First Build: Understanding what to use where and when

[UNDEADWARRIOR76]

I'm hoping to make my first Pepakura ODST suite, but have a few questions and want to get my facts straight.

Firstly, I'm working out of an apartment so I want to avoid odors as much as possible. From my understanding epoxy is viable for the base coat and is less odorous. What I don't know is if epoxy is advisable to be used in fiberglassing or making Rondo.

Second, is I'm not entirely sure when to fiberglass vs Rondo vs Bondo. Feedback on where to use what would be greatly appreciated. For use context, I do intend to be wearing the suit for medium periods of time, maybe a couple hours or so.

Thanks!

 

[FalseShepherd]

I'm hoping to make my first Pepakura ODST suite, but have a few questions and want to get my facts straight.

Firstly, I'm working out of an apartment so I want to avoid odors as much as possible. From my understanding epoxy is viable for the base coat and is less odorous. What I don't know is if epoxy is advisable to be used in fiberglassing or making Rondo.

Second, is I'm not entirely sure when to fiberglass vs Rondo vs Bondo. Feedback on where to use what would be greatly appreciated. For use context, I do intend to be wearing the suit for medium periods of time, maybe a couple hours or so.

Thanks!

I can't help with avoiding fumes. But with regards to the fiberglass vs rondo vs bondo:

Fiberglass will generally be in the form of fiberglass cloth or mat. This will be a flexible "fabric" made out of the fibers designed to be coated in a polyester based resin (often sold as "fiberglass resin"). The combination of the two components makes a strong, rigid layer that provides significant strength to the inside of the piece.

Bondo is a brand more than a product. You will hear people on the forum use the term bondo to mean "bondo brand autobody filler". It's basically a paste that you mix with a hardener (all comes in the same box) and then spread onto the armor piece. Once it dries it can be sanded. This allows you to make smooth curves on top of a paper base (which usually has sharp fold lines and edges).

Rondo is a mixture of the bondo autobody filler and the resin component of the fiberglass step. This makes a more watery slurry that you can slosh around and coat the inside of a piece with. Generally it doesn't sand well and won't stay where you put it if it's on the outside of a helmet for example.

I do 2 layers of just resin on my paper craft on the inside and the outside before adding fiberglass. I then do fiberglass in the inside. I have been doing only one layer but two would probably be better on like a helmet. I then usually use rondo to cover the fiberglass. I mostly do this for increased strength and to cover any residual pokies from the fiberglass.

Then it's bondo on the outside to smooth over any surfaces that are meant to be curves. Put on a layer and sand it smooth. Repeat this for the rest of your life. Eventually, when you are old and ready to die, you can do some spot filler to fill in the residual defects in the bondo. This creates a totally smooth curved surface. Some people leave some of the defects so that they can use them as "battle damage". There are a lot of build threads that go over the bondo process, but they are usually pretty old. My ODST build is one of the more recent ones since most people nowadays use foam and/or 3d printing. Though, you can use basically the same process to strengthen and finish 3d prints if you want.

 

[UNDEADWARRIOR76]

I can't help with avoiding fumes. But with regards to the fiberglass vs rondo vs bondo:

Fiberglass will generally be in the form of fiberglass cloth or mat. This will be a flexible "fabric" made out of the fibers designed to be coated in a polyester based resin (often sold as "fiberglass resin"). The combination of the two components makes a strong, rigid layer that provides significant strength to the inside of the piece.

Bondo is a brand more than a product. You will hear people on the forum use the term bondo to mean "bondo brand autobody filler". It's basically a paste that you mix with a hardener (all comes in the same box) and then spread onto the armor piece. Once it dries it can be sanded. This allows you to make smooth curves on top of a paper base (which usually has sharp fold lines and edges).

Rondo is a mixture of the bondo autobody filler and the resin component of the fiberglass step. This makes a more watery slurry that you can slosh around and coat the inside of a piece with. Generally it doesn't sand well and won't stay where you put it if it's on the outside of a helmet for example.

I do 2 layers of just resin on my paper craft on the inside and the outside before adding fiberglass. I then do fiberglass in the inside. I have been doing only one layer but two would probably be better on like a helmet. I then usually use rondo to cover the fiberglass. I mostly do this for increased strength and to cover any residual pokies from the fiberglass.

Then it's bondo on the outside to smooth over any surfaces that are meant to be curves. Put on a layer and sand it smooth. Repeat this for the rest of your life. Eventually, when you are old and ready to die, you can do some spot filler to fill in the residual defects in the bondo. This creates a totally smooth curved surface. Some people leave some of the defects so that they can use them as "battle damage". There are a lot of build threads that go over the bondo process, but they are usually pretty old. My ODST build is one of the more recent ones since most people nowadays use foam and/or 3d printing. Though, you can use basically the same process to strengthen and finish 3d prints if you want.

Awesome thanks so much for the info!
I did a brief skim through your ODST post. What did you find was the best process for applying the fiberglass?

 

[FalseShepherd]

I found the best way was to paint a layer of resin down, stick down the fiberglass mat cut up into basically 3in X 3in pieces and then paint over it with more resin. Bigger pieces have more opportunity to wrinkle and not fit well just kinda depends on the armor piece you are working on. The traditional dipping pieces into the resin was too messy for me and spray adhesive doesn't work like it should. I wore some disposable, medical-type gloves when working with the resin and fiberglass. It still gets pretty messy. I would recommend doing it outside or having a shop vac to clean up the fibers that kinda get everywhere. Also a good respirator is important when dealing with the resin, but I know you are looking for less fume-y methods.

 

[Cadet]

There are many tutorials on the Pepakura method that I would recommend you read:

How to Assemble Pepakura

A beginner-level tutorial designed to help those unfamiliar with Pepakura. This tutorial is a comprehensive guide, featuring assistance throughout the Pepakura process, from start to finish. Author: Frozensnot

www.405th.com

The Complete Respirator and Safety Guide

The Complete Respirator and Safety Guide Overview of hazardous materials and safety precautions There are certain materials commonly used in the creation of costume armor that are hazardous to your health and should ONLY be used with proper safety equipment, ventilation and in accordance...

www.405th.com

My Resin And Fiberglass Tutorial

I know there is already a tutorial for this here (http://405th.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2287), but BladeSlasher PMed me asking if I could tell him what happens after the Pep stage. I thought I would share it with everyone, since it can be hard to sift through all this info. The only real...

www.405th.com

CEREAL'S - Making Master Chief - ** A Step By Step Tutorial (My Way) **

The following thread contains a series of videos that I have created and compiled into one place. They provide a step by step look at my on-going build of Spartan Mk VI Armor. The videos are created with a "Tutorial" feel and should be regarded as "Examples" on how to proceed... As new videos...

www.405th.com