Rubber stunt gun: How do I make it look 'real'?

[Funky]

I recently got an Indy rubber stunt but I'd like to weather it or at least make it look a little more realistic. I've never worked on painting rubber and was wondering if I needed any special paints. I've seen some fantastic weathering jobs on guns here and I just need a little guidance. Where to begin???

 

[kimncris]

john's got a couple of nice tutorials on his website

http://www.sci-fire.com/how_to_wood_grain.htm

http://www.sci-fire.com/how_to_metalize.htm

http://www.sci-fire.com/dirty_armor.htm

even if you can't find the same paints - the techniques are still good.

-cris

p.s. that dark walnut top coat he does really does make it go from looking like paint to looking like metal. Don't skip that step

 

[jedikanol]

john's got a couple of nice tutorials on his website

http://www.sci-fire.com/how_to_wood_grain.htm

http://www.sci-fire.com/how_to_metalize.htm

http://www.sci-fire.com/dirty_armor.htm

even if you can't find the same paints - the techniques are still good.

-cris

p.s. that dark walnut top coat he does really does make it go from looking like paint to looking like metal. Don't skip that step

those techniques are great

 

[roboprop]

The best tutorials, right there! :thumbsup

 

[Funky]

Awesome info, but I was looking for more subtle weathering. I seem to recall someone using graphite and producing increadible results.

 

[Mr_Creepy]

I've seen pics of resin pieces where the builder used Ultra Flat or hi-temp BBQ rattle can black, and then went back over it with powdered graphite (not the lubricant, but pencil lead sanded into powder).

The graphite should be rubbed in and then burnished in until it doesn't rub off in your hands--sealer optional. (all this is info from Matsuo)


Not sure how it would work on rubber....

 

[robstyle]

graphite works great on rubber. Youd be amazed how real it makes rubber swords look