stormtrooperguy's rotj armor rattlecan colors

stormtrooperguy

Sr Hunter
Since there seem to always be threads about paint colors for RotJ, I figured I'd create some search-fodder.

This is just what i like. This isn't "right". You might hate the results. The cans might explode, sending shrapnel into your eyes. I'm not to blame for any of that!! Enough folks have said they like my suit that I guess it's at least ok.

Personally, I think you should seek out the colors that YOU like best, rather than just trusting someone else to make the decision. It's your armor, so make it you YOU want it, not how I want it!

Also note that I'm not mentioning anything about the subtle weathering... mists of grey and brown, graphite powder, razor scratches, etc...

This is my armor:

normal_rotjarmor%7E0.jpg


And here's what I used (sort of):

normal_rotjarmor.jpg


Grey primer
Metallic Silver
Line Striping Yellow
Spruce Green
Hunt Club Green
Flat black

My armor is metal, so it was already silver. Assuming you're working with something non-metal, do the standard prime and coat silver thing.

The line striping yellow is an inverted can, so you spray upside down. But it's the best match to the color that I've been able to find in a spray can.

After the yellow, I do a layer of Spruce green on the ab plate only. This is for the light scratches where the rifle stock hits the armor.

The hunt club green is the finish color, with black misted fairly heavily in some areas, as can be seen in the photos.

For the shoulders and knees, I use these:

normal_shoulderknee.jpg


Line Striping Yellow
True Orange
Summer Squash

Line striping yellow, with misted layer orange. For the weathering on the knees, I use the summer squash for the layer between the silver and the yellow/orange.

rotjknees.jpg


And for the gauntlets, I revisit some colors from the helmet: black and claret wine (please excuse the bad composite here. the primer is implied ;) )

rotjgauntcolors.jpg


Real simple... silver, masking, flat black then claret wine, with a bit more black misted on top.

normal_IMG_1271_2.JPG


On the note of the "subtle weathering" that I didn't get into above - don't forget that you always want to use a matte clear coat to seal it all and dull down any gloss. Satin, gloss... it doesn't matter what the finish of the paint is, as long as you have a good clear coat.

Testor's Dullcote is my favorite. I've never had a bad reaction with the paint underneath it, so that's a plus.

That being said, if you can't get the dullcote anything should do. Be careful - clear coats can mess up the paint underneath if you don't carefully follow instructions, including letting all of the layers underneath cure properly.

Also note that products change regularly... Some of these paints are 4+ years old. You might not be able to find exact matches anymore.
 
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Another great tutorial, Brian! The pictures of the spray cans helps a ton. I remember when I first started out, it was difficult to find the right paints even with the brands and colours listed.
 
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Another great tutorial, Brian! The pictures of the spray cans helps a ton. I remember when I first started out, it was difficult to find the right paints even with the brands and colours listed.

that's what i was thinking... knowing what the labels look like might make it easier to find things.

glad folks seem to like it!

i'll do up my ESB helmet one some time tonight.
 
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Very cool! I use airbrush colors, but use a lot of rattle cans at work. I've come across quite a few of those cans, and they are remarkably close to the airbrush equivalents. Thanks for sharing. BTW Rustoluem, Testors, and Polly Scale all all owned by the same parent company; RPM.
 
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Sweet!! It is good to get pictures of the actual can instead of searching the labels at Lowes!! THANKS!!
 
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Thanx,
I went thru hell trying to find the right colors and then my mini compressor died on me , this gives me a whole new option..
 
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How exactly do I get the color right for the shoulders? I have a can of line striping yellow already, I guess I need the summer squash as well. Can you explain more closely how you got the color right with that. I still have to find the greens for the armor, my Home Depot didn't have them.
 
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How exactly do I get the color right for the shoulders? I have a can of line striping yellow already, I guess I need the summer squash as well. Can you explain more closely how you got the color right with that. I still have to find the greens for the armor, my Home Depot didn't have them.

Unfortunately, I really can't. I just mist layers of yellow and orange on top of each other until I like the way it looks.

I do everything by eye, just comparing a bunch of photos and my own perception of what the character looks like... it's not really scientific enough to give a step by step guide for.
 
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Besides the gauntlets, are their any other different colors I should use for ESB Armor?
 
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I REALLY like your colors here man. Extremely well done, and smooth painting for rattle cans. It shows you have a LOT of patience.
 
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