Grimming the helmet

[Dark Jedi]

Ok, I have addes the scratxhes and areas of my helmet so it looks like paint was chiped of metal. However, It now looks like a new helmet with paint chiped off. How do I make it look dirty and old?

It is a ROTJ helmet if that helps

 

[AFettFullofDollars]

There are several methods for doing this. One of the easiest is to used black,brown, and grey spraypaint and lightly mist over the helmet randomly creating a dingy, dirty look. This helps give the scratches that 'not so fresh' look.

You can also used crushed black, brown, and grey chalk pastels and dry brush them onto the helmet. You will need to give it another coat of dullcoat after you apply these to seal them onto the helmet.

Then there is the always tried and true dark 'wash' that can be applied. While I have never used this method, I believe you can find an explanation of how to accomplish this in Rogue Studios 'Paint List' Thread.

 

[superjedi]

Yes, I'm also a fan of the powdered pastel method. I feel it gives me more control than a wash. I'd recommend practicing the technique first though. One of the keys to this method is to build up the colors slowly. It can give very subtle shifts in the overall appearance of your piece.

The misting method is great as well. I misted flat black over my chest/back armor to kind of tone down the appearance.

 

[tbone9600]

I prefer the wash approach using water based acrylics and a rag. That way if it's too heavy somewhere you can just use a little water to clean some off. Then when I'm happy with the look I seal it with dullcoat.

 

[Dark Jedi]

I prefer the wash approach using water based acrylics and a rag. That way if it's too heavy somewhere you can just use a little water to clean some off. Then when I'm happy with the look I seal it with dullcoat.

Im not sure what the wash aproach is.:confused Are you adding a coat of something or striping paint. how do you do that method?

 

[SaxeCoburg]

Mix a little black acrylic paint with some window cleaner in a spray bottle... and well, just spray it on and dab it around.

 

[Dark Jedi]

Mix a little black acrylic paint with some window cleaner in a spray bottle... and well, just spray it on and dab it around.

Seriously?! that works?

 

[tbone9600]

Im not sure what the wash aproach is.:confused Are you adding a coat of something or striping paint. how do you do that method?

I thin the paint down with water and then dab and smear it on with a rag, trying to pay attention to contours and areas where grime would gather more heavily. If it's too thick in a spot I use a little clean water to wipe some of it off.

 

[Dark Jedi]

I thin the paint down with water and then dab and smear it on with a rag, trying to pay attention to contours and areas where grime would gather more heavily. If it's too thick in a spot I use a little clean water to wipe some of it off.

so basically, I am smearing a glorified clear coat on the helmet?

 

[tbone9600]

so basically, I am smearing a glorified clear coat on the helmet?

I guess so, from a certain point of view. Look at some of my threads and you'll see how mine look.

 

[Lynn TXP 0369]

so basically, I am smearing a glorified clear coat on the helmet?

No, Your smearing on extremly thinned paint. Clear coat and thinned paint are two different things.

Clear coats go on gloss, satin, or flat and is a full fledge paint.

Thinned paint is just, well thinned paint.

Lynn

 

[Lynn TXP 0369]

Seriously?! that works?

Yes, but I personally use water.

Also make sure the surface you putting the wash over is a flat finish. washes tend to bead up on glossy surfaces, like a car after it has been washed and you have those water beads all over it. The same thing will happen if a wash is done over a glossy surface.

Washes done over a flat surface will flow over it with a nice relativly even coverage that will not bead up. Then you can use a rag, brush, what ever to smear it around, remove some the wash to make it as grimmy as you want to.

Lynn

 

[Dark Jedi]

Honestly, I think Im going to go with the chalk. I dont want to risk the fett, man, and I think the "close to real dirt approach will do well.

Ill post pics when I get to this step.