Plastic Cap Shield Overhaul

[GeneralFROSTY]

While looking for a Cap Shield that would serve as a sort of "stunt" version for cosplay and display, I found this option on ebay:

Captain America Shield 1:1 ABS Shield 57cm Cosplay Halloween gift props | eBay

Size: 57cm. Material: ABS/ PU Leather. 100% Real Pictures.

rover.ebay.com

I own the Herobody Cap suit that's on a mannequin for display. My metal shield is too heavy to mount to the back, so I wanted something light weight that serves the purpose and looks reasonably good.

I knew I'd be making some modifications to this shield, specifically, resurfacing the entire thing to remove the vinyl record texture that the manufacturer added to presumably simulate brushed metal (a failed look btw). Luckily, the shield is made of ABS plastic and with some patience and effort, I was able to completely smooth out the surface front and back so I had a fresh foundation to start from for my repaint.

So far, I'm at the primer stage, but I have a series of procedures to follow that will really transform this cheap shield into something that'll look great on display and light weight enough to use as a cosplay accesory.

 

[Steveko89]

Looking forward to see this completed. I did a sand/repaint on my plastic marvel legends a few years ago, curious how this one compares.

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

I'm behind on progress, this is a personal project I'm trying to squeeze inbetween commission work. More to come!

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

Got the primer wet sanded and base coated, followed by adding the brushed metal effect.
Next step is masking for color coating.

 

[StormyStorm]

That looks really nice. May I ask how you got that brushed metal look? It looks fantastic.

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

That looks really nice. May I ask how you got that brushed metal look? It looks fantastic.

That's one if my tricks of the trade!

 

[nick daring]

I've thought about getting one of these to turn into a comic style shield. How do you like the quality/thickness of the plastic?

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

It's pretty decent for what it is. It doesnt feel flimsy, if that helps.

 

[nick daring]

Very helpful! I’ve got the legends shield but I’m always eyeing new projects.

 

[Cabla]

It's pretty decent for what it is. It doesnt feel flimsy, if that helps.

Looking good GeneralFROSTY. I can't wait to see how it looks painted.

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

Almost there. Yet to add the subtle black wash in the grooves. The backside needs a few coats of silver followed by weathering...

 

[AgentOfShield]

Woww that looks so much better than the stock shield it’s not even funny...

Might take up trying this to mine if I ever get around to it

 

[AgentOfShield]

Which paints and sanding grits are you using for this if you don’t mind sharing?

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

Which paints and sanding grits are you using for this if you don’t mind sharing?

I custom mix my paints from pigment powders, so they are a proprietary blend.
I used 220 grit with an air powered sander to remove the texture.
The primer coat was wet sanded and polished smooth prior to the silver base coat.

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

Nearing completion here. Finished off the backside today. Used still images from The Winter Soldier to guide my color scheme. I noticed that the backside wasnt a bright silver like on the front, so I mixed a little gunmetal gray into my base silver color.
The fun part was adding the weathering to the back, making it pop and look more interesting like it does on screen.
I just need to fabricate new clips for the leather straps that attach to the rim.

 

[kalkamel]

Absolutely spectacular work!

 

[StarLord99]

Awesome work GeneralFROSTY! So scary that It looks like the efx one. I like to see you add the black panther scratch marks.

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

Taking this refit shield home. I wish I had another one in stock condition to do a comparison video.

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

Awesome work GeneralFROSTY! So scary that It looks like the efx one. I like to see you add the black panther scratch marks.

I DID base the finish off what was used in Civil War, but I'm not a fan of the claw marks (main reason why I didn't invest in the Masterworks edition shield).
However, if I had a few more of these, I would definitely refit them to other styles used.

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

Comparison to my 25" metal shield. I actually prefer the overall look and size of the plastic one to be honest!
The metal shield pictured is due for a repaint as I've since updated and improved my paint formula and application process.