CableGuy[TK] Posted June 25, 2019 Report Posted June 25, 2019 Hi everyone, So, after a long time of thinking about it, I finally went ahead and ordered an HDPE helmet from DA PROPS (UK...edit, now France...). The kit was delivered in good time and included all the the parts required for the build. As many of you might know, I’m a little particular with OTTKs and requested this to be supplied un-trimmed. As below, where the back section meets the tubes on the face plate, the lower edges were quite flared. After a rough trim and trial positioning I knew that I didn’t want to cut the flares off so I used heat to correct them. I’ve made a start on the eyes, using various screen used helmet pictures for reference. Whilst I’m not looking to emulate a specific Stunt trooper from ANH, I really want to capture the feel of the originals. In that light, I hand cut the eyes with a Stanley knife, periodically comparing (split screen using LiveCollage) to screen used helmets. Starting small and slowly taking more and more away. More to come soon.... :-) 6 Quote
themaninthesuitcase[Admin] Posted June 26, 2019 Report Posted June 26, 2019 Looks like you're of to a good start there Dan 10 hours ago, CableGuy said: DA PROPS (UK) French France land now isn't it? 1 Quote
CableGuy[TK] Posted June 26, 2019 Author Report Posted June 26, 2019 Looks like you're of to a good start there Dan:duim: French France land now isn't it? Haha. Oh yes, France. Good point. ;-) Quote
CableGuy[TK] Posted June 27, 2019 Author Report Posted June 27, 2019 Hi all,As I look ahead to painting, I can’t find an exact answer for the paint process of the originals. Here’s what I believe ‘might’ be correct so far...•Helmet constructed minus the ears•primed with red oxide paint (no ears)•primed again (I believe) with white primer (no ears??)•then gloss final coat (including ears)Does that sound about right?Not sure if they masked the eyes and teeth? Quote
troopermaster Posted June 27, 2019 Report Posted June 27, 2019 That's exactly the way I believe the original helmets were painted and evidence proves it. No masking of the eyes or teeth. Just focus on spraying the outside of the helmet and don't worry about any overspray on the inside. Overspray can be seen on the inside the original helmets so that's something you want, ideally. If you're going for an aged look then go for an off-white gloss spray rather than bright white. Good luck 2 Quote
CableGuy[TK] Posted June 27, 2019 Author Report Posted June 27, 2019 That's exactly the way I believe the original helmets were painted and evidence proves it. No masking of the eyes or teeth. Just focus on spraying the outside of the helmet and don't worry about any overspray on the inside. Overspray can be seen on the inside the original helmets so that's something you want, ideally. If you're going for an aged look then go for an off-white gloss spray rather than bright white. Good luck Awesome - thanks for your input, Paul. I’m pretty sure you said similar on a thread a couple of years back? I’ve been reading so much recently I’ve kind of forgotten what came from where. Your knowledge is always welcomed as far as I’m concerned. :-)I’ll look at the off white spray, too. Still not 100% sure if I’ll do a “day one of filming” look or how they look today. Probably the latter. Thanks again. Quote
TheSwede[TK] Posted June 27, 2019 Report Posted June 27, 2019 14 minutes ago, CableGuy said: “day one of filming” Pretty sure they weren´t in mint condition day 1 either 2 Quote
CableGuy[TK] Posted June 27, 2019 Author Report Posted June 27, 2019 Pretty sure they weren´t in mint condition day 1 either:smiley-sw013:Haha. True story. ;-) 1 Quote
CableGuy[TK] Posted June 30, 2019 Author Report Posted June 30, 2019 Hi all,A little more progress made this weekend. •Faceplate and back/cap aligned and fixed (2x pop rivets either side. •Ears sanded and shaped to fit, holes drilled and ears fitted (temporarily - bolts in but nuts not fully tightened in theses pics)•initial opening up of the teeth. Used my favourite Dremel tool for this. Will use files for the finer work. Really please with it so far. I’m about 85-90% happy with the face and ear alignment. Paints are ordered so that’s hopefully not too far away. :-) 1 Quote
CableGuy[TK] Posted July 10, 2019 Author Report Posted July 10, 2019 More progress. As well as tidying up the teeth, the first two coats of oxide red primer are on. After a quick wipe down with some isopropyl alcohol, two coats of paint around 10 minutes apart. 2 Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted July 11, 2019 Report Posted July 11, 2019 The red primer is so menacing, love it Quote
CableGuy[TK] Posted July 11, 2019 Author Report Posted July 11, 2019 10 hours ago, ukswrath said: The red primer is so menacing, love it 9 hours ago, Harbinger said: Great job so far! Thank you, gents. It's great seeing it in this state. Whilst it's a little hard to explain, it makes it feel so close to the originals and gives it a real nostalgic vibe. Can't wait to get the next coats done. 1 Quote
CableGuy[TK] Posted July 14, 2019 Author Report Posted July 14, 2019 Well, the helmet is now white. First off, Hycote White primer.Ears attached ready for gloss. Even attaching the ears caused a small amount of damage. Or, “weathering”.... ;-)Now on to the gloss white. Halfords Appliance Gloss White has been referenced in the UK many times and is also the spray I used for my previous re-spray. It’s proper white so I will not be going straight for an aged look. This ended up being about 2&1/2 coats (if that’s possible). 2 Quote
troopermaster Posted July 14, 2019 Report Posted July 14, 2019 Make sure to leave the helmet alone for a few days to allow the paint to cure properly before you start the detailing. I know it's hard but it will be worth it in the end. 3 Quote
ukswrath[Staff] Posted July 14, 2019 Report Posted July 14, 2019 (edited) 11 minutes ago, troopermaster said: Make sure to leave the helmet alone for a few days to allow the paint to cure properly before you start the detailing. I know it's hard but it will be worth it in the end. Paint curing 101, funny how a lot of people don't understand the importance. Edited July 14, 2019 by ukswrath 2 Quote
Sly11[Admin] Posted July 14, 2019 Report Posted July 14, 2019 Great to see this coming along so well 1 Quote
TK20187[TK] Posted July 15, 2019 Report Posted July 15, 2019 Looks amazing.Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk 1 Quote
CableGuy[TK] Posted July 21, 2019 Author Report Posted July 21, 2019 (edited) So, I wasn’t really happy with the finish as it had quite a few imperfections (yes, I know the originals were pretty bad too, lol). Not sure if this was caused by the paint, weather, my technique or what... I was planning another coat to try and cover this finish. Although, I really wasn’t happy with the Appliance White as it was just TOO white, especially when compared with my armour. Thankfully, I was speaking with Paul ( @troopermaster) about some of his latest pieces and he kindly gave some tips and recommended a different shade. This is a MUCH better colour now, offering a shade that’s nearly a perfect match for my armour. Firstly, Appliance White against my 1.5mm ABS belt; Next, Paul’s recommendation against the same belt; Side by side (photos taken on two different days so lighting is different, making the belt look a different shade - look at belt to helmet to see the difference); Not sure if it’s the paint, that’s it’s applied over the other gloss white, environment or what but the finish is much smoother this time around; Really pleased with it now and extremely excited to get to the hand painted details. :-) Edited July 21, 2019 by CableGuy 3 Quote
TheSwede[TK] Posted July 21, 2019 Report Posted July 21, 2019 Hey Dan Sorry to hijack but this photo makes it look like "he" has mascara or had a very bad night sleep 3 Quote
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