SirDenzington89 Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 (edited) Currently I am finishing up my ATA HIPS kit. Im pretty good at painting with spray paint but I cant get anywhere close to that coveted glossy look of the ABS. I wish I had gone with an ABS kit and could get that shine, paint just doesnt seem to come close, kinda frustrating. What does everyone think? Edited March 22, 2010 by JD-89 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkTrooper[TK] Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 (edited) I completed my ATA a few months ago. My main concern about painting was getting the helmet looking right. I picked up some polishing cloths from a hobby store. These are high grit clothes ranging from 3200 all the way up to 8000. These are awesome! Basically start with a low grit and work towards the higher grits. Finish off with some rubbing compound. I never knew I could spray paint a finish this smooth and glossy. Read this post-------- Also check out this website--------- I went with HIPS because it was the less expensive and readily available but if I could I'd get an ABS kit. Edited February 1, 2021 by gmrhodes13 link not working, removed gmrhodes13 2021 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmian Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 I have a full ABS AP armor. I love it, with all it's flaws. I wouldn't dare with a HIPS armor here in Spain, as we don't have as good paints as the ones in US (no Rustoleum or anything near.) So I guess ABS is more practical for me. Just cut, glue and use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIVE[501st] Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 (edited) While it's true that many people get ABS simply so they don't have to paint it, it's VERY possible to get a GREAT coat on HIPS! In fact, I've seen many paint jobs that make ABS look dull and flat! Are you using Rust-Oleum paint and following all instructions — including humidity and temperature requirements? If not, are you following the directions on whatever you're using? Practice on some scrap pieces. Be willing to sand it all off and do it again! Also, for tutorials, you can check out TK-4510's TE2 Helmet Build starting at part 19 he shows how to paint. You'll get there man! Edited February 1, 2021 by gmrhodes13 link not working, removed gmrhodes13 2021 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SirDenzington89 Posted March 22, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 Yeah I am using the Rustoleum. My helmet has a pretty decent shine to it but the armor is looking a little dull. Its started to warm up significantly here in NC so I'll probably give it another go here pretty soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smitty Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 Man thats a real toss up because HIPS comes off the molds looking so tight and pretty. My main complaint with HIPS is that the paint yellows faster than unpainted ABS. Back in the day my painted HIPS helmet matched my ABS armor very nicely. No so much these days. Now that my primary armor is on a mannequin, I'm leaning towards an all HIPS suit or an all ABS suit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIVE[501st] Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 (edited) On 3/22/2010 at 10:46 PM, Smitty said: Man thats a real toss up because HIPS comes off the molds looking so tight and pretty. Yeah, we know there are plenty of great "which is better" threads on here... but it really comes down to personal preference. I love the flexibility, sharpness, strength (only have experience with TE2) and ease of workability of the HIPS. Plus it's lightweight and just darn comfy! Edited February 1, 2021 by gmrhodes13 link not working, removed gmrhodes13 2021 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobra[TK] Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 From my observations with other people's armour and my own experience, HIPS appears to be a bit more fragile and not quite as robust as ABS. For durability, I prefer ABS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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