Pre-Pro2 Helmet repaint: progress thread

[Predatormv]

Ok folks after nearly 3-4 years of putting it off I have finally decided to re-paint my MSH2 bucket. I did it up in pre-pro2 style originaly but I used the ESB colors (except for the uppercheaks) and I was never totally happy with it. I didn't want to re-paint it since I liked how it came out and wasn't sure I could do it quite as good. But since 07 is a massive year for my upgrades (new armor, vest, girthbelt,gloves, probally a jumpsuit and most of all my weight/body shape) I decided that it was finally time. So First is a pic of how it looked before today, and the next three are about 2/3 of the way through the process. I will turn this into a progress thread on this bucket.
Oh and it will still be painted up in pre-pro2 style but this time with more accurate colors.

[GCNgamer128]

Good luck! What colour paints are you using? Or have you decided yet?

[Predatormv]

I am using the same colors that Micke did on his pre-pro helmet except I will custom mix a color for the light red on the left (when looking at it) mandible

[webchief]

Ouch. Good luck!

[hansoloway]

Wow, if it were me I would have probably just sold that bucket for a hefty profit because it looked pretty nice, and then bought a brand spankin' new one so I had a clean slate. Keep us posted on your progress!

[welsh_bounty_hunter]

It seems a real shame to sand down such a nice paintjob . . but I am completely anal about detail and accuracy as well so I understand your need to repaint if your not entirely happy with it. Good luck!

[Jimmy BufFETT]

Best of luck with the paintjob right there!. Can't wait to see the costume post upgrades ... I saw it during the DragonCon photoshoot, and I thought it was really amazing!

[hellopike]

As one prePro-man to another, I wish you good luck! I'll be watching this thread for sure!

take care,

Phil

[Predatormv]

Wow, if it were me I would have probably just sold that bucket for a hefty profit because it looked pretty nice, and then bought a brand spankin' new one so I had a clean slate. Keep us posted on your progress!

If it were any other helmet I would have, but since it is the very rare MSH2 there was no chance I was going to sell it. I love the shape, size and what not of this helmet and will never sell it. If RS makes casts of his pre-pro2 screen used bucket then I would get one of those and paint it up Pre-pro2 and then turn this helmet into an ESB but untill he does this will remain my one and only love.

[Predatormv]

Update, I finally got around to putting some paint on this, it's only silver but still an updated non the less. In case you are wondering it is the helmet on the right. The one on the left is a Sgt Fang helmet.

[webchief]

Mmmmm.... MSH2.... nothing better in my mind.

[superjedi]

Wow! I knew the MSH2 was bigger than a Sgt Fang helmet, but jeez!!!



(Still trying to figure out this whole "perspective" thing)

[Predatormv]

Mmmmm.... MSH2.... nothing better in my mind.

You said it Bob that is why I wouldn't sell this bucket and get a new one I love it way too much.

Yea it's bigger then the fang but not as big as it seems in the pic I am standing closer to the MSH2 and it is closer to the front of the shelf (you can see the angle of the shelf on the bottom of the pic). So while it is big it isn't that big.

As soon as OLDTIMER's BM bucket gets in I am going to take some pics of all 3 side by side by side.

[DL44 Blaster]

Saweet!! I share the love of the "MSH" series helmets...I've got an MSH-1 and love it too. I'll be following your progress thread!

Steve

[Predatormv]

Well I know I kind of let this thread die but... I have updates-a-plenty! It took me forever to do anymore work on this as I got distracted with some other projects and work and what not. But here is the progress.

The helmet after I started masking:


A close up of the masking:


The masking all done!


The finnished back sorry I didn't do any progress shots of these steps



And the finnished lower cheaks and dome


And the front shot of the finnished dome and cheaks.

[Predatormv]

Oh and I know the back is shiny but it hasn't been dull coated yet as I will do that last after the whole helmet done.

And I just noticed that the keyslot areas are a different color then the main color. I will have to repaint that today.

[Art Andrews]

Helmet is coming along well!

In regard to the MSH helmet series, I have very mixed feelings. I helped Nathan, the original sculptor, when he first began work on the helmet. Unfortunately, at that time, virtually the entire Fett community, myself included, was under the mistaken impression that the DP helmets were much smaller than the original. Natty sculpted and I critiqued with this in mind. While the sculpt is an amazing effort, it is simply too large and that mistake still haunts me. While I have seen MSH2 helmets in person, I have never compare one to an MSH1 but have been told that the MSH2 is slightly larger than the original MSH1. If this is indeed true, it is even further from the real helmet, at least in terms of size, even though many love it even more than the original sculpt. I guess if you are a big guy it is good that there is a larger helmet option, but for me, the accuracy thing has always bothered me after we discovered our sizing error. I guess you live and learn.

[webchief]

Yup, at 6'2" the MSH2 fits me well (at least I think it does).

[TK172]

Helmet is coming along well!

In regard to the MSH helmet series, I have very mixed feelings. I helped Nathan, the original sculptor, when he first began work on the helmet. Unfortunately, at that time, virtually the entire Fett community, myself included, was under the mistaken impression that the DP helmets were much smaller than the original. Natty sculpted and I critiqued with this in mind. While the sculpt is an amazing effort, it is simply too large and that mistake still haunts me. While I have seen MSH2 helmets in person, I have never compare one to an MSH1 but have been told that the MSH2 is slightly larger than the original MSH1. If this is indeed true, it is even further from the real helmet, at least in terms of size, even though many love it even more than the original sculpt. I guess if you are a big guy it is good that there is a larger helmet option, but for me, the accuracy thing has always bothered me after we discovered our sizing error. I guess you live and learn.

BB- Do you have any thoughts on the MR helmet in regard to its size?

[Hakaider]

Brak's Buddy:

I don't mind having a bigger helmet being made actually. Don't feel bad about your contribution. It's a very beautiful helmet.

Both Jeremy Bulloch and Temura Morrison are not 6 feet 3 inches tall and they don't have big heads. The helmets were designed to make them look good. But what would make them look good would not necessarily make a bigger person with a bigger head look good.

It's kind of like the Fedora hat that Indiana Jones/Harrison Ford wore.

The fedora is not a one size fits all. It was designed to for the actor to wear it and to make them look good.

If the helmet was intended to be a display prop in a glass case, then by all means, it would help to be accurately sized.

However, it's not the same when the helmet is intended to be worn. Unfortunately, a super accurate sized helmet would look a bit small on a big person. It was meant to be worn.

The helmet is a masterpiece, so I wouldn't feel bad about not being sized accurately. I'm sure all the big people in Mandalore would thank you for it. Plus a bigger helmet means we can put more fans and electronic gadgets in it.

[Predatormv]

From what I have seen the MSH2 is not bigger then the MSH1 just shaped different. It looks wider from the front but is not any taller then the MSH1. It looks as though the MSH1 was squashed from front to back making it wider (thus adding more "flair").

[TK172]

Ya know...that makes sense to me because I tried on a MSH1 and it was very difficult to get past the manibles...but with the MSH2 I was able to turn my head sideways and it was on

[Predatormv]

Here is the newest update, I had a problem with a clear coat on the dome and cheaks and the paint "orange peeled" and I had to sand the clear off and repaint the green. So I did that, painted the uppercheaks, and painted the pink color that is under the red on the pre-pro. Yes I know the pink looks funny now but once I paint the red over it and weather it it will look fine.

[Predatormv]

Oh and I put the dark grey bits on the dome and lower cheaks.

[webchief]

Man... when things orange peel I want to go all Hulk on them... depressing.

Good work Mark. Keep it up!

[Predatormv]

Well this helmet seems to want to fight me every step of the way. If you look at the pink in the above pic you can see some texture in the pink, that is two things, one it is the masking, and two the paint didn't go on smooth. So I went to take the masking off and for some reason it just would not come off, and the texture of the paint was really annoying me. So today I sanded off all the paint on the mandibles, repainted the silver, remasked it, and sprayed the pink on (last time I hand painted it). It came out much better this time around. I think this helmet will be done (barring any more stupid problems) tomorrow and I should have final pics up of the comeplete paint job on Thursday!

[evan4218]

The MSH1, MSH2, MLC1, and TF are all in the larger range and close to the same size... more so the MSH1, 2, and TF then the MLC1. If you are 6' or taller with out the helmet and boots on then any of those buckets will look correct on you. In my pics I am wearing a MSH2 and it looks proportionally to me as dose my TF. I think the "Accurate" Size helmet only works if your body is the same size and perportions to the actor at the time of shooting.

[stormtrooperguy]

Yup, at 6'2" the MSH2 fits me well (at least I think it does).

and at 5'9" the MSH2 just didn't look right on me.

it's good to have options

and back on topic, i think the pink mandibles look lovely. i say stick with that and go custom!

[DL44 Blaster]

The MSH1, MSH2, MLC1, and TF are all in the larger range and close to the same size... more so the MSH1, 2, and TF then the MLC1. If you are 6' or taller with out the helmet and boots on then any of those buckets will look correct on you. In my pics I am wearing a MSH2 and it looks proportionally to me as dose my TF. I think the "Accurate" Size helmet only works if your body is the same size and perportions to the actor at the time of shooting.

I though Jeremy Bulloch was quoted at being 6'1" Keeping in mind that the differences in the sizes of these helmets is miniscule at best. I had a DP Deluxe and when set next to my MSH it didn't look that much smaller.

Steve

[evan4218]

I was never shure if he was that tall in or out of costume. My costume adds about 2" or more to my hight. I am 6' 5" out of costume.

I do agree that there isnt a huge difference in sizes between the DP delux and the MSH helmets but there is between the DP95 and the MSH. If you put a DP95 next to a Sgn Fang there is alsmost no difference in the sizes. I did a comparison thread a while back showing a Mystery helmet next to a DP95 and you cant tell a size difference with out measuring.

[CGClone]

Looking good! hate the it "peeled" on you...but youre doing excellant work!

[Predatormv]

AHHHHH well yesterday was the straw that broke the camel's back on this helmet. Once again paint peeled up on me when I masked off the dome, so I repainted it again. Well I had to mask the mandibles when I painted the dome again and then the paint peeled on the mandibles!!! So I was so fed up with it all I started sanding it all off and I am going to start all over. I hate this helmet now.

[Jango's kid]

That SUX!!!!!! Any idea at all why the paint is peeling so bad on that sucker????? Are you pretty much using the same colors and brands that you did last time????? Strange!!! Hope it works out this time around.
D

[Darasuum_Verd]

WoW... that sucks... good luck!

[Predatormv]

Actually I just started using "floquil bright silver" from the spray can. Also I have never used these paints before as they are the newly found paints that Micke found. So really no I have not used any of these paints before.

I think it has to do with the silver, I think it has too slick of a surface and nothing is sticking to it. So I am going to try switching back to the silver I used to use and see if that helps.

[Jango's kid]

Good plan!!!! Keep us updated
D

[old timer]

g'luck dude! I cant wait to see the end result!

[hellopike]

Man jsut take a break from it for a few days. Then come back refreshed. I've ruined more things then I can count because I was working frustrated. And you certainly don't want that. Just take a break. You could... take pictures of your blaster for me so I could see how you attached your sling, and how its painted. That would get your mind off of the helmet for a a little while... =)



Phil

(I just got my blaster in the mail and I'm looking to see how others painted theirs.)

[SD68]

Try topcoating the Floquil bright silver with Future or Krylon Gloss Acrylic. I haven't had problems masking over either and the clear will keep the masking from staining or other ill effects. Good luck.
Steve

[CGClone]

Pred, you could try after sanding your bucket down, use some dupli-color adhesion promotor...works like a charm for me on gel-coats, resins and plastics, just a thought.

[stormtrooperguy]

Pred, you could try after sanding your bucket down, use some dupli-color adhesion promotor...works like a charm for me on gel-coats, resins and plastics, just a thought.

i love duplicolor stuff. their sandable primer rocks... dry enough to sand in 15 minutes on a nice warm, dry day.

[TK172]

I though Jeremy Bulloch was quoted at being 6'1" Keeping in mind that the differences in the sizes of these helmets is miniscule at best. I had a DP Deluxe and when set next to my MSH it didn't look that much smaller.

Steve

I am 6' plus...a hair under 6'1 and as you can see in the pic to the left JB is just a little shorter than me...keeping in mind that I am wearing my ST boots

[Predatormv]

Well I am not having a problem with the silver sticking to the primer but rather all the other colors sticking to the silver...

Yea I think I am going to take a break from this for a bit, I have a jet pack that needs to be painted so I think I will give it a whril, since I hand paint those rather then airbrush them there is no masking tape involved so I won't have this same problem.

[SD68]

I don't think you will have any problems if you overcoat with the Future or Krylon. I seems like in other layered posts unless sealed or if you don't wait an extended period of time the paint tends to lift when masked. It also seems to depend on if you are using acrylic paints or enamel paints. The enamels with the appropriate thinners tend to bite into the previous coats and tend not to lift with masking. Still, I don't take the chance and overcoat with clear. I believe others follow the same procedure. Good luck with whatever you attempt.

[Predatormv]

I am using all enamels, and I even clear coated the red and it still lifted, which is why I am so frustrated and confused.

[stormtrooperguy]

some of the silvers i've used tend to leave a powdery residue on the surface. after i've silver coated, if i run my finger across it, i get a metallic dust.

so, after the silver layer, i'll wipe stuff down with a damp cloth to pick up any crud that may be on there.

the one time i didn't do that, my paint lifted right off if the silver in sheets when i pulled up the tape.

i've also started using the "delicate surfaces" variety of masking tape. it's one of the blue ones, but it's got very little adhesive on it. it is sort of a pain to put down, but i was able to peel if off of a trash bag without tearing the bag.

[micke]

Oh no! Im so sorry to hear this. However i´m pretty sure that it is the Silver/chrome paint that makes the Enamel peel off. I was terrified that this would happen to me aswell so i first tried it out on a piece of fiberglass left from cutting out the T-visor area. I painted it silver, let it dry for 1 day, masked it and airbrushed Enamel on top and removed the liquid mask. This really worked and the paint stuck and will never come off. I used the Multona sprypaint for silver. It´s a brand used for cars. I´m pretty sure you can buy it in the US aswell. Good luck man!

[Predatormv]

Thanks everyone for the advise. I was going nuts with frustration on this one. I was about to smash something...then I didn't. I am sending the helmet away for a week to get it out of my sight (it will be sanded while it is away by a friend) and in the mean time I will paint the jet pack I have. Once it gets back it won't look like it does now so I hope my memory of the pains it has cause will be wiped away as well. Then I will start over.

PS. Brian change your avatar, I keep getting destracted by it, that face is freaking me out...lol

[Jango's kid]

Yeah...that is a distracting avatar!!! Good luck Pred....Hope after the break you are ready to hit it hard & make it work.
D

[Predatormv]

Ok I know I said I would update sooner but.... well I was lazy. I also didn't want to take pics with my ****** cell phone camera. So after CIV when I had my co-workers real camera I took some pics. They still aren't great becasue they are in bad lighting and some have the flash on but they are better then my cell would have taken. The colors look off in nearly every one of these pics, the helmet is not that light nor that dark. Some time soon I will have to get someone with a decent camera and studio set up to take some good pics of it so everyone can see what she actually looks like. Oh and ignore the low detail dental connector, thanks to my good buddy OLDTIMER it has been sanded almost completly off. I will be replacing it soon.

[hellopike]

looks good Pred, looks real good. Makes me want to touch up my helmet. Makes me anxious to get working on my costume too. =) Glad to see it all done and to know you ended up getting over that frustration you had while you were working on it. Have you finished your FP armor? I know you said you don't have a real camera, but I'd love to see more detail shots of all your stuff. Especially the blaster, and gauntlets. Any chance you have any you could share with me?

Thanks,

Phil

[Predatormv]

Yes I have finnished the armor, actually the entire costume is all done. I am looking for a replacement blaster though as mine broke and I am tired of fixing it. I will get some pics of the armor in a day or so and post pics in the armor section.

[KidAkira]

Looks awsome, Great job!

[MandalorFett]

Great job! I enjoyed seeing it at C4, and meeting you.

[Scott Kaufmann]

The helmet and armor did look great, if I may say so myself.

[goldenrod]

If it were any other helmet I would have, but since it is the very rare MSH2 there was no chance I was going to sell it. I love the shape, size and what not of this helmet and will never sell it. If RS makes casts of his pre-pro2 screen used bucket then I would get one of those and paint it up Pre-pro2 and then turn this helmet into an ESB but untill he does this will remain my one and only love.

Amen to that brother.And RS if you are listening i'm down too.
Predatormv i commend you on this project. I completely understand about making it the way you want it. And your MSH2 is a tuff bucket to find.
You did an excellent job!
-Goldenrod

[eighteendelta]

Wow, that is sweet. I don't often say that, at least on BBS's. But I felt it appropriate in this case.

-x

[evan4218]

The helmet and armor did look great, if I may say so myself.

That is a true money shot there!

I got to see this in person and the pics dont do it justice. PMV did a awesome job!

[webchief]

Mark, looks gorgeous bud! I love it!

[Spideyfett]

awe...Pretty......yes, I mean the helmet.