So here's a quick update: I've been sanding like crazy, but I also wanted to get the counter finished. I built the raised counter guard out of plastic sheet, and then edged the part that frames the LED with the metal off some old floppy disks. When I painted it the final time I masked a few parts of the metal with Play-Doh (I'm a dad, there's always some kicking around) so that after the paint dried I could peel them off to reveal some actual metal. The red bit is part of a document folder, a suggestion Spat made on another thread. Works like a charm!

Rebuilding the rest of the counter area was interesting. I started using automotive putty, but I couldn't get an even finish so I switched to steel epoxy. Much better for getting a smooth result.

I still have a lot of sanding to go, and more areas to fill in with putty, but I'm really itching to get a coat of paint on this thing. Rick now it reminds me too much of the old Laser Tag rifles!

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

Okay, I finished rebuilding the area around the LED. As you can see Some of the silver metal is showing through on both the plate and the two bolts. I used tiny silver brads for these.



Now I'm working on the slide mechanism for the grenade launcher. I found this ready-made piece in my basement and with a little trimming and some steel epoxy I was able to fit the handle to it. It lowers the handle about 1/4 of an inch down, but it doesn't really look that different. I'll post a picture tomorrow of the whole thing mounted on the PR.

I've now filled in all the gaps with putty and done 90% of the sanding that I need to do. Rebuilding the barrel and vent will be my next big task and then I just have the trigger(s) and adding loops for the sling before I'm into the painting and detailing phase.

What do folks recommend for a finish to keep the paint from scratching off? I'm finding that any little bump or scrape is taking off the paint at this point (revealing the lovely white resin).

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

Some updates: I've painted the grenade launcher handle, so now it is ready for final mounting on the PR.

I've put a first coat of OD on the shrouds. The flash messes up the color so I'll have to take one in the daylight.

I drilled a screw into the front where the barrel will go to help anchor it. I will then build this up with steel epoxy to make it strong.

The fourth picture is of some of the pieces of my new barrel and vents. The barrel is a metal pipe cut to match the angle of the shroud, and the vents are plastic. I'll be finishing the details with epoxy. I still need to get a small piece of pipe for the very front of the barrel, but I do have a piece of metal for the support.

I'm still having issues with the paint coming off pretty easily, any suggestions for how to fix that?

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

Regarding the paint, did you wash it all in soapy water? There may be mould release still on it.

OR

Your not letting it dry properly before handling.

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AKA: Simon

I thought I gave it a really good scrub in soapy water, but now I'm worried I didn't wash it well enough. When I went to mask the black areas to paint the OD I found that masking tape was pulling the black right off the resin, and that paint's been on there for a week. Not cool. Can I use a matte sealer of some sort to give it some protection?

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

I'd take the paint off and put a decent primer on, re-paint then put a matte sealer on it.
I no expert mind!

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AKA: Simon

Primer! That would have been a good idea...

I hate to do it but your probably right.

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

#I think# your meant to prime it, then sand it, then prime it again, then sand it, then paint it.

Always remember: The more you do now, the less you do later fixing it

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AKA: Simon

You mean I can't just keep adding layer after layer of spraypaint to it?

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

Its an option....

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AKA: Simon

I'm seeing visions of Meryl Streep in "Death Becomes Her"...

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

Painting the "back side" of the PR. Still using old Play-Doh as a cheap mask!

So I discovered that I really was just touching the paint too soon as now I'm not having any issues with it.

The second photo shows the front side in the day light. I still need to finish the barrel, but that's coming along pretty well. I'll get some photos up tonight of that process.

I need to finish the battery panel too, and then all I'll have left is the trigger. I've saved it for last in case I ran out of time (I want this done in time for Prometheus), but I think I can swing it.

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

Looks great mate

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AKA: Simon

Simon: I just realized I got the slide idea for the grenade launcher from you! Mine will be a bit clunkier than your box cutter, but it's the same concept!

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

Haha!! Well I'm glad I could be of assistance!

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AKA: Simon

A quick shot of the barrel and vents roughed out. Almost entirely metal construction on this which makes me happy.



And now I'm working on the trigger. I had a pair of these widgets lying around, so we'll see if I can get one to work for the main trigger. I really don't know if I can make a moving trigger for the grenade launcher (much as I want to) just because of how little room I have to work in that area. I still might try though...

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

Barrel and vents are done and the grenade launcher handle is attached!

Now I am drilling out the trigger area...

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

It's been three years almost since I last posted about this resin PR project. It was my first prop build and I decided it needed an upgrade:



That's Bigbisont's spare steel stock. I sawed the resin one off, drilled deep into the body of the PR and made room for the metal one to fit in.



I need to paint it, clean up the end and really securely fix it place, but what an improvement already!

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

OOOO Modding is alwqays fun adn wow you did one hell of a number moddign this thing to look so damn nice. keep it up Retro.

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SGT Chris Kraemer "BIRD"
S/N: A07/TQ0.0.82154G1 Sgt Kraemer