How do I weather using spray cans?

[ThomasFett]

Hi, so I'm new to cosplay and prop building in general. I'm at the painting stage of my scratch card Boba helmet and just wondered how I would go about weathering? If there is anyone who can explain how I'd go about doing it? I didn't originally think about weathering, but considering it's my first bucket, it's a chance for me to make mistakes and learn from them before I go onto making better ones.

Thanks in advance

 

[PropReplicator2]

Okay, my first few buckets and armor sets were done with spray cans. Don’t.. just invest in an airbrush. Even a cheap one from amazon/eBay can work. You want subtle weathering in places, and a spray can won’t usually get that. It’s possible or do it right, but you Are more likely to get better results via airbrush

 

[Mythos Fenn]

Hello there! It is definitely possible to weather using spray cans. My entire kit was painted and weather this way. It is potentially more time consuming than using an air brush, not entirely sure as I don't own one, but in my opinion the best way to do it with spray cans is to layer starting from the 'ground' up by using toothpaste/masking fluid/ or any other easy cleanable paste that won't deteriorate your stuff. I prefer the toothpaste method myself. In this case start with the metallic color for the armor plates, silver, and paint all your plates with it. From there, apply the tooth taste either using an old brush for larger marks and a toothpick or other fine pointed thing to apply scratches/scrapes/etc. Then spray the next layer, if you are doing Boba Fett probably a darker grey on top of that. Add more toothpaste around the edges of your current toothpaste marks, and paint the next layer, which would probably be the yellow. Toothpaste mark off which areas stay yellow and then paint with your chosen green. Once complete wipe off all toothpaste with a damp sponge and there you go! Weathered armor all ready go a good black or brown wash. I have a small break down of what these steps should look like on my build thread over on the Mandalorian Mercs website. I have 2 build threads, one is more in depth but I am unsure on if people that aren't members of the forums can access that one.

Here are the links! Hopefully they help and/or work haha

Mythos Fenn Shysa Photo shoot pg. 9 (finally)

Mythos Fenn Shysa Photo shoot pg. 9 (finally)

mandalorianmercs.org

Edit: I removed a link as it in fact, did not work lol

 

[ThomasFett]

Thanks for the replies, the tooth paste method actually makes sense now. I've seen someone use this kind of method before, but they never really explained it on their post. I now realise that I made the mistake in using a white primer when in fact I should have used a silver. Looks like I'm gonna have to get some more paint!
Nice build by the way

As for the airbrush, how much is cheap on ebay/amazon? I'm trying to make a budget build, but then if the airbrush is worth it then I guess it's an investment into any future props.

 

[Mythos Fenn]

Thanks for the replies, the tooth paste method actually makes sense now. I've seen someone use this kind of method before, but they never really explained it on their post. I now realise that I made the mistake in using a white primer when in fact I should have used a silver. Looks like I'm gonna have to get some more paint!
Nice build by the way

As for the airbrush, how much is cheap on ebay/amazon? I'm trying to make a budget build, but then if the airbrush is worth it then I guess it's an investment into any future props.

Happy to be of assistance! I also just realized that the link I shared doesn't have the paint step breakdown. That must be on my other thread that is only accessible to Merc forums members. Feel free to make an account to check it out but I can also post some photos here if you need any clarification on steps. I sometimes tend to skip things when I type. As for cheap airbrush, I think the lower end ones run between $60 to $80? I am unsure as to how much paint for them are but $3 spray paint cans add up lol