Help w/ a ESB Vader Paint job

[avbat]

So I was inspired by this thread:http://www.therpf.com/f9/painting-vader-helmet-how-make-real-shiny-65806/
to possibly tackle some of what I see as "flaws" in my SPFX ESB Vader lid. I got it straight from kosmic kustomz this way. In between the different layers of paint ( between the gunmetal, and black for example) there are ridges from the gunmetal which was the last paint sprayed. These ridges catch dust and other particles and are just odd to me. This means that there is a lack of a clear coat as well, which I know is how the OT helmets were done. The black is pretty shiny, especially on the dome but the gunmetal isn't as much.
I was just wondering if this was normal for the paint to be like this, and if not what can I do without hurting the helmet?
I was temped to go grab some sandpaper up to 2000 grit or so and start wet-sanding it, but I figured I would ask here first.

 

[KevVader]

That's from taping/masking when painting different colours...paint may not have been totally dry when the masking was removed...hence the raised/uneven edge. TBH, I'd just leave it as nothing but a strip/repaint will fix that.

 

[Qui-Gonzalez]

So I was inspired by this thread:http://www.therpf.com/f9/painting-vader-helmet-how-make-real-shiny-65806/
to possibly tackle some of what I see as "flaws" in my SPFX ESB Vader lid. I got it straight from kosmic kustomz this way. In between the different layers of paint ( between the gunmetal, and black for example) there are ridges from the gunmetal which was the last paint sprayed. These ridges catch dust and other particles and are just odd to me. This means that there is a lack of a clear coat as well, which I know is how the OT helmets were done. The black is pretty shiny, especially on the dome but the gunmetal isn't as much.
I was just wondering if this was normal for the paint to be like this, and if not what can I do without hurting the helmet?
I was temped to go grab some sandpaper up to 2000 grit or so and start wet-sanding it, but I figured I would ask here first.

I'd leave well enough alone. Aside from that ridge line on the lip, are there any other bad masked areas? Just remember, these things were not the models of perfection in paintwork.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Actually, such edges are caused when taking the masking tape off too late, after the paint has dried too much, but not fully cured. It lifts the edges and makes it crack.

Seconded on leaving it as is. You can't fix a bad masking job.

 

[avbat]

yea thats what I was kinda thinking. It seems as though I would have to totally start over if anything.
How much of an operation would it be to strip it and start over?

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Pretty damn big and I wouldn't recommend it. I stripped one of these and I can tell you... unless you go with the really toxic stuff... you're gonna need a lot of elbow grease to get through that primer used. The paint itself was pretty easy... but the stripping agent will affect the primer and you'll get patches were it can be peeled off, but other places where it'll just stick on there like a crazy little ninja, frustrating the hell out of you.

You can sand it down, sure and get a gunmetal touch up pen to redo the line at the mouth, but again, I wouldn't recommend it. Personally I'd just leave it alone. The movie helmets weren't perfect... and though this isn't exactly the same... then a perfect paint job really wouldn't be too accurate... unless it was perfect in terms of accurate... if you know what I mean.

****... better stop rambling.

 

[avbat]

lol Thanks TMG that is good advice. I have done pretty extensive overhauls on Vader lids before as far as the fiberglass goes, but the painting/ stripping I have little experience with.
I know that the OT helmets were far from perfect, but the job on this helmet is just leaving me with a dissatisfied sort of feeling. I love this helmet though. I have had several ESB lids ( not as much as I am sure many here have had, but....) This SPFX one just takes the cake so thats why I was sort of interested in "salvaging" this lid in particular.