Silverstalker
Active Hunter
Spray cans can sometimes come out a bit thick is all, with an air brush and enamel paint thinned down its a nice tight coat of paint 
Not your average ROTJ scratch build
- Thread starter Counterweight
- Start date
Counterweight
Hunter
Spray cans can sometimes come out a bit thick is all, with an air brush and enamel paint thinned down its a nice tight coat of paint
Yeah I've noticed the difference between my lid and the well painted ones I see on TDH
Counterweight
Hunter
So I'm still unclear. Is it better to remove the liquid mask between each new paint color when using an airbrush?
Silverstalker
Active Hunter
yes remove the mask between colors
Counterweight
Hunter
Thanks!
ShortFuse
Well-Known Hunter
Counterweight, I thought about doing what you mentioned, and I even experimented with it on some scrap. You end up getting too much paint over some of the liquid latex and then it doesn't want to come off cleanly and you end up with a big mess. It was a tedious process, but the results will be much cleaner.
Counterweight
Hunter
Okay I was just wondering because Im not great at applying the mask perfectly precise and there are some parts of mine (notably the cheeks) where it came out a little wonky.
I think I'll just need to get better applying the mask. Probably a finer brush or something
Thanks for input. I appreciate the help
ShortFuse
Well-Known Hunter
It's tough to apply the liquid mask with a brush since it tends to dry quickly and gunk up the brush and ultimately ruin it. Try using one of those wooden skewers or even a toothpick to apply it with. You can put some mask down and then move it around to get it into the shape you need. If you don't like the way it looks you can just rub it off and try again.
Counterweight
Hunter
Geez... You have all the pro tips!
ShortFuse
Well-Known Hunter
Wish I could take the credit. Everything I know, I learned here...and from my own mistakes.
I have personally been using a paint shaper to apply the masking fluid. Its a rubber tipped fine point "brush". The great thing about it is you just wipe the tip off on a cloth or paper towel and you are good to go.
I was at the drug store today to get some precision tipped cotton swabs and when looking around found this as well...
Its an oral stimulator and I was thinking that it could probably be used the same way.
I've found a good way to get fine lines and pointy tips with the mask is to put on a varying size (depending on the area) spot of masking fluid and then wipe my "brush" and then put the tip into the spot and just drag it lightly across the surface and pull the mask into the fine tips or lines.
Counterweight
Hunter
Wow that's amazing advice, thank you!
I'll use that technique for the dome and see how it works out
Counterweight
Hunter
Thanks again drokkul for the tip
Counterweight
Hunter
So I was able to test out the dental tool for applying the mask more precisely and it worked out great in my opinion. I was able to be relatively precise with the mask and I was able to apply it thicker than with the brush.
Sorry about the bad lighting
Then I put a few coats of the base metal grey on and let it dry
For peeling off the mask I used the technique I saw on the paint up YouTube videos that SilverStalker linked me to (thank you) where he used a scalpel to lift the mask off. This was the final result
Yes... I'm aware the dent is a little wonky. I've learned to accept it
I'm pleased. Thanks everyone for the help. Next up I have to do all that masking again and then hit it with the dark grey layer. That's it for the update. Thanks for reading
Sorry about the bad lighting
Then I put a few coats of the base metal grey on and let it dry
For peeling off the mask I used the technique I saw on the paint up YouTube videos that SilverStalker linked me to (thank you) where he used a scalpel to lift the mask off. This was the final result
Yes... I'm aware the dent is a little wonky. I've learned to accept it
I'm pleased. Thanks everyone for the help. Next up I have to do all that masking again and then hit it with the dark grey layer. That's it for the update. Thanks for reading
No problem. I've always tried to pop out some useful stuff from time to time. I have a weird thing where when I see items in stores my mind starts working toward what they could be used for other than their intended purpose.
I have to say do like your choice of tool. I didn't see one with the little hook on the other end. What's the brand name and what store did you get it at if you don't mind?
Liking that dome work as well btw!
Counterweight
Hunter
No problem. I've always tried to pop out some useful stuff from time to time. I have a weird thing where when I see items in stores my mind starts working toward what they could be used for other than their intended purpose.
I have to say do like your choice of tool. I didn't see one with the little hook on the other end. What's the brand name and what store did you get it at if you don't mind?
Liking that dome work as well btw!
Im the say way haha
I'm sorry I don't remember the brand name but I got it at target and it was in a blue semi-transparent plastic case that also contained a few other dental tools (such as a dental mirror, scraper, etc.)
Scratch that, my wife just told me and I don't feel like deleting that first paragraph. It's Dentek
I actually have only been using the hook side. More precise
Thank you!
Counterweight
Hunter
Success!!!
At least in my book. I finally got the dome finished (with the exception of the killstripes) and I could not be more excited. Let me catch everyone up with some pictures
After tracing and masking it was time for the dark grey, but I was concerned because that was the color that screwed up the right ear. And I was right to be worried. It came out the exact same color as the lighter grey. I wasn't sure what to do so I misted it with black. I was very happy with how it turned out
I was so excited after I finished masking to get that green on the bucket that I forgot to take pictures. But I promise I masked it first! Lol
And 24 long hours later it was the big moment for me
(Drumroll please...)
I know it's not close to perfect but I love how it turned out. I'm really glad I saved the dome for last because I feel like I was able to utilize all the tips I learned through your the process. The dome is what sticks out the most and the dome is what came out the best imo.
Now I get to move on to the killstripes and I am putting an order in for the t-visor. I measured and it seems like the standard visor should fit fine.
Thanks again everyone! Next update will be the killstripes. I have no idea what I'm doing but I'm sure it will work out ok
At least in my book. I finally got the dome finished (with the exception of the killstripes) and I could not be more excited. Let me catch everyone up with some pictures
After tracing and masking it was time for the dark grey, but I was concerned because that was the color that screwed up the right ear. And I was right to be worried. It came out the exact same color as the lighter grey. I wasn't sure what to do so I misted it with black. I was very happy with how it turned out
I was so excited after I finished masking to get that green on the bucket that I forgot to take pictures. But I promise I masked it first! Lol
And 24 long hours later it was the big moment for me
(Drumroll please...)
I know it's not close to perfect but I love how it turned out. I'm really glad I saved the dome for last because I feel like I was able to utilize all the tips I learned through your the process. The dome is what sticks out the most and the dome is what came out the best imo.
Now I get to move on to the killstripes and I am putting an order in for the t-visor. I measured and it seems like the standard visor should fit fine.
Thanks again everyone! Next update will be the killstripes. I have no idea what I'm doing but I'm sure it will work out ok
Thanks for the brand info!
Looking good! In case you haven't seen it Superjedi has a terrific killstripe tutorial here:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f32/...tutorial-49888/?highlight=killstripe+tutorial
The measurements may be different for ROTJ style though, I'm unsure. A quick forum search may yield results one way or another. Make sure you let your paint set good before masking with any tapes. I usually let paint that I'm going to tape over set up for 2-3 days just to be on the safe side. Good Luck!
Looking good! In case you haven't seen it Superjedi has a terrific killstripe tutorial here:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f32/...tutorial-49888/?highlight=killstripe+tutorial
The measurements may be different for ROTJ style though, I'm unsure. A quick forum search may yield results one way or another. Make sure you let your paint set good before masking with any tapes. I usually let paint that I'm going to tape over set up for 2-3 days just to be on the safe side. Good Luck!
Stormcrow85
Hunter
Helmet is coming along great! If you decide to get an airbrush another suggestion is to check local craigslist. I got a 120 dollar airbrush for 30 dollars. The regulator and hoses I got from harbor freight for about 20 dollars total.
