TE2 paint question

[Darth_Bethel]

I'm a newbie and I'm awaiting a set of TE2 armor. I've come to the conclusion that Rust-o-leum paint is the standard and plan on using the white sandable primer and then gloss white. What I'm unsure of is how to prepare the armor and when to paint. I read a recommendation to use steel wool on TK409's website. Anyone have an opinion on this? Does the armor need to be "roughed up" a little first?

I'm also wondering when to paint. Do you trim, sand, paint, assemble? Or do you trim, sand, assemble, and paint? I know you have to add shims to the legs and arms so I wasn't sure if they are painted ahead of time or what?

Lastly, can anyone tell me the best method. Are several very light coats the best method? I recently painted one of those $100 plastic Vader helmets by Rubies gloss black and found that it didn't get "glossy" until I got the paint can close enough. It didn't come out that great because of the light coats that I had made prior. I don't want to mess the armor up once I get it. I have a lot more money into it than I did the vader helmet.

[Smitty]

I went with the trim, assemble sand then paint method. If you hold the can too far away the droplets will try to dry in the air before they land on the helmet. That will give you a dull powdery look. Too close and you will start to run the paint. My motto is a great paintjob is one step away from a paint run. As far as roughing up the surface prior to painting, I used 600 grit emory cloth.

[SuperTrooper]

I do it the same way as Smitty but I pre-wetsand with 400 grit sandpaper.

[Darth_Bethel]

A great paint job is a step away from a paint run. That was exactly my experience with the Vader helmet I was talking about. So, since flirting with disaster is the way to go... my next question is how to handle a paint run. Is there a product that is best suited to HIPS and rust-o-leum paint that will allow me to redo it if I mess up? A particular thinner / remover?

[Heatshock[501st]]

not meaning to hijack this thread - but wondering abt this too - let me get this straight in my own head pls

 

1. so roughening - with either 400 or 600 grit

2. primer x (wot ever is you preference)

3. sand in between? 600 or 800?

4. gloss paint x (wot ever is you preference) in thin layers with can pretty close

5. do u sand in between gloss coats as well? 800, 1200 somethink like that? - I guess if u are snading between gloss coats; u could sand out runs at this point as well?

 

*soz using UK grit sizes - so slightly diff*

 

thanks - soz for interruption matt

[SuperTrooper]

not meaning to hijack this thread - but wondering abt this too - let me get this straight in my own head pls

 

1. so roughening - with either 400 or 600 grit

2. primer x (wot ever is you preference)

3. sand in between? 600 or 800?

4. gloss paint x (wot ever is you preference) in thin layers with can pretty close

That is correct. The new #5 would be let the helmet dry for a week and then detail it. If you get a run: let it dry, sand, wash, and paint 1 or 2 coats. At that point your just looking for a perfect topcoat.

[Darth_Bethel]

Although I made it confusing by mentioning a Vader helmet, I am actually trying to find out about the body armor. For example, the straps between the chest and back plate. Do you assemble (including straps) and then paint the whole thing? Or paint the body pieces individually and then assemble?

I'm going to glue the straps so there are no rivets and it is screen accurate. I've seen some tutorials where rivets are used, but I think that is a 501st no-no. Anyway, I sort of figured I would paint the pieces first, then assemble. So I was surprised the order is assemble then paint. But I can see how it would be on a helmet...

Same question for the trim pieces that top of the shins, arms, etc... So still asemble and paint?

[Darth_Nickel]

Matt,

 

I would assemble, then paint. Glue and paint DO NOT MIX when trying to form a bond. You will end up getting a bond to the paint vs the plastic.

 

I'm also not a fan of directly gluing a strap. I prefer to rivet and/or snap a strap to a spare piece of plastic, then glue that to the armor. I think it looks cleaner, and you get a better bond plastic to plastic.

 

My preference is to use CA vs ABS glue, Plastic welder, e6000, etc... That's just my style. I like the instant satisfaction of CA with a little kicker.

 

BTW.... Welcome to the FISD

[Daetrin[Admin]]

Yup, assemble then paint, else the glue won't hold. Like Brad - I'm a big fan of snaps wherever possible. Eventually straps wear out, and will need adjusting or replacement.