How to Make a Mandalorian Helmet | EASY Trick for a Metal Finish On Your 3D Prints!

Welcome everyone to the long anticipated Mandalorian Helmet Tutorial!
Now some of you may already recall I made a short 2 part build series 2+ years ago about making a Mando Helmet. But it's a little dated at this point and my post-processing method has gotten significantly better!
Not only that but I've discovered an awesome way to get a BEAUTIFUL Metallic finish on props and cosplay using Graphite powder! No, I absolutely did NOT invent this method, it's just something that's been around in the community for a while now. And today I'd like to show you how I apply a "Graphite Rub" onto a Mando helmet!
Also, 95% of this video can be utilized even if you plan to paint your helmet an alternative way! Alumaluster, Duralumen, Spray Paint, etc! All these methods STILL require a smooth finish and a Glossy Black Base coat! Plus How to make a Visor, Printing Tips, etc! ALL included here!
So buckle up and let me show you the way, man!
....Wait, it's that Knuckles...?
▼ MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO
FREE Mando Helmet - bit.ly/41MhdQM
Galactic Armory - bit.ly/3UZCnbX
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Akira - bit.ly/3UVPGu6
3D Print a Mando (Old) - bit.ly/3AkjGGr
EASY Cosplay Visor - bit.ly/3UUSLKR
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▼TIME STAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:00 -
Disclaimer- This video is NOT sponsored by any of the brands mentioned above or throughout this video. Honesty is very important to me and my channel- all thoughts and opinions mentioned are my own. The links provided above are affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to make a small commission from purchases made on my recommendations, with no additional cost to the customer!
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#3DPrinting #Mandalorian #Cosplay

[@lactatinglobstr]

One thing for spray cans we do in the scale modeling world is heat up a pot of water (not boiling but hot to the point you don't want your hand in it) take the pot off the stove and let the can sit in the hot water for a minute or two. Then shake it up for a good min or 2 and you should have everything mixed properly and less prone to strange paint reactions and a much finer mist of spray coming out of your spray can.

[@l3xther3x86]

The process of the graphite rub was absolutely mesmerizing to watch. So satisfying to see the silver just appear

[@Thatbrandonguy]

"Sand paper is cheaper than primer" - I actually hadn't thought about it that way, but that's a solid thought process! Love it

[@Aaron-sj4go]

I use both😂

[@persenaamarini]

But how much you put value on your personal time.

[@jakeMTSU]

my time is worth more than making this thing... I had no idea the time it takes... I 3d print all the time but never post process..

[@user-gd8yr9mi5t]

sand paper won't fill lines

[@radish6691]

Most concise, clear zero-to-finished tutorial I’ve seen!

[@statesrights01]

Had worked in a body shop years ago, Yeah.. your right about the paint and sanding part and yep, it takes time. What impressed me about this vid (other than the fact that the helmet looks absolutely awesome) is how you keep it simple. You give your thoughts and instructions and your too the point. Thanks so much. Just seen for the first time and I'll be looking forward to watching more.

[@slickweng]

"Don't turn this into a contest. I printed mine in 20 hours. Shut up." So glad you said it. It seems like every community has that dynamic going on. Love your work Frank, but I stay for the attitude and acceptance that you display. For orange peel, depending on your timeline, I've been able to layer just about every type of paint after giving sufficient cure time. When I say "cure" I mean CURE. Rule of thumb is to smell the piece and if it smells like paint it's not cured. If you've got the time, let it sit for a week or two before throwing another coat down and it's nearly 100% successful.

[@ChozoSR388]

Either that, or you have those gatekeeping pricks who will swat you down after finishing your first 4.5 hour print with a smug, "Four and half hours? That's NOTHING! Comeback and talk to us when you get done with a twenty-four hour print." Like, I just got this thing. Let me have my small victory!

[@1937Brett]

What if you used a chrome spray??

[@truantray]

99% of 3D printers are old fat guys in sheds that print stuff with no practical use.

[@dibeme8583]

@@truantray You been spying on me,,,🤔😀

[@Froestenpust]

@@truantray Maybe a Mandalorian helmet is practical in a shopping center during the wars at sommer sales 😁, but otherwise...

[@Kyl0_ben]

Have to say, your videos have been the most helpful for me when it comes to printing and finishing armor, and you’ve been a really big inspiration for me to keep getting better in this hobby!

[@whytdizzle5376]

I was brand new to printing last fall. I used your videos to print and paint two approved mando kits since then. Thanks for all the tutorials-including the pitfalls. 🤛

[@ALL_OUT_NERDDOM]

Huge thank you for all your videos and recent twitch streams! Each cosplay video always has info that assists with a wide spectrum of possible projects people work on.

[@Ivan27a6]

It's great that you like these, you're so passionate and joyful about it

[@quintunesp]

Thanks Frank, I think this is the first video I see about grapjite powder that explains about the right order of the primer, paints, clear coats and if it is needed or not something over the powder after rub, it will help me a lot

[@Roheryn05]

Great video! I have referred back to this video as I printed and painted my Mando helmet and armor. Keep doing what you're doing. Also, I am with you on the "Shut up on how many hours it took." It's a hobby, at least to me, and it is supposed to be fun. It's not a competition. We all learn from each other, that's how it should be.

[@christophervaughn3834]

Your videos are always so entertaining and informative, but this one in particular, i feel like your production quality has even improved as well. Great work as always

[@dekopuma]

That graphite rub turned out amazing. I'm printing out my first helmet right now, and if it turns out well I might have to try that method.

[@kellyjean4981]

Incredible job! I made a skulldog mask for my daughter and now making a Sogeking mask for my son. I’m pretty new to 3d printing and your videos are super helpful and encouraging. Thanks for all that you do!

[@davedennis6042]

If anyone I know gets a 3D printer and asks me for tutorials, I will send them to your channel, Frank. You are an amazing teacher.

[@andrewut7ya511]

I like your style, great work without taking it too serious. I 3d print functional parts for work so ive never really worked with painting/finishing( if it works, its done lol) . I really didnt know prints could look as good as your helmet. Im still gonna keep mine fast and functioning but i really respect this side of printing.

[@coffeebreakvfx]

This worked so well, I highly recommend it for a metal look! I did the black gloss underneath. But I have been told a white gloss can create a bright chrome look as well.

[@OrwinSantaCruz]

Great video! I need to get around to making one. Just one thing I thought might be worth mentioning, when spray painting I somehow still get some paint on my hands and I hate the waste of disposable gloves. I found the nitrile dipped gloves work really well and can be reused many times (also pretty useful for doing resin print handling)

[@progoproductions]

Great vid and techniques! You may find mounting your parts on sticks (use double sided tape/hot glue and remove with lighter fluid) will help to spray all the crevices. Also will stop surface tension sticking parts to table, splatter from holding can at wrong angle and dry spray when spraying other bits.

[@milquest]

Really incredible build. Thank you so much for all of the tips. I've been holding back on making my Phasma cosplay for years but that powder seems really promising.

[@MinecraftVice23]

love to see you promoting galactic armory, feels like the two youtubers that got me into 3d printing made a collab of some sort.

[@BioshadowX]

Turned out great! Also love seeing how far the quality of your videos has some, the transition at 6:13 was sick

[@GreaseLightin-hr7mq]

this has promoted me to make my helmet better then ive ever made it thank you brother keep up the great work you do much love

[@AllocDK]

Awesome video - I also made my entire Mandalorian cosplay with graphite powder - The finish just look fantastic

[@mikedoingmikethings702]

Awesome!!! I am on the next stage of getting my armor to the next level and this is exactly the tutorial I need! THANK YOU!!!

[@Peacehawk0911]

Looking forward to purchasing my first 3d printer, and working my way up to something like that. Looks amazing.

[@Levkin]

Great build, amazing to see the graphite powder technique out there!

[@freddiebear2011]

That's really, really awesome! A great piece of work there and looks perfect, great job 👏 I'd love to get into 3D printing and try that myself, maybe one day I can do something that awesome

[@Chilz72]

You have inspired me to start 3d printing thank you so much!

[@Coolfwip]

I have a frostmourne replica sword that ive been dreading the idea of using a metallic paint on for the blade, this made my life so much easier. Just ordered some of this powder lol

[@natehansen9650]

Ive been fighting with settings for weeks, Im using your videos to help me do a dead space helmet, Its no where near the same simple shape but your videos took me from using 4 spools and a 26 day print time down to 5 days and 1.5 spools. (theres a lot of overhand layers and unavoiadable supports) Than you so much! Everything from what printer to buy (Cr10s ProV2) to how to inspect the print process before firing up the printer to how to change filament mid print.

[@blizatrex]

A beautiful finished helmet. I had that orange peal happen also on mine. I switched to all duplicolor for the gloss black and never had a problem. In the forums i had seen to after the first graphite to give it one more coat of clear (this will dull the graphite) and give it another coat of graphite to give it a little depth.

[@frankiepace2998]

Awesome stuff! Thanks for taking the time to do this video. Really appreciate it 👍🏼

[@batinthehousestudios]

This is truly the way. This video came out right when I am finished posting my mando suit and I can say that the graphite powder is so good at making stuff turn into metal just MAKE SURE to clean the helmet through before applying it. I have done all the steps Frankly Built mentions in the video and it worked great for the suit. Thanks for sharing the way.

[@nixqik]

Can I ask, do you rub it into the paint once it dries? Like very light pressure and keep going until it shines? I've been testing aluminum powder on a t800 print, I just can't get it to work at all. Slightly tacky paint doesn't work and it just send to dull the drier paint.

[@batinthehousestudios]

@@nixqik Yes, you rub it once the paint is dry and as you said, light pressure and use circular motion. Haven't used aluminium powder, but if you are going for a metallic look, graphite powder is the way to go.

[@96rincon]

Do you have a link to the graphite powder? Or where they'd have it locally? Walmart? Hobby Lobby? Harbor freight?

[@caustictea1918]

Looks great! Really like that model too! I want to try this method of visor making on my next helmet. But side note, you actually had mentioned alternating between different paint colors while sanding before some years ago. Your the person I learned it from and it helped alot.

[@DanielsWorkshop]

This is one of my favorite videos of yours!

[@A2112rush]

Thanks Frank for the awesome video! The helmet looks amazing I can’t wait to try that out!

[@squirralien1863]

love the Graphite technique, very impressive, Thanks for the video, very nice effect.

[@arnithepanda]

I was just planning on making this! I saw your mandalorian helmet and I decided to make one too! thanks for the tutorial

[@LivingLambeaux]

That's one of the better graphite rub helmets I've seen!

[@jaypcreations]

This helped so much thank you now I can make visors for days 👏🏾🎉

[@AndyDeMeyer]

Love the no-nonsense approach, subbed!

[@redcars72]

really like that metal look at the end.

[@fernandoplascencia5731]

dude am soo glad you address the orange peel problem bc i always get that and now i know why

[@kevinvitale8980]

Impressive material… has me inspired for other projects.

[@anmmcintyr]

Man, I just printed a Master Sword and was going to start figuring out how to make the blade look like metal and you graced me with your wisdom 😂 thanks man

[@winiatacherrington6835]

i absolutly love your videos, thankyou. Only just brought 3D printer a creality and that has been a journey on its own. Love love your set up and your content. :)

[@odinactuall]

did this same technique on a thor love and thunder helmet and it turned out amazing!

[@TLMPictures101]

I gotta admit you sir are a natural.

[@MacMan125]

Awesome tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing and including your mistakes. It really helps me out a lot!

[@gerardbascuguin1916]

Beautiful work! 🤩

[@lambcurry1yt417]

I find using adaptive layer height is so good for making prints take so much less sanding

[@ianmiller6449]

That's a fantastic finish, looks great! Nicely made video too - I subscribed almost instantly 😎👍

[@rpals5412]

really awesome job dude! and so many great tips along the build!

[@d.c.1706]

Frank, I just wanna say thanks so much for this video. I used it like a bible to help make an Isaac Clarke Helmet with the graphite finish. I took your advice on how to avoid orange peel and besides one (There always is the one annoying) piece, I had no orange peel. You're the GOAT, without you I would have never known what to do as this was my first helmet.

[@candyfsshh]

This is the best 3d printing channel. ever.

[@KyleAndersonSkates]

that graphite rub is amazing! that blew my mind watching you buff it in! I've really wanted to buy a 3D printer and start making some random props ever since I subbed to your channel lol

[@nunolanca4816]

Great work. Really satisfying to watch.

[@Wilhuff_T]

From a 97% model size to a full 100% with all that paint , primers and fillers. The guy is a genius.

[@stricklander]

My p1p shows up Tuesday. My first FDM 3dp! This is the FIRST thing I’m doing (after benchy of course)! Thank you for this video!!!!

[@nenovidenovic5716]

Incredible video. Lots of very useful tips. Great work!

[@andrewsheffield4226]

Very cool video, love the step by step, and even seeing the failure. I like knowing that even the streamers have errors. Thanks

[@noahprincivil103]

Nothing beats the feeling of waking up to a franklt built video on a saturday morning

[@Christopher19990]

THIS IS THE WAY! Great video. Thanks!

[@rpm7x7]

Thanks man. I’ve been looking for the graphite method but it’s so pushy or rather very very recommended to become an expert painter and get the paints. Printing a helmet now!

[@conor418]

I used a 2k clear coat on that same graphite powder but it took the chrome look away and it turned more of a dark gunmetal. I put another layer of graphite on top and brought back the shine

[@keith5031]

Love your content and also the pic with Odin Abbott and the end, so cool.

[@GhostPants8012]

Great job explaining everything. You earned a sub! Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@sithinstructor]

The black mesh in office supplies, like trash cans and pencil holders, is a great way to block the view of your face/eyes. Cut it to the same shape of the visor and attach it under. You can see through it fine, cause it is right next to your eyes, but it blocks light enough that even a camera flash won't expose your face.

[@fluxphage]

over at mmcc they use welding visors!

[@prestons6876]

Another good option, using the same approach as he did is 5% ceramic one way tint. Ceramic tint gives the ability to see out while others can’t see in. It is a bit more costly though.

[@alexrobles7744]

thanks for the end to end. Very interesting and learned stuff regarding my bambu lab printer. Hints and tricks.. Thanks for always show us how to do it.

[@AcheronKeres]

Truly amazing! That is the way!

[@wonderboyrox]

I ordered the graphite powder and sound proof panels today. I was sitting here wondering what else I might use that graphite powder for though… and then it dawned on me. That would be perfect to use for an Iron Man Mk 2 suit! Which I have plans to make someday. Thanks for the vid, Frank. Your content is always spot on. Hope you enjoy your vacation!

[@PadawanPrinter]

Yeah, the sound proof foam looks like a game-changer for me. To the Amazon!

[@WernerKaffl]

I love that video!!! Re paint, I ran into the same issues re peeling. Most of the time it's simply the new layer attacking the older layer (solvent dissolves part of the prior layer). That does happen a lot with spraypaint. Since I'm doing a lot of "making", I decided at one point to get a decent compressor and spraygun (both together was some 250 NZ Dollar). And lo and behold, never had this issue again (my thinner of choice being acetone which also reduces curing time by up to 50%). Nice side effect, paint comes considerably cheaper than spraycans in the long run. I also used graphite for my prop swords, prop guns etc. You can get some pretty good finish, close to chrome, depending how good the underlaying paint job is.

[@shanepye7078]

This is the best thing for a metallic look, besides electroplating. Definitely cheaper. I might try this on my extra T-800 bust.

[@coregeek]

Great work man. I shot my version of this video 4 years ago but never got around to editing it together! 😊 Thanks for getting it done. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@buckaroosan5571]

I always credit you for really bringing graphite to the cosplay community. Thank you forever greatful.

[@coregeek]

@@buckaroosan5571 That’s kind of you to say, thank you! I just love how much the community is willing to create and share. People like Frank have really brought cosplay/printing and such to the masses.

[@danielshovelheader9415]

@@coregeek I'm curious about the graphite powder, does it need the black paint as a base or can it be other colors or finishes? thanks for any help!!

[@coregeek]

@@danielshovelheader9415 It works best with black because of the refraction being better. But white and grey sometimes works too. Results vary greatly tho.

[@thedarkknight803able]

Thank you for this video. I know I take my time when sanding and applying my spray paints thank you for the Tips.

[@mikemccabe2758]

That is a great Mando helmet,thanks again

[@le_rob_1]

Great video ! I'm happy to know that if the graphite fades away, it's normal. I thought I was doing it wrong 😁

[@camtron1967]

That thumbnail looks great. Probably because I helped yesterday. But seriously that helmet looks absolutely amazing

[@lsdave]

Awesome Video! I;ve use pre tinted replacement face shields as visors for cosplay masks.

[@chino1moreno]

Awesome video man! Love the process

[@karolgolden231]

I'm getting my Ender Max Neo next week and I just can't stop watching your videos.

[@karolgolden231]

I know probably there is video about it but I don't know why after slice in Cura it shows 5 days to print Mando helmet, is it normal time or little bit too long?

[@sancayakbulut3215]

That helmet look amazing👍

[@anthonypoole4025]

I've had good success using liquid car wax on top of the graphite rub for protection of the surface

[@paulriggs42]

Amazing results !

[@BLISSZONE]

As soon as I clicked on the video, I got a 3-D printer ad

[@Grillbysans248]

LOL! same😂😂

[@yobtnirp]

That’s cookies for ya

[@EdPalmatier]

Good

[@mythicul]

I wonder why, it's not like KZbin knows what type of video this is 🙄

[@BLISSZONE]

@@mythicul dude did I ask 🙄

[@gordontarpley]

Looks fantastic!

[@Phizixx]

It’s time I make one Incredible work man it’s so nice

[@hanslain9729]

I like that you shut down any pissing contests that may occur in the comments... just print your thing and move on. No nonsense tutorial and a lot of educational bits. Thank you!

[@kylejobs-yr1df]

This video. This is the way. Awesome job love the video. Keep it up.

[@quassisbelltower9408]

thank you for the video. i will be saving this video so when i get to print my helmet, this will be the video i go to. thank you again

[@Jocker141414]

Good job, that's a clean helmet!

[@randomgamer6716]

OMG this helmet is amazing I'm so jealous I have to make me one for the next comic con.

[@hansencustomcreations5355]

Time Stamp 9:43tomato potato love it I watched this with my wife in the back she thought it was funnny . Awesome work thanks for the great videos Frank 👍👍🇨🇦

[@simplybabette]

WAIT!! SHIBA!!!! I have 2 of them haha love the whole effect of this helmet I am doing helmets now and low and behold out pops a shiba!! love them! thanks for the helpful hints!

[@danielstone7707]

Thank you for this video. I have no idea how many cans of “silver” spray paint I’ve looked at over the last week but nothing matches the mando look now I’ve ordered some graphite rub and I’m good to go. You sir are a hero and should wear a cape 😜🤣🤣

[@Djexoticdancing69]

Great job bro gotta show this to my son awesome job👍👍👍👍👍

[@tattoobill3850]

Your my favorite bro you make the best 3d print videos thanks for getting me into it

[@Irich1961]

That looks friggin awesome. I just finished printing up my Mando helmet and that finish will be perfect.. Thank you very much.. :o)