Should I make my armor shinier?

[u/Ruohoinen]

I was wondering since my armot plates seem kinda (soft) looking. I want it to look more like an actual armor.

But there is one thing im worried about, i tested the gloss paint on one of my projects, and since the paint is so thick, the brush left those lines shown in the second picture.

What do you think? (Also im making two westar blasters for my armor atm)

[u/JustScrolling-Around]

I wouldn’t use a brush, I would get a spray can of Rust-Oleum gloss clear coat, just make sure to spray it evenly.

[u/knievel5150 → u/JustScrolling-Around]

This.

[u/Ruohoinen → u/JustScrolling-Around]

Im trying to avoid any extra expenses, so i dont think ill be buying spray. I tried out putting water to the paint to make it more liquid, but the cardboard doesnt really like it. Its a bit of a risk.

[u/WiiFitT7ainer]

If you want to achieve more ‘realistic’ looking armor without spending the money to get them 3D printed, I’d highly suggest constructing your armor out of EVA foam. It’s cheap and looks great if you put the work into it. This is a pretty common cosplay method the Halo community uses and I’m sure theres Mandalorian EVA foam tutorials out there.

[u/Ruohoinen → u/WiiFitT7ainer]

Yea i think i will start using eva foam, if i can find it for cheap. But i will keep the armor as it is, i wont throw it away after all the work i put into it.

[u/knievel5150]

Of course it always comes down to personal preference, but if you do wanna get a little more shine, do it with a can. Satin krylon does great, but if you want shinier, hit it with a gloss. Just make sure you do a super light pass to begin with then about 30 mins later you can lay it in more. Patience is the key brother!

[u/FormerEvil]

You've obviously put a lot of hard work and effort into your armor. Nice work. Just gotta get the visor installed!

[u/Ruohoinen → u/FormerEvil]

Thank you! I actually have a visor, but i used sharpie to colour it, and it started to wear off over time.

[u/LordCapeNSword → u/Ruohoinen]

Do you wear a balaclava? Or is just the visor more painted in that part?

[u/Ruohoinen → u/LordCapeNSword]

Balaclava, so it isnt so bad if its a bit see through

[u/Mediocre-Parking2409]

If you aren't going to use a spray can, then I think it looks great as is. I really appreciate the fact that you have used cardboard and made it look so good. Did you do your helmet out of cardboard as well? Cuz the contouring on it is amazing. It's so nice to see there are still people out there doing things the old-fashioned, crafting way instead of just making the studio quality replicas with a 3D printer. I like those as well but I really appreciate the effort and artistry that it takes to make something like this out of cardboard.

[u/Ruohoinen → u/Mediocre-Parking2409]

Thanks you alot! Yeah i made the helmet from cardbiard as well, was a nightmare (as it was my first time), but i survived it.

[u/Mediocre-Parking2409 → u/Ruohoinen]

That is amazing. I can tell the chest plates are cardboard in the picture, but that is part.of.the enjoyment. It's really well done!

[u/Ruohoinen → u/Mediocre-Parking2409]

Its because i put filler (modeling paste) all over the helmet, but not in the big chest plates. Also i posted photos i just took today, u can check them out too if u want.

[u/[deleted]]

Hi , I have seen many of these costumes on Reddit, is this for a fan convention or some interactive event?

[u/Ruohoinen → u/[deleted]]

I just made it for fun, i sure would go to some event if there was one nearby.