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Ok. Here's my outlook on this subject: If you're taking something like a gun (real, not plastic) and make a solid copy of it, it's just that. A copy. There are companies that make copies of guns for training purposes all the time. None of them are considered a recaster. They do not retain any of the rights to that weapon. But if someone were to engineer a working copy of all the parts of said weapon, and sold it as a working weapon, it would be considered a "fake", duplicate... Etc. (Basically a recast to us) China does it all the time. Now, if you had made a solid resin copy of said gun (that does not function), and someone else made a copy of your replica, THAT is considered recasting, and is not owned by Disney, or any Lucas franchise. On weapons, they only own the name. Not the likeness, since They are basically copies of existing weapons, with a few alterations. They would only own the rights to the alterations, if that. Really, all "direct lineage" armor is recast because it is a direct copy of the screen used armor. To repeat saying that "we are lucky", is kind of... "Redundant". Albin paved the way for us to be able to continue to do things like this. He arranged it so we have an agreement with Lucas arts to be able to make armor and use the Star Wars name, with the promise that we don't make a profit from his work. (now Disney's work) That is the agreement. An agreement, armor makers push the limits of. (charging twice the cost) For Lucas arts, and for the legion. We are considered a charity origination. We give millions of dollars to charities so we are able to continue to use the Star Wars brand for entertainment purposes. That is what keeps us alive. If we were to cease the charity aspect, and just sell armor for profit, then, yes. We would be lucky. Lucky that in the sence we don't recieve a cease and desist order, with a side of being sued for copy right infringement. So, to say we are "lucky"... Eh... We are Lucky in the sence that we can do what we enjoy doing. Prop and armor makers are more lucky than the group is. If the 501st folded tomorrow, you would still be able to wear your armor without fear of being sued. The makers, on the other hand, would need to go underground, and would be taking all the risk. It's not illegal to buy, wear, or sell things you own. But it is illegal to reproduce a brand with the intent to make a profit on something you don't own.

Trooper 8913 requesting 501st access.<br> Thank you.<br> <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=11145'>http://www.501st.com/members/displaymemberdetails.php?userID=11145</a>

Anytime you paint with rattle can, always STAY WITH THE SAME BRAND. If you don't, you run the risk of your paint job failing. Not all brands of paint play well with each other. This is where most paint jobs fail. Mixing companies... To get the best bond, don't rush it. Let the white thoroughly dry (read the can. 24+ hours). This will (hopefully) prevent any flaws, or webbing when you go to put on the clear coat. Sand with the finest sandpaper you can find to give it something to grip, before putting on the clear. Don't sand too much, the paint is only mm thick. Put on a few coats of white before the clear (no need to sand between coats, or wait.).

Try putting the bicep parts in the freezer. After a deep freeze, sometimes the CA glue will fail. **be careful** you do NOT want to put so much pressure on the rest of it as to crack your armor!! That will be weakened as well as the CA glue. If it is PVA glue, you would need to cut the armor next to the seam (the edge that goes UNDER the other), then take a Dremmel tool out, and sand the doubled edge down to a single edge. Then re-glue it to fit you. Good luck!!

But I would suggest you make the edge by the boots nice, smooth and rounded. You don't want the sharp edges cutting into your expensive boots...

8913 requesting 501st access please