How To Mold Different Armor Pieces

[BlacRoseImmortal]

Hai Everybody! I don't think i'm breaking the rules by starting this thread but Mods let me know about that one please. I also breifly looked around using the Search function but couldnt really find what I was lookin for :]

Hokay! So I think there are tons of tutorials on how to make a mold of a helmet, it's pretty basic and simple. But, there are some really odd pieces of armor that I just can't seem to wrap my mind around on how to go about molding them. And, maybe I'm not the only one who's confused about this ( I sure hope I'm not the only one LOL).

Ok, I know alot of people here plan on molding their Pepakura models once they are finished with their pieces. I've been banging my head on my desk for the past 5 days over how to properly mold the heel part of the boot and then I started thinkin about the other armor pieces that are open on 2 ends (shins, thighs, forearms, etc) and the pieces that are just...... um... the chest and backpiece LOL. Unlike the helmet which only has one opening. So if anyone with the right, helpful knowledge that would like to post here about how you SUCESSFULLY made a mold of your wonky shaped pieces, Please feel free to do so.

Knowledge is fun :]

 

[Sigma LS]

For the "tube-shaped" pieces: forearms, thighs, shins, you cap the smaller end when you mold it. You can even just hot glue a cardboard barrier in while you put the silicone on. That way there is only one opening in the mold. You have to cut out the second hole in the casts but that only takes a minute with a good dremel.

If your chest is two pieces, it's an easy one part mold for either side. As a whole, I'll leave it to the more experienced people to lend advice on a one-piece chest/back.

EDIT: On the heel, I would cap the ankle and where the toe would attach. Then you just have one opening (the bottom) to pour resin into.

Just think of every mold as a container. Like a dish (one-sided mold) or a vase (shins) or a bowl (helm).

 

[BlacRoseImmortal]

Thanks Siggy! I can't believe I didnt think about cappin off one end *facepalm* (I blame college stress). And when you do the "midline parting" or whatever it's called you do it vertically.... like how it's done on the helmet, right?

 

[Sigma LS]

You only part your mold if the stress on the mold is more than the give of the silicone. Example: the silicone was too thick on my CQB mold so I had to give it the Zigzag cut to remove the model and later casts, on my Mk V it has no cut because the rounder shape is easier to remove.

 

[LastSpartan]

If I may Blacrose, check this http://405th.com/forums/index.php?showtopi...mp;#entry217519

It's Thor's way to mold a boot

 

[thorssoli]

It's Thor's way to mold a boot

Those molds are set up for hand laminating fiberglass into them. If I were slush casting, I'd be doing it a bit differently. A handful of lessons were learned on that mold and the other one has a bit more finesse to it. Still, you get the idea.

 

[BlacRoseImmortal]

Thanks LS and Thor, but the way you (Thor) did your boots just makes my brain hurt... i think i'm better off doin it the slush way or whatever lol.

 

[BlacRoseImmortal]

I just got word (literally, thanks to HELL HUMPER) that you can use:

general electric: silicone I 100% sislicone rubber sealant for windows and doors

to make a mold..... does anyone else know of this method? how well does it work/hold up?

 

[Evil Taylor]

I just got word (literally, thanks to HELL HUMPER) that you can use:

general electric: silicone I 100% sislicone rubber sealant for windows and doors

to make a mold..... does anyone else know of this method? how well does it work/hold up?

Only problem I can see with using that ( keep in mind I am not a expert yet) is its pretty thick in the tube. You might lose some detail because of that. The smooth-on product I am currently using in fact as we speak ( rebound 25) allows you to adjust the viscosity so your first 2 layers or so can be really liquidy ( a Evil Taylor made up word) so you get all your details, then you can thicken it up later for building the mold up. Picture attached circa : 20 mins ago. Yes I am doing that in the Kitchen....Yes I am prolly going to be killed when the wife gets home.....its a risk I take.

[attachment=6470:img021.jpg]


BTW: at this point I would like to say Adam, Spase, Bluerealm, Sean, Thor and all you other top end molding guys. I am impressed... I can't imagine the work you guys put into this with just my little molding ventures I am slightly pulling out hairs. To do a whole suit is inconceivable to me serious props to you guys and all the other SuperMolders out there.

 

[gamerguy55]

I think DoC started a tut about this... 'not sure if it's finished yet, though.

Found it. It's still not completely done. Hopefully this will inspire him to finish. *wink* *wink*

 

[swampbilly]

the first 2 coats i applied were very thin because i was keepin in mind details....but i used a brush and just really made sure i got all the details...which arent many because this is the basic mark vi helmet im workin on...after the first 2 i just started piling it on....it peeled right up no problem
btw taylor you and me have the same problem.....riskin it around the wife, shes comin home today to tan my hide as well when she sees the mess...

 

[Evil Taylor]

the first 2 coats i applied were very thin because i was keepin in mind details....but i used a brush and just really made sure i got all the details...which arent many because this is the basic mark vi helmet im workin on...after the first 2 i just started piling it on....it peeled right up no problem
btw taylor you and me have the same problem.....riskin it around the wife, shes comin home today to tan my hide as well when she sees the mess...

Im gonna be chuffed if your silicone thing works, I just dumped $300.00 on smooth on stuffs ( well the silicone and casting plastics so thats not to bad) If i could have used a 15 dollar bucket of store bought silicone I might cry.

 

[Walter Spase]

Im gonna be chuffed if your silicone thing works, I just dumped $300.00 on smooth on stuffs ( well the silicone and casting plastics so thats not to bad) If i could have used a 15 dollar bucket of store bought silicone I might cry.

Don't worry... it may be at the very basic level similar materials... but they are not the same. Use whats proven to work. I have yet to see a large scale mold using Hardware store caulking silicone work. I have seen some small low detail success.... but never anything of real quality.

 

[BlacRoseImmortal]

I guess i'll just wait to see what happens with Chris's mold.... i'll look at it closely when I visit him next month (beware Chris) :}

 

[Evil Taylor]

Don't worry... it may be at the very basic level similar materials... but they are not the same. Use whats proven to work. I have yet to see a large scale mold using Hardware store caulking silicone work. I have seen some small low detail success.... but never anything of real quality.

Yea thats true Spase, I am pretty sure they dont go to far into depth on hardness/ flexibilty/ shelf life on store bought stuff. I am just spazzing alittle right now because I am running outta supplies and I still need belt/ cod piece 2 pairs of boots, and 4 back of the leg peices( I am using NAS pieces and their front and back on the lower are 2 different peices.)

 

[Evil Taylor]

Yea thats true Spase, I am pretty sure they dont go to far into depth on hardness/ flexibilty/ shelf life on store bought stuff. I am just spazzing alittle right now because I am running outta supplies and I still need belt/ cod piece 2 pairs of boots, and 4 back of the leg peices( I am using NAS pieces and their front and back on the lower are 2 different peices.)

Ok I feel alot better now....Molds came out awesome! Now I just gotta start casting.