Thraex Gladiator Helmet

[renegadecow]

*copy pasted from my Tumblr page*
In another fit of random urgency, I wanted to make a Thraex or Thracian helmet. I tried to document it every step of the way because, hey, I’m making one I may as well take photos right? Material used is EVA foam. I’ll upload part 2 tomorrow which involves the rest of the base construction and artificial weathering. Part 3 will be the paint job.

 

[renegadecow]

Part 2 of my Thraex helmet prop using EVA foam. Using a thinner gauge sheet I put on the small details like fasteners, decorative trim, embossed shapes on the crown and the iconic griffin figurehead on the crest. Then I sand edges which need to look like rolled metal and artificially wear it down putting cuts, cracks and scratches using a soldering iron. The seams from the base construction are covered in acrylic sealant. How much you put can vary in effect from concealing the seam completely to simulating welds or brazed lead joints. Tomorrow I’ll be completing it with the last and most exciting part: paint.

 

[renegadecow]

Part 3: paint. First I gave the weathered parts three coats of black enamel to close the pores. A smoother finish can be achieved by sanding between coats and more layers. Then they were spray painted silver followed by a light coat of antique gloss which can be substituted by brass gold or copper depending on what tone you’re after. When dry I applied antique wash which is basically black paint that’s been thinned out largely. This allows the pigment to pool into imperfections giving a rougher, textured look. How thin you make the wash depends on how you want to use it. Too heavy and you may end up showing brush strokes. You can use the brush marks if that’s the effect you’re after (drawn and pressed metal) or in my case, pat it down with a tissue to have a slightly uneven hammered look. Lastly, I applied a thin coat of mahogany varnish on the trim, fasteners, and other decorative pieces to give a little bit more contrast then covered everything with clear gloss. If the look your’e after is something like it was found at the bottom of the ocean, use clear flat.

 

[renegadecow]

Thraex helmet complete. I’ve film graded it appropriately enough so that it looks best in full sunlight.

 

[xdmray]

that is done incredibly well! nice work.

 

[Predatormv]

Wow that came out great! You going to add the big feathers to the little holders on the side?

 

[Fedoraiders]

WOW, I love your Helmet.

 

[Il Princerino]

dude, amazing work

 

[renegadecow]

Thanks! Probably won't be adding the feathers. But maybe if I make another one that's less battered and more ornate.

 

[Captain Pugwash]

Incredible work mate. How many hours work did it take you?

 

[kdflash]

Excellent work there!

 

[renegadecow]

Captain Pugwash
It took three days, maybe four to six hours work each day so around eighteen hours at most excluding drying time of course.

 

[Captain Pugwash]

Impressive, most impressive. :thumbsup