Paint for Styrene R2 Dome

[vistaVision]

I've been working on a few updates for my R2, and wanted to check out the latest rage in droid building: Styrene domes. These domes are very much like the popular aluminum domes, at less than 1/2 the cost. There is an inner and outer vac-formed dome, with the outer dome panels all laser-cut. There is even a rather solid bottom ring included. Very well engineered and manufactured, and are quite strong when assembled:

The only big downside of styrene vs aluminum is the final finish. Aluminum domes look, not surprisingly, just like aluminum. The trick is painting and finishing the plastic to resemble aluminum. Some builders have gotten closer than others, and the debate on paint products and techniques continues within the R2 Builders world. After seeing the awesome finish on Mechinyun's Rocketeer rocket pack, I thought I'd seek advice from the RPF on achieving this type of finish on plastic, fiberglass or resin. With Mechinyun's blessing, I've lifted one of his pictures and include it here:

I suspect getting this effect is a combo of surface prep, proper paint materials and techniques, wet sanding and polishing. Some have tried to clearcoat their painted domes, but always end up turning their metal paint grey. Does one have to sacrifice shine for durability? Metal color paints seem to never hold up well to handling. So, what says the collective expertise of the RPF?

 

[Too Much Garlic]

You want a real aluminum look or do you want that painted look as on that rocket pack?

 

[hollywoodhardware]

Use Mirra Chrome with a gloss black undercoat and a semi gloss clear.

 

[vistaVision]

You want a real aluminum look or do you want that painted look as on that rocket pack?

I guess that's a good question. I'm not sure that paint will ever look like real aluminum. My aluminum dome is not heavily polished, and has an elusive quality about it that is instantly recognized as real metal. That being said, I'm willing to accept a high quality metal-like paint finish, and thought the rocket pack (at least in the photograph) looks great.

I'll have to look at Mirra Chrome again. I do recall it being mentioned by others. Thanks!

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Actually... paint can look like polished aluminum, if done properly. I think the rocket pack would be greatly improved in its look if a thin wash of flat black was applied around the rivet heads and the seams where two plates connect, to show that they are separate pieces.

It's all in the finish. Just spraying a metal color and it'll always look like just that: painted. but if you do a lot of finishing work afterward, then you will add to the metallic effect. Washes, dirt, scratches, damage. All that would add to the overall look.

 

[propologist]

I'm working on a R5 for my first styrene build and Dave suggests a Lacquer based paint for the droids. He says it's the only one that will "key " into styrene.

I love the r2 dome , that is one I am for sure building after I get a couple others done.