Gloss HIPS - Painting and Tooling

[foxtrot]

I am gathering some information on my build.

 

If the material my armour is made from is Gloss HIPS does it need to be painted? Ive been told it doesn't.

 

Also HIPS seems to be harder than other plastics used, what is the best way to tool it? I am most worried about the eyes on the helmet.

[Spaar[TK]]

Maybe you could post a picture of your armor. Without it`s hard to tell whether it needs painting or not. I can only add I`ve got an armor made out of HIPS too and I didn`t have to paint it.

How thick is your plastic? Maybe you could try different tools (scissors, Dremel multitool,...) on a piece you don`t need any more.

[pandatrooper[TK]]

You only really need to paint armor if the finish isn’t what you want with the current plastic. If the HIPS is shiny enough for you, then leave it as it is. You can also polish it with Novus plastic polish (a 2 part polish) to make it shinier if you don’t want to paint it.

 

Most people use the same tools for cutting their armor regardless of what plastic it is. You can use:

- Curved lexan scissors (for cutting out RC car bodies)

- Score and snap method (score a line with an exacto knife, then snap the plastic along the cut line)

- Use a Dremel cutting wheel (use a slower speed to prevent melting the plastic. Some find that the diamond cutting wheel melts less)

 

Then you can finish the edges by sanding them.

 

I usually cut my eyes out on the lid by using a Dremel cutting wheel, then cleaning it up with the sanding drum tip.

[TK bondservnt[501st]]

I use score and snap, smooth and quick.

 

sand with 60 grit and that is also fast.

 

done.

[foxtrot]

thanks for the replies, put my mind at ease.

 

I havent got my order yet, in the process of sourcing it from a vendor.

[Rich330[TK]]

thanks for the replies, put my mind at ease.

 

I havent got my order yet, in the process of sourcing it from a vendor.

 

You can mention the name of the vendor here (it's not like the UKG board) and maybe those familiar with the kit will be able to offer advice.

[ObiHahn[TK]]

My armor is high gloss HIPS too, and I'm always one of the glossiest TKs in any troop. So no need to paint, only if you want to dull it or something.

I also use score&snap for trimming, works like a charm.