Quick question... if I were thinking of having someone paint my boba helmet for me, how much would we be looking at?
I havent decided to do this yet, I'm just weighing out my options and budget.
Discussion on Comission to paint a helmet? within the Boba Fett Helmet forum, part of the Star Wars Original Trilogy Bounty Hunters category; Quick question... if I were thinking of having someone paint
Quick question... if I were thinking of having someone paint my boba helmet for me, how much would we be looking at?
I havent decided to do this yet, I'm just weighing out my options and budget.
Hey, that's a good question. I always wondered myself what some of the artisans here would charge for that kind of thing. After tackling my son's helmet I am not sure I am up for doing my own anytime soon. I know my wife is not! (lol)
It really depends on how you are wanting to paint it for you. Take for instance if you use some of the very well know and talented helmet/armor producers it is going to run you in the $1,000's to buy a helmet and have them paint it for you. I think in this area you are better off buying a helmet that has already been painted and the paint job is excellent, or buying a helmet and painting it yourself.
I'll do it for $150 plus shipping.... of course I've never painted one before.
on average $450
ouch! When I painted an ROTJ a while back I only charged 100!
wow... you either paint REALLY fast sell yourself short!Originally Posted by Hammer of Might
thinking about my helmet, i probably spent 18 hours or so on it. figuring my time is worth around 40 - 50 an hour, that comes out to a whole lot more than anyone would want to pay for me to paint their helmet
Yeah I have heard that some of the really high profile helmet makers/painters put about 150-180 hours into a helmet and charge about 10-11 dollars an hour. So do the math.wow... you either paint REALLY fast sell yourself short!
thinking about my helmet, i probably spent 18 hours or so on it. figuring my time is worth around 40 - 50 an hour, that comes out to a whole lot more than anyone would want to pay for me to paint their helmet
I sold myself way short!wow... you either paint REALLY fast sell yourself short!
thinking about my helmet, i probably spent 18 hours or so on it. figuring my time is worth around 40 - 50 an hour, that comes out to a whole lot more than anyone would want to pay for me to paint their helmet
IMO a truly accurate helmet from start to finish including finsihing work comes in at about 100 hours give or take. That means stenciling out every last nick and scratch, custom made decals, proper layering of colors... and weathering both with a ultra fine brush and a light wash.
Just winging the paint job by eyeballing it will cut the time in a thrid or less.
As far as cost... I think you get what you pay for as far as time investment in your helmet goes. And yes... $1000 minimum for a great paintjob including cost of bucket and in some cases just for the paintjob.
I, my self have raised my rate based off leanring from painting many buckets and refining my style and use of stencils that is time consuming but results in VERY accurate results.
Each artist will charge differently. I did my first bucket for cost of paints and bondo only! Just to figure it out. That was 4-5 helmets ago.
Just like any artform your paying for the time and experince. Some folks think the BM helmet that Daz had Steve the Sweed paint was to pricy, I say it was a steal considering the time put into it.
You're right about that evan.
how much did he charge?
Not Enough
I don't think saying in an open forum would be cool....
you should PM him..
Hmmm... maybe my offer to do one for $150 isn't that far-fetched afterall.
Anyone willing to take a chance on my first one turning out great?
I could sure use the practice!
WOW - $1000.00 for a paint job/bucket
I had no idea....."EDIT" (not that this is bad, just that I'm surprised because of how much I charge for a BARC paint up)
it appears it depends on the "quality" of the paint job you want and how accurate you want it. So if your asking for a paint job, perhaps being more specific about the quality and accuracy you want is in order. Perhaps you should say how much you willing to spend on the paint up via a PM, this would determine how much time the artist can put into it.
Fett helmets, even with a mediocre paint job, are VERY intensive and can easily become very costly when figuring in an hourly rate.
Some people do paint ups for the fun of having the project funded, just having a chance to do the project. To others, it's like a business.
I charge $100.00 for a BARC paint up like seen in my avatar, but then again, it's a labor of love, not a business...
Last edited by pghfett; 11-09-2006 at 03:17 PM.
Yeah, when I painted my kids helmet it probably took about 50 to 60 hours (and I'll bet I am underestimating actually) I could do it faster now that I have a better sense of it, but it is still very time consuming. Sounds like the best deal would be to buy one of the painted ones that show up in the Cargo Hold every once in a while.
So Evan, if I sent you A LOT of Bondo would that cover it then?
Last edited by Bubba Fett; 11-09-2006 at 04:05 PM.
LOLYeah, when I painted my kids helmet it probably took about 50 to 60 hours (and I'll bet I am underestimating actually) I could do it faster now that I have a better sense of it, but it is still very time consuming. Sounds like the best deal would be to buy one of the painted ones that show up in the Cargo Hold every once in a while.
So Evan, if I sent you A LOT of Bondo would that cover it then?
This is a big reason why I pay somebody else to paint my armor. It is very time consuming, you need to purchase the paints which means you have to find them (difficult to do in portions of Arizona), purchase all of the supplies to paint it, and have the skill to paint it correctly.
Hmmm ... after reading what I just wrote, I think it's actually cheaper to pay BM to paint my stuff.
I already own the helmet.. I was just thinking of shipping it to someone and have them paint it...
But I really can't afford a grand to have someone else do it... I'll just have to do it myself. I was just concerned because I couldn't paint my bathroom without messing it up some, and I still can't figure out the painting stencils and how to use them...
I don't think many of the top painters even come close to a "Grand" (some do)..I think EVAN was just trying to make a point that all painters charge differently.....
Some Charge by the hour. Other's like myself just charge a flat rate...
Some are cheaper, while others are more....But to me ALL are relative to the skill and time envolved for the services they provide.
It's really all about what you're willing to pay.....
EVAN said it best "you get what you pay for"....
Some painters also work in Trade, or will even work on payment arrangements
Just like there are people who supply Jet Packs, Armor, and Fett Buckets, there are those that offer other skills........from Painters, to seamstresses', to electronics....and all should get paid for what their time and effort are worth.
Last edited by Spideyfett; 11-10-2006 at 07:29 AM.
People are shocked to hear how much it costs but they fail to see think about the cost of all the various paint colors (and other supplies) it takes to paint one properly and then even more importantly, the countless hours it takes to do. Painting a Fett bucket is not something you can sit down and do in two hours. To do it properly can take a few days up to a few months depending upon the level of accuracy.
I've been asked to paint helmets for folks several times and every time I've told them what I considered to be a fair price of $350-$400 I've never heard back from them.
Last edited by webchief; 11-20-2006 at 05:51 AM.
I've been asked to paint helmets for folks several times and every time I've told them what I considered to be a fair price of $350-$400 I've never heard back from them.
I think I scare people off when I quote...
Great points bro....
GREAT THREAD BTW GEEKPASTOR (typo)...
Last edited by Spideyfett; 11-10-2006 at 07:41 AM.
I have never painted anything in my life until I did my first bucket, but I wanted it to come out good. So I bought a airbrush and a compressor, after practicing with it, I tackled my bucket, and I have to say it does take a long time, but with the help of TDH, I was able to do a pretty good job for my first attemp. Sadly on my final day when I was about to install my visor, it took a nasty fall off the countertop. And it broke badly. It was resin and cost me around $80, but now I know more about it before I get ready to order my BM bucket. Good luck.
The only painting skills that I have are with my airbrush. Right now I am working on my jet pack and I suck with bondo so it is taking me a while to even get it ready to paint. I have never painted a helmet before, but I have painted a set of gauntlets, and I am about to do another set of gauntlets as well as a cod. Oh I am going to be painting a Clone Trooper bucket soon though, that will be my first experience with painting a bucket.
I'm not scarred off my the price... I just don't have the $$$
I can't get an airbrush machine... so I'm going to try spray paints... Thanks for the help and advice... I'm sure I'll be posting many more questions. Thank you for being patient with a noob!
Something to take into consideration (and this goes for all aspects of the hobby), is that the majority of artisans do not do this for 'work', but rather their spare time in the evenings and on weekends. Throw family, church, soccer practice and Scouts in the mix, and their spare time can become quite expensive.
A scenario:
Bill is single, living alone, and has a great day job. He does not have any extracurricular activities. His spare time is not worth much, because he has so much of it. He might paint a helmet for $100.
Jim has a wife, two little girls (both into soccer and ballet), and he is a youth minister at his church. His spare time is precious, and would cost quite a bit more. Jim's painting price is $600.
A lot of people complain about the high prices for services, but I urge everyone to think about what their own 'spare time' is actually worth.
Great point ....as always BN..
Yep, someone approached me to do one recently. I have three kids, and a job that has me working 12 hours a day. I just told them "no" as there is no way I could have charged enough to make it worth the time I would have to put in.
And BTW - I am not nearly as good as the other folks on this board
Last edited by Bubba Fett; 11-10-2006 at 01:47 PM.
In no particular order I have put together a list of board members that I know of that offer painting services:
If I missed anyone please let me know...
(or let me know and I will remove your name if you don't want it posted)
evan4218
Darthmiller
Rogue Studios
Marrow Sun
Fettpride
AFettFullofDollars
superjedi
Man of War Studios
bobamaker
Webchief
Motorfish
micke
Steve the Swede
Hope this helps...
Spidey,
I don't think Steve the Swede should be on that list.
He doesn't paint helmets.
He has invented some kind of magical replication machine that makes him able to create
exact copies of the actual Boba ESB helmet!!He's used it twice already that I know of! :thumbup
Someone else on the boards has that ability
Spidey,
I don't think Steve the Swede should be on that list.
He doesn't paint helmets.
He has invented some kind of magical replication machine that makes him able to create
exact copies of the actual Boba ESB helmet!!
Thanks Spidey, that list is great. Very helpful!
Spidey, you're being too humble. You need to include yourself on that list of great painters.
Yeah, there are some folks that chare that... I think the only maker breaker is if you need the painter to do heavy prep work and mods to the helmet. I spent as much time if not more moding Ripcodes MS1 to make it accurate then I did painting the darn thing. I HATE prep work so I will always charge quite a bit on that. You should be able to get a GREAT paintjob for $300-400 from a member on this board. There are so many talented folks here too.
And thats a heck of a good price for paint job and very affordable for a Fett paint. Make no mistakes folks, this stuff is ARTWORK,Yeah, there are some folks that chare that... I think the only maker breaker is if you need the painter to do heavy prep work and mods to the helmet. I spent as much time if not more moding Ripcodes MS1 to make it accurate then I did painting the darn thing. I HATE prep work so I will always charge quite a bit on that. You should be able to get a GREAT paintjob for $300-400 from a member on this board. There are so many talented folks here too.
I think it's not so much a complaint of the price as much it is a complaint of just not have the cash to have one done.
for instance using the example above:
A scenario:
Bill is single, living alone, and has a great day job. He does not have any extracurricular activities. His spare time is not worth much, because he has so much of it. He might paint a helmet for $100. This fellas can afford an UBER paint up I would think (or at least would not get assaulted by his wife LOL
Jim has a wife, two little girls (both into soccer and ballet), and he is a youth minister at his church. His spare time is precious, and would cost quite a bit more. Jim's painting price is $600. This fella probably could not afford it as a lump sum (payments are nice as Spidey has stated
I happen to fall into the "Jim and his wife" group.
Someday, when I have the best bucket can get, I would love to have Evan or Spidey to paint a bucket for me. Their skill would require me to get the best helmet I can because I would not want to waste their skills on a sub-par bucket.
Those fealls in particular have lifted painting fett buckets to a new level
Last edited by pghfett; 11-10-2006 at 03:10 PM.
So, just to make sure I understand this correctly... Sending my melted Rubies to anyone on the list for prep and mods prior to painting is not a good thing?
Sorry Evan, guess I won't be sending it with that crate of Bondo I was talking about after all.
Last edited by Bubba Fett; 11-10-2006 at 03:00 PM.
LOL
they are artists - not miracle workers LOL
Ah, not true! They do work miracles. The Rubies might be a bit much, but...
Oooh, cool idea for a contest at C4 there.
OOps spidey you forgot me
Im looking ton get back into painting so if anyone looking to get there bucket painted esb LMK. Perferable MSH, MS, or any other higher end helmets I would be willing to do a paint up on. PM for details
edit: heres a pic of the 1st helm i ever paint. Dont have a bucket anymore and was never fully satisfied with that paint job and looking to get some more done.
http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3981190
Justin is almost done with the paintjob on my helmet! I know the mods he did. I saw the prep work. I saw the paintjob as it progressed. He is now in the home stretch.Yeah, there are some folks that chare that... I think the only maker breaker is if you need the painter to do heavy prep work and mods to the helmet. I spent as much time if not more moding Ripcodes MS1 to make it accurate then I did painting the darn thing. I HATE prep work so I will always charge quite a bit on that. You should be able to get a GREAT paintjob for $300-400 from a member on this board. There are so many talented folks here too.
Spideyfett and people he mentioned are artists. They deserve what they charge!
All you have to do is look at the finished product and you will know why.
here i am replying to a week old post. ah well life's been busyI'm not scarred off my the price... I just don't have the $$$
I can't get an airbrush machine... so I'm going to try spray paints... Thanks for the help and advice... I'm sure I'll be posting many more questions. Thank you for being patient with a noob!
nothing wrong with rattlecans! i've used them on all of my fett stuff. i did some airbrushing on my jet pack, but everything else has been from home depot!
I think most of these painters specialize in ESB right? Not many ROTJ(pure) painters so that could also add to the price, right?
I have done ROTJ and Pre-pro2. I think the ESB is harder then the ROTJ so personally I would charge more for it.
I would have to disagree with you on that one. I just finished up Ripcodes ROTJ and if done correctly I feel its much more detail orintated with fewer Ref pics availabe then the ESB. I fet it to be the most complex paintjob out of all the helmets. ESB has fewer battle damage and more references from every possible angle to help out. JMO
I would agree Evan. I did 2 ROTJ's and now starting to do an ESB. I think the ESB is coming easier.
i dont see wat all the fuss is about....if u buy a rubies....it has a paintjob on it ALREADY! everybody wins!!
jk of course...
ONE MILLION DOLLARS, MUAHHHAAAAAA!!!!!
Seriously, the exact price is a private deal between me and Daz and it wasn't just for the helmet but also the entire armor (sans the jet pack). I don't think it's anybodys buissines what the exact numbers were but let me just say that both me and Daz was VERY happy with the final price we settled on.
Let me tell you one thing though, you don't become rich painting Fett helmets, faaaaaaar to many hours involved. I think many here will agree.
Steve.
The time involved in preparing the surface (especially with recasts) of a helmet has taken me forever it seems-as it's only the second helmet I've done. Luckily I'm creating a custom, so I don't have to match the Boba/Jango buckets exactly. So it shouldn't take as long to paint, which I've just begun...
You said it bro!
Agreed here as well. I've seen somebody post that it took 50 hours to paint a helmet. Now take the price a person charges, subtract out the cost of paint and materials, and divide the remaining cost by the number of hours ... not a multi-million dollar result.
One thing about getting someone else to paint your helmet is you dont point out every single flaw that a helmet you did yourself would result in.
Plus how many hours it would take to attempt to fix it.
I sold my ROTJ painted MSH for $675 shipped.
I put a price on it I figured would be fair for what I had into it and what I felt it was worth, I wasn't going to sell it for less.
All prices give or take, $250 for the helmet, $20 for visor, $30 for painting supplies, $20 for metal stalk, $15 shipping, that puts it at around $340 for my time painting it.
I may have gotten more for it, but it would have taken longer to sell it to find a serious buyer.
Lynn
Heres the one Darth Miller did for me.
http://www.shortimer52.com/BMBucketbuildup.html
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