would be easier and cleaner.

A quick coat of Krylon Grey primer...

Tonight I hope to be able to wet sand it with 400 grit paper and get a coat of Krylon Aluminum on it as a base color. This is all a big experiment for me since I have never painted anything like this or in this way before but I am excited to see the detail come out especially on the interior.

For comparrison...

I will post more pics tomorrow.

L8r,

Steve

 

[AlphaTech686]

Steve, holy ****! That last photo of the inside all primed up looks like a computer generated photo. Very, very freakin impressive.  

 

[AlphaTech686]

The symmetry is just so perfect. You just don't see that on anything even coming out of the studios.  

 

[wonko]

Steve, holy ****! That last photo of the inside all primed up looks like a computer generated photo. Very, very freakin impressive.  

The symmetry is just so perfect. You just don't see that on anything even coming out of the studios.  

Yes and yes.  Have you given any thought as to how you're gonna display this bad boy?  Gonna have to come up with a way to levitate it inside a glass case so the whole thing can be seen.  Shoot, I'd probably just display the inside of it since that's where all the beauty lies.  Amazing Steve, simply amazing.  Good luck with the paint, and keep us posted!

Brian 

 

[BonzRus]

Thank you Jeff, I have always kinda' had an eye for symetry so I do strive for it...no it is not perfect but that is the nature of it and that is fine.

Bryan, I have thought about numerous ways to display it but only one intrigues me enough to want to give it a try and it would still potentially block some of the interior detail. Maybe not enough to be a problem but I need to think more on that one. 

 

[ytting123]

Love the '' inside '' detail! 

Love your mask!

 

[BonzRus]

Love the '' inside '' detail!

Love your mask!

Thank you very much.


Update time...

After a little more filling with spot putty and a thourough wet sading it is ready for the base coat of paint...

I applied one more light coat of primer and sprayed it with Krylon Aluminum paint which I have never really liked but it was all Walmart had that looked silver. The paint effect with all it's blemishes and light scratches from handling (the stuff is very sensitive) may actually add to the apperance of the helmet in the end. We shall see. Here are the pics.

It is now ready to start sponging on the color....

More pics tomorrow if not it will be Monday.

L8r,

Steve

 

[PredatrHuntr]

Hot damn!  Feels good to get this far doesn't it?!  Almost done now...

 

[Eaglewood]

Steve,your attention to detail, creating the bubble free molds, care of the very nature of the subject  of the piece, your craftsmanship in the quality of the molds themselves stands head and shoulders above what I have ever seen. You are to be very much congratulated and have for sure carved yourself a place of honor here on the Lair as well as in the prop making community.-- Congratulations and may God continue to bless the work of your hands!!

 

[BonzRus]

Hot damn!  Feels good to get this far doesn't it?!  Almost done now...

You are aboslutely right Jason...it does feel good to be at this point. I am ready for some color...boy am I ready. Until now I have been dealing mostly with black, white and grey...I am ready for some green, gold, bronze and yes, some more grey...but hey, at least it is Gun Metal Grey. 

Steve,your attention to detail, creating the bubble free molds, care of the very nature of the subject  of the piece, your craftsmanship in the quality of the molds themselves stands head and shoulders above what I have ever seen. You are to be very much congratulated and have for sure carved yourself a place of honor here on the Lair as well as in the prop making community.-- Congratulations and may God continue to bless the work of your hands!!

Clay, I am speechless...thank you brother. To Him be the glory.

Steve

 

[Okami Skullcrusher]

Hallelujah!!!