The only problem with using this is that you will not have a true replica. The whole joy of the originals is that paint chips off. To me anyway.
Hi Mark,
The problem is that from the minute the paint was stripped any paint job after that event makes it a 'replica' paint job it can never go back to being original no matter how good a job is made of it.
You will never recreate the original paintjob if you try you are heading down the path of making an original more like a replica than an original - if you get my drift.
I think there are three ways you can go if painting the helmet.
1. Use the exact paints as used in 1976 and let nature take its course - ie paint it like the first day of filming and let it flake and chip naturally - which I don't think will add anything to the helmet or get you any closer to returning it to its former self.
2. Use modern primer and paint and replicate as best you can the original on screen look / look from Simon's pictures. If the helmet can be placed on screen or from still photography I would look to make it more like what it looked like on screen. By masking or using masking sprays the original look of the helmet could be attained with modern paints.
3. Go for a pristine first day on set look using modern paints but unlike the Joiner / Kurtz auction helmet get the detailing accurate and capture the real look of an original.
If Simon is restoring this for himself and keeping the trooper then I would go for option 2.
If Simon is looking to add value by restoring the trooper I don't think any restoration will add value. The fact the helmet comes with a really rare suit will get serious collectors paying the big bucks alone.
I strongly disagree with xenomorph about stripping the paint being a costly mistake if he means it on a financial level. I think such is the demand for original SW props it would still make great money.
If xenomorph means it on a historical level then I agree. It was a mistake but because of the nature of the original paint jobs it is a natural reaction of people to see the originals and instantly want to repaint them. Three screen used helmets so far have been stripped for the exact same reason. I get the feeling that this won't be the last helmet we will see that will have had the paint removed.
Oh and Simon i believe you can get loads of different types of masking fluids and sprays to do the paint chips and still use modern paints. The studio scale modelling section of the forum may help you greatly if want any advice on incredibly detailed paint techniques with modern paints. Those guys are pretty incredible when it comes to paint jobs.
Chris