Hobbits ESB Bobamaker Paint Up!! :D

Hello Peeps!

Well here goes... My Bobamaker helmet arrived not even 2 hours ago, and I am super pumped!! Of course the first thing I did after unwrapping it was stick it on my noggin! I bet you all did with your first.... am I right?! ;P
Anyhoo.. I will be using Rafalfett's templates to mark out the masking and layering in the traditional way with an airbrush using Humbrol paints... I will be using Jayvee's and Terminal Fettler's paint ups to help me, cause I'm going to need lots of it!!!! Well since I have so much to get cracking on I had better get started!!!! Oh also....I have an armor thread on here, If you want to check that out?! http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f25/b...d-armor-44856/

Thanks for looking!

Big man, I have no doubt that you will do an absolute rockstar job on this! Any questions you come up with as you go, you know your always welcome to pm me anytime. Beautiful looking cast too brother! :-)

nice to see the Aussies out in force! keen to see your paint up man!

Hey Dinkydarth... thanks mate!

Hey Jayvee! Thanks! PM incoming!!

I will have to keep an eye on this one, hope you have fun doing it!

Good luck mate!! I have a BM lid painted by him but hopefully I can save up, get a naked bucket and start my own paint build thread too.

Not much of an update but my helmet is prepped and ready for stenciling and masking.... I just can't get these stencils sized properly, my lack of computer skills are showing and I have lost many hours already! Not sure what to do next but will have to find a solution somehow, I'm certainly not going to wing it like I did with my armor! Thanks for looking

Here is an image with the right back plate:



PM me the measurements for both sides and I will try to resize it for you.

Here are the images archived in a ZIP file:

ESB Back Plates.zip

Although the left plate is very good, the right plate is a bit deformed (especially the length) but you can do a good job if you cut the templates in 2-3 pieces (following the big scratches) and align it at the plate margins. If you have problems with other parts too, just let me know and I will try to tweak it for you.

I hope this helps!

Thanks Rafa! Time to get to work on this.... Very lucky to have you all helping me!

Can't wait to see the results - you did a impressive job on the RKD armour!

Let me know how the resin ears and range finder stalk go as I'm thinking of picking up one of Mojo-Fett's aluminum set.

Thanks again Fettspec, I hear the aluminium are the way to go... I'm on a tight budget so haven't even considered them.. I'm sure it'll look ok...I hope! :/
I'm looking forward to seeing how you go with your paint up mate, and with humbrol paints it's going to look awesome!

Good luck with the build man

Hey Thanks 22ssplt!

So here is a quick update, not sure how this is going to turn out... I had to cut the stencil in 2 spots to make it fit. It's going to be really hard from here on, trying to line it up.. I have masked the primer and have put down the metallic silver Humbrol (11). I have to peel off some damage and I have to get some tracing paper to line the rest of it up. Anyway, here's some pics.....

Good start on the back plates! I can't wait to see the next steps, but especially the final result of this area.

Looking forward to watching this bro. Especially after your killer job on the armor...looks better than mine lol!

Originally Posted by redkraytdragon

Looking forward to watching this bro. Especially after your killer job on the armor...looks better than mine lol!

Ahh come on dude!! There's no way!! Your armour/Boba is superb!!

Quick update! The masking and stenciling continues.... Yaaargh!
I used Humbrol grey (79), I found it very confusing when masking all the fiddly stuff to the right of the keyhole middle bit, I think maybe there is a bit to much grey in there...? My apologies for the poor photo's of late, I really need to get these pics in the daylight.. Please tell me what you think and thanks for looking!

Looking real sharp mate! Like you noted, there could possibly be a little too much grey within the main section on the right hand panel. The beige coat next will knock out the grey surrounding it, but if needs be, you can always go back with a super fine brush and tighten things up within, with more silver. The next layer will give you a much better indication, but trust me mate, you are doing a superb job! Cant wait to see the next updates

I agree, there might be a tad too much grey in that section, but it looks good, with lots of fine details catching the eye. That's more important IMO. Just a caution with Humbrols - mix them well! I had to strip my left ear and redo it cos I didn't mix the paint well enough, and the paint didn't dry!

My rule of thumb with the humbrol tins : shake the tin well, then open it and stir well with a toothpick or the like. Replace thr lid, shake well again, then stir that dude again so its even consistency with no lumps. Sometimes the tins may have been sitting in the hobby shop for some time, so the double shake and stir generally does the trick! :-)

Hey thanks again my friends! Yeah agreed on to much grey, will touch up laterz. Thanks for the heads up Dinky, I usually do as Jayvee does shaking and a good toothpick stir. I have to say I am enjoying both your builds atm guys! Very inspiring!

Originally Posted by hobbit057

Ahh come on dude!! There's no way!! Your armour/Boba is superb!!

Yes way my friend Everyone here KNOWS that a paint job can make or break a set of armor and you definitely made my armor better

But what you're doing on this helmet is jaw-dropping. Keep up the great work my friend!

Well thank you very much Will! I am speechless! I really appreciate the kind words

Yep, that looks good... I was at that stage few months ago, and let me say that you are on a good start here! Gonna love seeing that bucket finished!

Always interested in seeing how you layered painters work.
I've always been a topical guy.

Just a quick update, I haven't posted any pics for a few days, because I wasn't happy with the last coat i put on so I have rebooted/rubbed it back and started again. Pain in the bum, but it wasn't good enough, and couldn't be touched up....So I have whizzed ahead and am now back to the silver stage, I have the silver to mask next and will post a new pic when I have done the dark grey to compare.
I am much happier with the masking and especially the placement this time. A little trick I have found is printable tracing paper..... So I print Raf's stencil on the tracing paper line it up to the helmet/previous masked damage, stick the carbon paper underneath and start tracing! Hope this helps someone out there! More to come!

It looked good to me! But I know the feeling, if you're not happy, it'll save more time to correct it before it's too late. I had a look at Jayvee's paint up thread that you bumped - makes me want to start me whole helmet again! He is meticulous!

Hey thanks, I know what you mean mate, he is amazing! He is the benchmark as far as I am concerned, and a top bloke!

Originally Posted by dinkydarth

It looked good to me! But I know the feeling, if you're not happy, it'll save more time to correct it before it's too late. I had a look at Jayvee's paint up thread that you bumped - makes me want to start me whole helmet again! He is meticulous!

Yeah! He's one obsessively meticulous fella, and I like his paint jobs... And I'm glad that this 'illness' is starting to catch everyone!

Hahaha, first Sticky Jonny, then obsessive meticulous disorder illness- Keep this up chaps, and I'm gonna start getting a reputation - the wife already thinks i'm nuts, don't encourage her..

Sticky Jonny Haha!
Quick update, so I am back to where I was... I have been battling through the early stages again. I have spent a lot of time on the masking, which is where I made the mistake before.... So I am much happier with it this time.... some marks are a bit oversized but I will reduce them with the concrete /cream layer. Anyway, here's the pics......






Please let me know what you think good or bad. Thank you

Ahh, much better my good man, that damage is looking lovely and sharp! I see what you mean about the slight texture of the silver we talked about - with some very, very super light brushing with fine grade steel wool, it should even out well by the time you get to the final layer. If the masking is taking ages, then you are on the right track brother - some of my liquid mask sessions, have been nigh on marathon - even doing it over a few days - but the more pedantic you are, the nicer end result. Absolutely rapt the second time round came out so nice to this point mate - keep it up at that rate, and your on your way to one mean lid! Peace

It looks much better! Just keep up with the meticulous work!

Thanks guys! I really appreciate it! I know its not perfect, but it looks better to me.I have spent every spare minute on this and still am having some trouble the maskol, drying out as I'm applying it and lifting off again. GRRRR! Still gently sanding in between layers and the grey has smoothed it out a little so I'm hopeful it will be nicer at the end.

Here's the next layer the concrete, I used Terminal Fettlers suggestion as Humbrol is more readily available (Jayvee's also a great option). So as TF suggest to use grey (28) and then mist with beige (103). I think it looks close to TF's colour.... Still really hard to get super accuracy with this masking, I thought I was being meticulous but maybe my eye isn't as sharp as some?! Going to need some touch ups later. :/ I am still happy with it though! What do we think?

Yeeaahh brother, now you're cooking with gas! looks fantastic, a few touchups wont be a big issue at all, as it looking sharp with a capital 'S' . Yup, i'm pretty fortunate to have a place close by that has humbrol, floquil and everything else, but that colour looks great! Top work m'man!

Looking good! Remember you can give it a light buff with 0000 wire wool, to blend the 28 and 103 and to flatten the edges of the layers before the final layer of green goes on. Lightly with the buffing though...

Wow! Two esteemed masters! Thanks for the nice comments! I have been buffing with scotchbrite pads.... do I need to go to wire wool? My apologies for the poor pics again... I just can't seem to get anything ready when the sun is shining... not that it was today! Haha!

Like TF knows what he's talking about. Ha!

Killer lid so far hobbit! Very nice!

Originally Posted by hobbit057

Wow! Two esteemed masters! Thanks for the nice comments! I have been buffing with scotchbrite pads.... do I need to go to wire wool? My apologies for the poor pics again... I just can't seem to get anything ready when the sun is shining... not that it was today! Haha!

I would definitely invest in some 0000 wire wool, this will flatten and buff the paint surface with out scratching it.

Wait at least 24 hours for the paint surface to harden though.

Originally Posted by terminal fettler

I would definitely invest in some 0000 wire wool, this will flatten and buff the paint surface with out scratching it.

Wait at least 24 hours for the paint surface to harden though.

never thought of the wool to tone things down, considering been doing models for 25 odd years, cheers tf great info, and hobbit cant wait to see it finished, you have the passion for a top lid

Will do TF!! I wasn't really questioning... just seeing if I could get away with it

Cheers 22ssplt!

Thanks RobaFett, very nice comment! Just hope the passion translates into results!

Looking good! I ended up using a piece of cloth to buff up the paint a little. Was finding the steelwool I got from Bunnings a little harsh on the paint (even the finest grade they have) . I wonder if they get finer Steelwool overseas?

Hey Dinky, I got mine at mitre 10 today, seems ok.

Here is the next marathon masking session, had lots of trouble with the masking fluid drying while I was applying, GRRRR! Oh and I did give it all a buff with 0000 steel wool!
I need some opinions on the green... not sure if it is ok? I used the green (76) and the blue (96) mixed together 1:1 as suggested by TF. Just not sure if it is right?!

Maybe a bit darker? But this might be because of the natural light...

Hey Raf, that's what I was thinking.... I have taken a few shots in different lighting around the house. If it is too light, does that mean there wasn't enough blue?

Yeah, I think a little bit of blue might help, but try to mix it up first on a piece of plastic to see the best combination. Keep up the great work!

Thanks Raf, i had a feeling it wasn't quite right... better get testing.

mmm... pretty close, but a few more drops of blue probably wouldnt hurt. having said that, the masking on the layer looks awesome - I think you are gonna have some really sweet looking back panels brother!

Thanks Jayvee.... I hope so!! Now, I have gone up and down with these two colours and I really can't get more in the middle.... It's really hard to tell with these photo's because the colour seems to change in every light. The paint is still tacky so I'm not sure weather it will change at all when it dries. I don't know what else to do, if this isn;t right, do I have to add another colour? What do we think?

I agree Raf, I think I might wait till the sun comes up and see how it looks.... If it still looks yucky, I will get some new paint. Cause that's the only thing I can think of.. having said that the R.A.F blue was quite rusty on top of the pot..

Evening mate - I was able to find a couple of older pics of mine when I was at similar stages to you on my ESB.. Hope you dont mind me posting them in your thread, I dont think you can send through pics on a PM.. I just thought they might be a good reference point, seeing as we are using the same paints and colours. I think the first three montage pics show almost identical colours... the final green/blue shade you have currently, looks like it may need to be more vibrant, but im just not sure how the light is affecting your colour there. Anyway mate, heres the pics, I hope they are useful for reference for you

Hey mate, no I don't mind at all my friend... appreciate the help! I'll send you a pm.

I think you're colour looks a lot better than mine! To tell you the truth, after trying to mix up my own colour on the dome, I eventually switched to TFs suggested colours and have just stuck with that... I suspect mine is looking greener cos of the lighting/ WB and camera settings. Looking good!

It's so hard to say with these colours, but I am struggling with this, all is not well with those Humbrol colours... because Dinky and I have had trouble with this. Time for a beer me thinks!!!

Originally Posted by hobbit057

It's so hard to say with these colours, but I am struggling with this, all is not well with those Humbrol colours... because Dinky and I have had trouble with this. Time for a beer me thinks!!!

A well deserved beer... then go back to work and do some paint testing. Can't wait to see that helmet finished!

Haha! Thanks Raf! I cant wait to see these back panels finished!

Was just about to PM you before I saw the more recent pics - The Fett paint gods were indeed kind to you overnight bud, because the colour looks great, and the back panels in general look fantastic! after all the colour issues, im so glad they worked out for you - I think they look terriffic! The masking fluid may give you a few spots where it likes to remain on there until you find the little suckers - The next time you work on your lid, head out into the sunlight so you can easily see the areas better, lift them a tad with a tootpick etc, then rolll your finger over them - every so often, i find a spot or two ive missed even a few weeks after if its well hidden. Congrats on the results so far brother!

Wow! I really like the 'new' base color, and as Jayvee said, the general look is awesome so far. It seems that your signature is becoming more and more a true statement and you should erase the 'sort of' part. You really deserve those beers and the hang out with the boys! Keep up the great work and never lose the trust in your abilities!

Looking great! Remember my colour list is just how I see these colours and really meant as a starting point. All credit to you for adjusting what I recommended for that green because I think what you've done looks better...

I think I may have to adjust my colour list slightly after seeing this...

Awesome man!

For easier masking fluid removal, you could try one of these:



It's sometimes called a rubber cement eraser, or a rubber cement pickup. Much easier than
picking at the dried fluid with a needle or X-acto blade and then peeling it by hand.
It's basically just a chunk of natural rubber that you rub over the dried fluid and it sticks
like a magnet.
Just a suggestion.

Thanks again guys! Hey TF, I don't know about that, I think the colour you got was nicer... I just couldn't get near it. No idea why, I really got lucky with the colour I got. Thanks SuperJedi, that looks like a great product, dont suppose you where to get it?

In the states we have art supply stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby.
Not sure what the equivalent would be in your part of the world, but any kind of art
store with a decent selection should have something like it.

I just use a cloth to buff the paint. Seems to pick up the masking fluid in most cases. With the tougher ones, I use a needle to pick a little section of it, then buff with the cloth again. Worked for me...

Thanks guys!

Excellent work!!! You should consider taking commisions.

Originally Posted by Nate

Excellent work!!! You should consider taking commisions.

Thank you Nate, I am blown away Sir! It is something I would consider in the future......but should probably wait until I finish this one!

Great work Hobbit! I read through your armor build and I was blown away with your work. And you got the same great work going on the helmet. I am new to all this, but you have really inspired me to start my own Boba project. Any suggestions on getting started?

-Craig

Originally Posted by bigswish21

Great work Hobbit! I read through your armor build and I was blown away with your work. And you got the same great work going on the helmet. I am new to all this, but you have really inspired me to start my own Boba project. Any suggestions on getting started?

-Craig

Thank you Craig, that's the best compliment you can get I think! Truly humbling to inspire someone... It definitely sweetens the whole experience! Also, I left a comment on your thread my friend...

Looking good so far brother! Its always hard to completely tell the detail under the masking fluid, so will have a much better idea after the next layers, but from here its looking really sharp, and all the sizing looks excellent! Great work as always my good man :-)

Here's the dark grey (79), with the silver unmasked.

It looks good so far! Nothing to comment... yet!

You're doing an outstanding job on this bro, keep it up!!

No news is good news I'm guessing Raf?!

Thank you Will, I really appreciate your great support my friend!

Excellent Dave, that dome and all the damage is looking spot on! Once you get the green on and the killstripes, it starts to really come together, and you start to see light at the end of the tunnel - so keep up this form my friend, and you are gonna have a beautiful looking lid on your hands! Keep up the great work big man!

Aw thanks Jonny, I was lookin at your pics and the actual lid .. for reference haha! Still not sure how to get it as schmick as yours..... it's easy to see how good your work is now buddy!
Do you have any experience with white carbon paper for stenciling? Mine sucks... it's barely visible. What did you use? Should I start the ears after the dome is complete... does it matter either way?
Really looking forward to having some green on this helmet now...

I painted the ears before I started on the dome and cheeks, but not for any real necessity - to be honest, I don't think there is any real science. I usually start with the back panels, as they are sort of an area by themselves, so once done you can cover them up, while the rest of the areas are all sorta connected in some way. But it really comes down to finding an order that works well for you, and makes the most sense to your own painting technique

With white carbon paper, personally - i'm not a huge fan. The white residue can be a little fiddly to remove, and I find standard charcoal coloured graphie paper works best for my needs. The print it leaves is graphite, and not as 'waxy' a feeling as the white. I have had very few issues with it, and even on dark colours, by turning it into the light, it is always visible. If any areas need to be removed, a very light steel wool or light rub with a decent eraser is usually all it takes..

If the print isn't very visible, that could actually be more the tools you are using to trace the templates. Standard pencils and soft leads will be the culprit here, so I always use a technical pencil, the kind you can insert refillable leads, and click the lead up from the bottom. Here in Australia, Pentel and Pacer brands make a bunch of them. I use a Pentel brand one that fits fine 0.5mm leads. I always go with the harder leads too, so generally a HB. The combo of a nice, consistent and sharp lead as well as it being fine and a hard lead, will provide you with clear and fine-lined stencils once transferred to your lid. It's only how I go about it all, but I seem to have few issues, so it seems a good option

We are going to have to start calling you the Professor I think! Yeah I have been using the graphite but thought it would be too hard to see, but Thats a good idea.... I have only done one cheek with the white and I have got the placement wrong as well!! So I have to get it off somehow! Thanks my friend you are way too kind!

Haha, one of my fave beach volleyballers already has 'the professor' wrapped up as a nickname, but if you ask the wife, i'm sure she will give you many colourful nicknames for me.. Pleasure to help, I would've PM'd you that info, but just thought it may help out anyone else browsing your thread having similar issues. Keep the updates coming brother!

Bahaha! My thoughts too buddy!!! Thanks a million!

I have to say this part of the paint up was lots of fun! When the green goes down it really feels like its coming together! I did forget to take pics before I did the upper cheeks but oh well! I was excited oops! So the green was Humbrol (78), and the upper cheeks was matt black (33). I have a lot more weathering and touch ups to do... but am having a problem... I keep uncovering these little holes in my helmet, about the size of a match head in circumference and about 1 - 2mm in depth. Anyone know why these little cavities are appearing now? I have 3 so far. It's a prob because I am a bit too far into this to start patching up and repainting.. I'll try to get some pics of them soon. Thanks! Meanwhile here is my progress....







Thanks for looking!

Yeah boi! Looking absolutely superb mate - see, told ya you'd have nothing to worry about! Ripper job so far brother :-)

It looks excellent! Can't wait to see the rest of the paint up!

Keep up the good work.

DAZ

Wow! Thank you gentlemen!

Its fair to say I'm addicted now I am really chuffed with these results!

Killstripes came out awesome bud! You got the fading and the sharpness spot on.. Well done my friend :-)

Lovely killstripes! Finally you have the right amount of confidence in you and all this is visible in your paint job. So, what's next? The ears or the red areas?

Aww thanks so much you two!! Yeah my confidence has definitely been an issue... but a lot of motivation and inspiration has come from you guys! Poor Jayvee doesn't get a days break these days! Haha! Not sure whats next...... More to come!

Beautiful painting so far... gives a good inspiration for my project!

Originally Posted by hobbit057

Aww thanks so much you two!! Yeah my confidence has definitely been an issue... but a lot of motivation and inspiration has come from you guys! Poor Jayvee doesn't get a days break these days! Haha! Not sure whats next...... More to come!

Haha, no stress to me at all my good man, I enjoy helping out wherever I can. You've done all the great work bud, but to think iv'e been of some help somewhere in there is truly humbling. But you are the man in control bud, and doing a wonderful job! Looking forward to the next section bruz!

WOW this is looking outstanding so far keep up the great work!!!

I'd have added a 'drool' icon but I couldn't find it lol

Thank you Deadland, and Will I'm looking for the bashful icon now, no luck Very nice to be an inspiration Starheart! You are way too modest Jonny, I would hate to think what this might of been like without your input my friend! I was definitely lost in the woods at the start of this.. but thanks mate I have a lot more confidence because of yourself and all the folks leaving comments and advice! All that stuff definitely drives you further, thats for sure!

Impressive, most impressive