DF92 ATA Armor Build

[Darth Fader 92]

sorry for reposting image

 

heres the close up

[Darth Fader 92]

Been dormant for a while awaiting package from trooper bay. Got it yesterday!!!

 

 

The stripe masking are amazing!

 

 

 

[Darth Fader 92]

Back trap stripes came out clean as a whistle!!!

 

 

Tear and tube stripes came out alright, but nothing a lil touch up can handle

 

 

Here how it looks touched up

 

[Darth Fader 92]

Heres The Final Look Of My Hand Painted ANH Stunt ATA ABS Helmet!!!

 

Will Post Pics OF Inside Padding Within Next Few Days!!!

 

 

 

[gazmosis[501st]]

Congrats on your ATA kit, Christian!!! You seem to be scooting right along.  Please keep in mind that there is not a sour soul in the FISD. We are here to provide guidance and suggestions to help EVERYONE in their quest for an incredible set of armor. However, sometimes guidance is given what to do, sometimes..it's what not to do. You have to see it as positive criticism.

 

Helmet painting is a daunting task no matter who you are. I applaud you for giving it a go as you did. However, I know a few eyebrows were raised when you revealed your choice of materials. This is the first time I have seen acrylics used to paint the details on a helmet.

Every helmet I have seen uses some brand of enamel model paints either Humbrol or Testors, or Model Masters, or Tamiya( I think that's how you spell it). Anyway, the finish should be a somewhat even and glossy result. To be honest, your finished areas look a little like tissue with almost no gloss whatsoever. 

Have a look at this thread:http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/8117-helmet-ab-paint-detail-reference-guide/ This will give you a reference guide to the proper paints that are most commonly used to achieve the right look.

 

This here is what is most difficult to say. There is a difference between "hand painted look" and very choppy. the term "handpainted look" refers to lines that are slightly uneven, not laser straight. Paintwork with a little "character". The black outlines of your painted areas are in need of a little assistance. But first I would work on getting the correct paints. 

there are a couple approaches you could use in paintwork. You could place the templates you have onto the helmet and outline them with a pencil. Then cut your masking tape into small strips that you will be able to carefully place along the template lines. You will need to be creative when placing the upper corners because they have a curve. I have always placed tape across the corners and carefully trimmed this out with an exacto knife. When the gray dries, position new strips just outside the gray for your black outlines. This is more difficult in the tears because they are recessed. 

You can approach it the same way you did it as well, but the outer black lines need to be MUCH less choppy. If this is something too daunting (for many it is) you can outline/mask each area then paint it like you did. The tears and frown are something that is freehanded a lot. 

I would consider giving this another go. It's just paint. Thankfully, it is something that can be corrected without the fear of damaging the helmet. 

The last thing to remember is that the paintwork should be place within the recessed areas. Your temple trapezoid paint work on the left side (as you are looking at the helmet) looks like it goes beyond the raised area.

Take your time with this. The helmet is the crown jewel and the focal point of what everyone looks at. We are here to help. Please remember that.

[Darth Fader 92]

Thanks for your input Gazmosis, really appreciate the feedback. Will definitely get the right paints and get to work asap.

 

As far as the traps go, my trap pulls were really really shallow. i had to paint helmet traps in awkward angles underneath the sun, to see where the trap lines were.

[gazmosis[501st]]

ATA's are a bit shallow. That's just the way they are. Can't wait to see your upgrades!!

[russellr2d2[TK]]

If you choose to attack the painting I recommend the paint kit Trooperbay sells. All the correct colors and the best brand of correct glossy paint.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Darth Fader 92]

Alright here are the "upgrades."

 

Found testors 1138 grey at a Michaels. Let me know what you think. Also got a liner brush, so i hope the lines are not as choppy.

 

 

 

 

[Darth Fader 92]

I painted around the stripes as careful as possible, and touched up any stripes that were messed up. Also did the paint chippin method, as mentioned earlier, to clean up trap ear, and tear outlines