Inexpensive Armor Building

[goldenhotdogs]

I just about finished pepping my armor but I don't have a lot of cash to buy Resin and Fiberglass. I have looked around the Internet and found another much cheaper way, paper masche. I do not know how well it will work so I'm asking you people if you know if it'll work good. Oh also I searched Pepakura and Cardboard section, not much help.

 

[Uncle Fellow]

I hear paper mache has some pretty big downsides (water exposure is a large problem from what I hear). It's also not going to be anywhere close to as strong as fiberglass.

 

[MrTiKi]

You are going to warp your pep. Try sealing the cardstock with something first. Maybe light coats of mod podge or tacky glue.

 

[SaviourTears]

you should at least glass the outside you can buy elmers fiberglass resin from lowes for 20 buks a half gallon not expensive. then you and strengthen the inside with glue from a hot glue gun. i would imagine that it would be faster and easier than paper mache. and it should give you a better finish to work with on the outside.

 

[Flyerfye]

Yeah, SaviourTears, but then you have to spend $30 on a respirator, have a proper working environment... It's actually somewhat of a large hassle if you don't have the tools already. Paper mache is possible, it's just... rather tricky. But if you're on a really tight budget, not a whole lot I can say other than, it's worked for some people, and good luck.

 

[SaviourTears]

yes if you choose to use the paper mache method please post lots of progress pics i would like to see how it turns out and also make a note of any problems you run into and your solutions for them still i would def strenghten the inside with extra hot glue to help prevent warping

 

[Cjsuner]

Here you go, this should do the trick for you

http://www.405th.com/showthread.php...ally-Offical-quot-Hot-glue-Method-quot-Method.

 

[Altair651]

It is an effective method.... (experience). Just buy a non water based liquid glue (fast dry, if possible), brush on a base layer of glue (have the paper pre-cut and ready to put on) put strips of paper on (do this in small sections at a time, not the whole thing in one shot), and then put a layer of glue over the paper (thin layer, also in small sections at a time). This comes out quite strong and durable, and is a cheap and effective method for strengthening your armor! Hope this helps.... =D

 

[kupokitty]

I made a (mostly finished) paper mache-covered helmet. I paid around $40 for everything (paints, rootbeer, glues, hot glue gun, foamies, tape, etc.).

The detailing was done with duct tape with paper mache over it. No bondo.

It's not exactly the strongest thing in the world, either, but it will hold its shape if treated properly.

Mod podge is hard to sand, so the finished product might get a bit lumpy, like mine. >:

I haven't tried wood glue with paper mache, though. That MIGHT work better. I dunno.

I hope I helped at least a little.

 

[OverKill]

Here the thread with me and other talking, showing, and telling of paper mache. http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/25368-Alternative-to-Resin-and-FiberGlass I have my armor I made here ( http://www.405th.com/showthread.php/25183-H2-odst?highlight=ODST ), not that good but shows it works. trying to cut with X-acto knife not that good of an idea mine started to bend and got pulled from the handle, but it works to trim and cut.

 

[Will Turner]

It does seem that if you want decent armor, you will have to spend money. No doubt about that.

 

[OverKill]

It all depends on how you do it and if you perpared for it.

 

[goldenhotdogs]

Thanks for the help everyone, once I get the time I'm going to try some paper mache non-liquidy and see how it comes out and then try adding some fiberglass if I can. If it turns out bad like I think it could I'm going to try to make it out of cardboard.

 

[bulldogresler]

I made a (mostly finished) paper mache-covered helmet. I paid around $40 for everything (paints, rootbeer, glues, hot glue gun, foamies, tape, etc.).

The detailing was done with duct tape with paper mache over it. No bondo.

It's not exactly the strongest thing in the world, either, but it will hold its shape if treated properly.

Mod podge is hard to sand, so the finished product might get a bit lumpy, like mine. >:

I haven't tried wood glue with paper mache, though. That MIGHT work better. I dunno.

I hope I helped at least a little.

Dude that looks good for the materials you used. Did you use a coarse sand paper to sand down the mod podge? and maybe you can fill in some bumps with a light filling of hot glue. put some of the glue sticks in a pot and heat it until it melts and use a brush to apply it.