Indiana Jones Temple of Doom Bridge Machete Build Questions

[Foolishmortal42]

I worked with a 3D modeler on Etsy to make a 3D printed version of the Indiana Jones Temple of Doom bridge machete. I needed a lightweight prop I could carry for cosplay. This is my first time finishing a 3D printed prop and I am a newbie with an airbrush. I am hoping this group can answer a few questions. I have assembled the prop and primed and sanded it smooth with filler primer.

On the handle is a brass section. I am trying to replicate the polished brass look in the attached photos. I tried using Alclad gloss black base and the Alclad polished brass paint but it came out very dark and dull. Are there other paints or methods that could be used to achieve something close to this? Would rub and buff work? It is a cosplay prop and will be handled thus the finish would need a gloss clear coat.

I am planning on using Molotow liquid chrome refills. I have done some test runs with it over Alclad gloss black base and the results look good. I have read that you don’t need to use the black gloss base and was wondering if anyone had experience doing so. In my tests it did not make a big difference.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Dann]

The gloss black deepens and better defines the chrome paint. It needs to be smooth as glass before you spray your chrome or whatever metallic you're using.

Have you considered aluminum foil tape? If you do it right, it'll look better and be more durable than any paint. Plus, it's real metal. You can use some Scotchbrite and steel wool on it, once it's applied, and give it a beautiful weathered metal appearance.

As far as the brass, I've had good luck with this paint.

 

[Foolishmortal42]

Dann thanks for your reply. The Satin Bronze looks good. Did you apply it directly to the primer paint? Did you also use any kind of clear coat on top?

 

[Dann]

There may have been a little primer there, along with some Bondo, but it was smooth as a baby's bottom.

Nope, no clear coat. A little polishing with a dry cloth after it was cured.

 

[funboy1013xx]

Dann, how was the handling of the prop after that paint job? look's great!

 

[Dann]

Thanks, it's fine. Pretty durable, I'd say. You've just gotta let that paint cure, ya know?

And the burnishing/polishing/rubbing with the old t shirt helps quite a bit. I do that with pretty much everything I paint.

Also, if you've been using Alclad, their "Aqua Gloss" clear coat is really nice. So, if you MUST do a clear coat, I recommend that. Though, I suppose what paint you're coating may be an issue. It's difficult for me to keep it all straight in my head, but, Alclad is a lacquer-based paint, iirc.

 

[Petertiger]

I worked with a 3D modeler on Etsy to make a 3D printed version of the Indiana Jones Temple of Doom bridge machete. I needed a lightweight prop I could carry for cosplay. This is my first time finishing a 3D printed prop and I am a newbie with an airbrush. I am hoping this group can answer a few questions. I have assembled the prop and primed and sanded it smooth with filler primer.

On the handle is a brass section. I am trying to replicate the polished brass look in the attached photos. I tried using Alclad gloss black base and the Alclad polished brass paint but it came out very dark and dull. Are there other paints or methods that could be used to achieve something close to this? Would rub and buff work? It is a cosplay prop and will be handled thus the finish would need a gloss clear coat.

I am planning on using Molotow liquid chrome refills. I have done some test runs with it over Alclad gloss black base and the results look good. I have read that you don’t need to use the black gloss base and was wondering if anyone had experience doing so. In my tests it did not make a big difference.

Thanks for your help.

not sure where you live but I'm in England & here you can buy a roll of thin real metal copper tape about 1inch wide at garden centres as it's used on plant pots to stop slugs & snails climbing up to the plants & I've used it in some of my replica props as it polishes up nice.