Iron Man Mark42 Fiberglass Help

[TitaniumGoldMan]

For a while i have been working with foam to make my iron man stuff, But i am wanting to move away from foam for a while and work with a fiberglass suit. My idea is to make a blank Mark 42 before the next Avengers comes out so that i can modify it to be the Mark 43 as shown below.


That being said, i have no idea how to start fiberglassing and sort of need some guidance. I'd genuinely appreciate some help on what to do and how to get started, I would prefer an easy method of fiberglassing but if a somewhat harder method has more visually beneficial i'd go for that.

 

[papertiger00]

fiberglass is house the mark 42 is done using paper. the fiberglass would be semi difficult to hide the design on it. with those of us doing pep files for costumes. we fiberglass the inside of the paper to keep strength and form. then we resin the outside and use bondo. then there is no fiberglass design showing thru. if you have a way to hide the fiberglass mats then you could modify the paper setup and run a layer of fiberglass inside and then on the outside. otherwise fiberglass and bondo.

 

[TitaniumGoldMan]

Yeah i know the whole Pepakura first then fiberglass with resin and bondo over, i just don't know how to do the fiberglass on the inside. that's what i am asking help with.

 

[BrandTASM]

Hey, I am also building a mark 42 (mines cardboard but no difference than when using paper) and i start with a layer or two of resin on top... Then on the inside, I cut pieces of Fiberglass cloth or mat (fiberglass mat is a little trickier to work with) dab down the inside of part with resin and just stick the fiberglass cloth on; after you lay down cloth, it will stick really good so don't move it.. Then put more resin on top :thumbsup
I usually do two layers of fiberglass cloth inside but you can put however many you want, the part will just get stronger and more durable

 

[TitaniumGoldMan]

So what type of resin do you use? And where would i be able to get some?

 

[BrandTASM]

I just use regular fiberglass resin, and you could find it at your local hardware store (I got mine at Home Depot)


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[BrandTASM]

Same goes for the fiberglass cloth/mat ^


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[MiddleFinger]

You should definitely watch this video down below. It explains different types of resins, how they work, and which one to use. Very informative and helpful for people wanting to get into this craft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJmB0yw3sOY


Also, this series of video linked down below is a build log of the Mark III Iron man helmet. (I know its not the Mark 42, but the concepts are all still the same).

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL43D27B96B86684A9

I have a fairly simple Mark 42 helmet (download link in my signature) if you want to give that a try. It would be a shame to build a super detailed helmet such as Gimpee's and have it messed up in the fiberglassing process (which is common when learning what to do). It is also said by many people that you don't want to necessarily start with a piece that will be the center of attention, in case you do mess up. Something like a forearm or bicep is small enough to tackle as a beginner, but also big enough to learn from.

 

[Motuxmen]

You can buy all the materials at Home Depot, lowes, autozone, and even walmart. You can buy a starter type kit at Walmart that has the fiberglass(the cloth) with the resin and hardner for 15 bucks or so. It's in the auto section with the paint repair and bondo.

The he best way to describe how it is used, is to compare it to paper mâché or that type of stuff. Sheets (or rolls) of a material that has a lattice type skeleton and on that skeleton is a material. It is activated with a liquid. With fiberglass that's a resin with paper mâché it's water. But they both work pretty much the same, in principal. Though fiberglass is toxic. Use outside if possible, or a super well ventilated area . Always wear a mask or respirator. Gloves too. Long sleeves would be a good idea. Glasses too. The fibers in fiberglass can cause lung cancer, get caught in your eye us or in your blood stream. Can cause all kinds of problems. Better safe then dead.

ty

 

[sharamordinae]

I recommend not buying the kit. You will use a lot of resin. You save money if you just buy a larger can of resin. Make sure the hardener is with it. Then buy the cloth seperate because you will go through a lot of the cloth. Don't forget to buy your bondo and a good sander. Most of all...... SAFTEY. make sure you buy a respirator and gloves. I get all my supply's from walmart.

 

[FXpuppet]

It's fine to buy Bondo resin and fiberglass from Home Depot or auto zone as an easily accessible material but, Don't limit your options to the small amount of materials available at auto stores and home improvement stores . I use to purchase from these places but you are really limited in materials. Fiberglas Matt and cloth is available in an almost infinite amount of thicknesses and weights, I have been purchasing almost all of my fiberglass and resins through local boating shops where I can choose from dozens of cloth and Matt options. Most are sold off of the roll which allows me to purchase exactly what i want. If you don't have any local stores you can contact Fiberglass Coatings, Inc.
www.fgci.com
(800) 272-7890 or even
Marine Surplus
marinesurplusinc.com
(941) 758-3552
These stores want YOUR business and in my experience will take to time to recommends he best products for your needs as well as offer tips to get you started.
One tip I have to mention is (cabosil) this material is cheap and can be added to resin to create a fiberglass paste that can be painted or spread into the sharp angles of your mold to capture fine detail. Best of luck. And always always remember to wear a quality respirator, fiberglass fumes are toxic. Be safe and good luck, fiberglass is an invaluable skill for any prop maker.



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