Caulking?

[Astyanax]

Hey guys:

 

As I wait for my first armor to arrive (Anovos -- fingers crossed), I've been reading and reading and rereading here. Lots to take in!

 

While I've been working on some foam armor for my son, I came across the fact the good old fashioned white silicone caulk can really help with seam problems. It's flexible and dries glossy. And dries slow. And can be easily removed and cleaned up. And has adhesive properties. The list goes on and on. Now, with kids' armor, 501st approval and all that stuff doesn't play a factor. But with real armor...I'm thinking caulking might be a godsend for people with helmet ear gaps.

 

So my question is...has anyone tried to use caulk to repair any seam problems? I know this is an automatic no-no for Centurion, because it is not accurate to the original film concepts, but what about EIB or at least generic approval for ear gaps?

 

Just curious if this has ever been considered.

 

Thanks!

 

Bill

Edited May 21, 2015 by Astyanax

[Locitus[Admin]]

It used to be done to hide some of the atrocities of the MRCE (now eFX) helmet.

[Bulldog44[TK]]

I used some to fill some seams on my RS PVC armor but found it started to discolor . Had to remove it. Tried white colored E6000 too but the difference in color was noticeable. Try testing it though, you may have better results. The climate in Japan where I am at has a negative impact on certain materials.

Edited May 21, 2015 by Bulldog44

[Zaphod[TK]]

I used thick ABS paste to close the gaps. I didn't try to go seamless or anything. Gaps are accurate

 

 

-Pete

[Astyanax]

Ah yes, ABS paste. I have just learned about that. Helps the color match up, doesn't it? But it still raises the question: Even though gaps are "accurate", if you use it to fill them, do you run into 501st/EIB/Centurion approval issues since you've removed the "accuracy" of the gaps?

[AnjelRedemption[TK]]

as far as caulking goes, i'm using some white caulk to fill the gaps in my forearms and biceps.

 

It states on the tube that the stuff is waterproof, and will handle heat.

 

Also it is flexible enough that it won't crack under stress and the color matches fairly well.

 

over time it might discolor but i can always replace it, it seems to come off easily enough.

 

with the ears? I would say to leave them be....

Edited May 22, 2015 by AnjelRedemption

[Zaphod[TK]]

Ah yes, ABS paste. I have just learned about that. Helps the color match up, doesn't it? But it still raises the question: Even though gaps are "accurate", if you use it to fill them, do you run into 501st/EIB/Centurion approval issues since you've removed the "accuracy" of the gaps?

Having "Gappy" ears is not a requirement for Centurion. With ABS paste, it would be possible to bond the ears to the helmet. I'm not sure a seamless look would be the way to go either. Close the gaps as much as you can without going completely seamless, and you should be good to go.

 

 

-Pete