How To Make The Armor Look "shiny" Or Like Metal?

[Mattrix]

Hello,



I have successfully built a halo helmet out of papekura, resin and fiberglass. The only step missing is using bondo and painting. How do I make it so that the paint on the helmets look uniform and "professional"? My Guess is that you have to polish it perfectly but maybe you have other advice for a noob.

 

[shmalofan]

use a really fine sandpaper like 320 grit.



Does that answer the question?

 

[HaloFreakX]

There is also clear coat.

 

[Mattrix]

Ok, so if I understand correctly I have to start with bigger sand paper and then go down to around 320.



How does the clear coat work? This suit is my summer project so I am willing to spend some money on it, I think I should buy a paint gun like the ones used to paint cars right?



I'll leave the links to the pictures I saw that have "shinny armor" so you see what my inspiration is:



http://www.guzer.com/pictures/halo_costume.jpg



http://www.flexbeta.net/images/halo1big.jpg



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/3748799628_95db685e33.jpg



http://www.gadgetmadness.com/archives/halo-3-master-chief-ebay.JPG



Thank you so much for your help, this is such a cool community!!

 

[Foxw]

yeah basically you start with something like 80 grit and stand till it's fairly smooth then progress to something like 320 till you get a nice even smooth surface., then Primer, multiple thin coats of paint, then few layers of clear coat to protect the finish.



You can get a paint gun, honestly though you'r better off getting yourself a airbrush. paint guns are good for large surfaces, with a nice airbrush you can achive a much nicer effect.

 

[spartan062]

You don't need a paint gun. All you need to do is make smooth, even strokes. It works with spray paint (the spray can kind).

 

[Camofred]

yea spray paints will work fine. you can use metallic colors if you want to, but it can limit what paints you can get, so clear over coat works best.