TIP Request: Paint Options in Japan

[unitaam]

I’m based out of Tokyo and I’ve made some modifications to my First order Stormtrooper costume and now I’m looking for spray paint that I can buy in Japan for my Armor. Does anyone have any experience here?

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

Hi Andrew!  The person I would suggest getting in touch with is Brian (Bulldog44), the FISD Imperial Attaché for Japan.  A link to contact him via PM can be found here.  If you haven't heard back in a few days, contact me via PM and I can email him for you. 

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Not sure if it's the same in Japan but a lot of automotive parts stores have paint mixing stations which you can get made in rattle spray cans. 

 

In case you need a color code this is what a lot of people have been using in the past. 

[unitaam]

Thanks I’ll see what if I can get this done here. What are you using to spray this? Or do they usually mix it in to spray cans?

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

8 hours ago, unitaam said:

Thanks I’ll see what if I can get this done here. What are you using to spray this? Or do they usually mix it in to spray cans?

I used spray cans, local auto store had a base white which matched the helmet well so I was lucky there. This is also automotive acrylic paint, goes on with thin coats, dries fast and can be sanded and compound polished if you get runs.

 

[unitaam]

I wasn’t able to find a mixer here. But I did find PROST's EWP BLANC BANQUISE 300ml online.

https://www.prost-shop.jp/view/item/000000238565



I’ll post again once I have some results to show.

[unitaam]

So far so good. Color seems fine.

This is on top of grey primer. I forgot to take photos of these parts with just the primer. So here’s the next set.



Once I sand and clear coat and sand that I’ll post again.

[justjoseph63[Staff]]

I really like your mini spray booth set up!  One thing to think about when using spray paint is the temperature.  I know it can get well above 90 degrees at this time of year in Japan, but the paint ideally is applied below 90 with a low to medium humidity level.  Otherwise it can actually start to atomize before it hits your armor and cause a grainy texture.  Also, avoid letting it dry (cure) in direct sunlight when the temps are high.

Looking forward to seeing your results!

 

[unitaam]

I really like your mini spray booth set up!  One thing to think about when using spray paint is the temperature.  I know it can get well above 90 degrees at this time of year in Japan, but the paint ideally is applied below 90 with a low to medium humidity level.  Otherwise it can actually start to atomize before it hits your armor and cause a grainy texture.  Also, avoid letting it dry (cure) in direct sunlight when the temps are high.
Looking forward to seeing your results!
 

Thanks for the feedback I’m already keeping it in the shade. Lucky I did the painting in the morning while still cool out. I’ll make sure I do it when it’s cool and dryish going forward. This seemed to go on fine, unfortunately I missed some spots and only bought one bottle to test. I’ll have to sand it a bit and apply more when my resupply comes.

[Bulldog44[TK]]

Late to reply here sorry. 
replied in the PM. 
 

paint looks to be a solid choice from the shelf bought stuff that’s available. 
As mentioned in previous post, careful of Temperature and humidity. I get mixed results during peak summer heat and sometimes results in uncured sticky undercoats even with the temperature being so hot.