Recon Build - Beginner learning the process!

[SprtnGriff]

Hello everyone! As I wait on my visor for my Mark V (B), I decided to knock out another helmet with some reflection on what needed improved from the last one- this meant, mainly, less blotchy weathering and generally better post processing. This was also significantly harder to print for some reason, I think the circular shapes are just difficult for FDM. Anyways, here’s the process so far.

This was stage 1 (?), a filler pass after sanding the filament underneath much more thoroughly. I’d repeat the process until it was smooth to the touch. I just used 80 Grit sandpaper and repeated for about 3 steps.

I went for a garish red, I figured I’d take into account the eventual darkwash. Masking this was hell.

And this is where I am now! Instead of dry brushing the red parts, I ran the end of a brush (the wooden part) lightly along the ridges with intentionally thick strokes that I would then dab off with a crumpled paper towel- I quite like the end result and the contrast is much better than my previous helmet. From there I just freehanded a mask for these white stripes using some spots on the model and dabbled the inside with some Vaseline. After painting, I wiped it off.

I will update this thread as I finish the final steps and have a finished project! I am already happy with my improvement.

 

[SprtnGriff]

I am just waiting on the padding- but I did the weathering and installed the visor so it’s basically done!

Even when I’m not comparing it to my previous one, I’m just blown away by how this turned out.

 

[Knight the ODST]

Dude these are awesome! Especially for a beginner. Are you gonna do a full suit as well?

 

[SprtnGriff]

Dude these are awesome! Especially for a beginner. Are you gonna do a full suit as well?

For this helmet? No. I’m doing these as sorta test beds to hone my skills. I think I am gonna do a full suit next, ODST seems the most approachable.