How to Paint a Mandalorian Helmet - A Guide to Painting and Finishing

Welcome everyone! Time to get painting!
In this video i will be covering a variety of different affordable painting methods and finishing tips for your very own Mando helmets!
I wanted to fit as much as possible into this video while covering everything i learned! You will struggle. You will make mistakes. It's normal and you need to be prepared for it! Spraypaint, Graphite Rub, Clearcoats and more!
Below is a list of very useful videos to help you get started and others i reference through the video!
Goodluck!
How to Print a Mando Helmet - • How to 3D Print a Mand...
How to Smooth 3D Prints - • How to Smooth 3D Print...
How to Prime 3D Prints - • How to Prepare and Pri...
How to Paint 3D Prints - • How to Paint 3D Printe...
Visor Tutorial - • Easy Cosplay Visors fo...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~~~Things of Interest!~~~
The Discord!
~Join our FREE Community Discord~
Chat all things 3D Printing, Cosplay, Nerd and More!
Free for everyone! A Great place to learn and grow!
/ discord
The Patreon~
~Help Support the channel and my content~
Want more interaction? Behind the Scenes? Special Contests and Prizes?
Check out my Patreon and help support my builds!
/ franklybuilt
Check out some awesome Nerdy Merch!
TeeSpring.com/FranklyBuilt
~Check out my other Social Media!~
Instagram (Quickest way to talk):
/ b9bccrvhdqs
TikTok (It's actually kinda funny)
www.tiktok.com/@frankly_built...
Twitter (I share all things Nerd):
/ frankly_built
Facebook (Tons of photos and Albums) :
/ franklybuilt
Reddit (Just have to see for yourself!):
/ njtricker609
~STL Files and 3D Models~
Want AWESOME 3D Models and Files?
How about a Discount code for 20% off everything!
DO3D Forum: tiny.cc/f3g0pz
Use Code "FBT20" at checkout!
~~My recommended 3D Printers~
Creality Official Website:
www.creality3dofficial.com?sca_ref=206063.FX8wJeSQM4
#mandalorian #cosplay #starwars

[@BrunoPasquini]

I like how while most people use spoons or small plastic parts for the paint test Frank uses full size complete helmets

[@wyattspop]

One thing I've learned from Frank is you just gotta get to it, you can watch every video, buy every product, do a test piece to learn sanding, priming and painting techniques, but it really ends up trial by fire. You're gonna sand too deep, get runs in your paint, have trouble lining up your pieces..so we're focused on getting the first one done and worry about perfection with #2.

[@thomaswalker9277]

You can achieve a candy red and still be able to gloss coat it. I do so with my Gundam kits all the time. You have to lay down gloss black bass. Chrome the whole thing, then a clear red on top of the chrome. It'll get you the candy affect.

[@ryanjohnson8152]

From someone who is dreading painting their first big print project, thanks for easing my nerves and the great advice!

[@christophervaughn3834]

If you ever make another IronMandalorian helmet I think it would be cool if you made the T area around the visor gold, like how iron mans faceplate is gold.

[@xyloshmuel4104]

And make the visor white with lights

[@christophervaughn3834]

I've been looking forward to this one, Frank. Thank you for bringing us along for the ride.

[@brianholland8651]

Found out you're here in Britain while watching this video, love watching the channel

[@FranklyBuilt]

I was yeah

[@entilzhar]

Based in North Wales, learning a helluva lot from your videos, thank you

[@monmoymaahdie3177]

Thank you so much for such a comprehensive post processing guide! YOU ARE A GODSEND!

[@vakyak]

Frank I’ve been binge listening to all your videos at work for the past year and it’s been VERY helpful. My first printer was Flsun sr and my first project was the green goblin helmet 😭. I couldn’t have done it without you(at least not as fast and as incredible as it came out). Thanks 🙏

[@pkhris]

thanks for being upfront at the start. you're right this was not what I was looking for, but wish you luck with your channel

[@enelgaragedemartincho]

I'm new learning about 3d printing and this channel is awesome!

[@BlindRaven]

Thanks for these videos. I came across you because I myself am doing (or at least attempting) an Iron Mandalorian cosplay at DragonCon this year. Been wanting to ever since I saw S1 of The Mandalorian and I finally have enough confidence in my 3D printing ability that I decided to give it a go. Your videos are very helpful!

[@ALEXLAB]

Awesome video!!! Frank, thank you for sharing all your experiences! You really help to save thousands of hours.

[@FranklyBuilt]

Sir no problem at all!!

[@KnightofNarnia185]

Hi Alex big Fan , exited to see the iron helmet.

[@josephosorio5718]

You do great work. I am looking into alternate ways to sand these prints, especially those with higher levels of detail. I love the experimentation advice you give. It is a hobby. and hobbies are all about experimenting to get to the next level.

[@mavemaggulle6677]

pretty hyped for your results with spraymax 2k clear. thanks for the really good tutorial video, it was fun watching !

[@kenkqa1]

Thanks for the advice can’t wait to make a custom mando helmet

[@edwinl.nievesjr.4521]

Brother thank you so much for sharing you talent and knowledge with us all!

[@mattsdiy4595]

Recently discovered that spray putty from amazon for about 4 pounds! Excellent stuff ! Used mine for an iron man helmet and it didn't ruin he details as long as I was careful!

[@Jasondadaddy]

I’m so glad you did the Iron Mandalorian, I looks awesome!!!

[@baddogx69]

AWESOME Video man!! Thank you so much for doing this! I learned so much from this. Keep up the great work brother!

[@1shots293]

Just wanted to say thank you so much. I’m new to your channel and I’m so excited to learn how what you have to teach. You have been very understanding to a beginner like me. I just subscribed to your channel. I’m binge watching all your videos. I will do what I can to promote your videos and do what I can to support your Channel. Thanks again

[@realmanga_art7893]

Nice videos man. You’re really prepping me for my mando armor you’re the best. Hope you bring out more info about mando armor!!

[@adrianalvarez3968]

Great video Frank! Iron Mandalorian looks amazing!

[@foxer68]

Your videos alway help man. Thanks for doing all you do. Keep it up!!!

[@mehowcreate5832]

Great job Frank! All Mando helmets look cool but my favorite is the graphite powder one. But the Iron Mando look so dope! I Have Spoken

[@Squires_cosplay]

Your intro has improved and is so cool!!!!! Great video!!!

[@jackmchenry4576]

Aye, even though I watched this mainly for the Mando build, I am very envious of your Red Hood helmet. Must say I will have to add one to my future collection.

[@John-vx7fe]

That crinkle that happened after your clear was most likely the solvent in the clear attacked the paint one of three reasons it happens in my experience is paint that has not fully cured, laying clear really heavy and or an incompatible clear. Lacquer clear is the worst for it since it has really gnarly solvents in it.

[@darthjump]

*Me watching this video, knowing i will sand mine for 6 days and put the work of 6 helmets into one:* Mhhh, interesting. Jokes aside this is still very valuable intel, thanks for the video and groundwork!

[@BossTweed69]

Iv been using that spray putty on my iron man mk3 and it seems pretty good 👍

[@hbc865]

Ahh.. so cool Thank you so much I'm starting on my Halloween costume for 2022, I'm gonna take my time on this

[@shivenbutani9397]

Yes I have been waiting for this cause I just tried spray painting today and I’m so bad

[@HenryCreations]

Great video Frank! The grafite always looks fantastic, but like people say it does rub off if you get in there or carry it too long in your hands. What I discovered is that you need to apply it when the clear coat is not fully cured, just spread it with a soft cotton ball, light pressure, then wait for it to cure and buff and wash with soap.

[@HenryCreations]

And as far as clear coat, you don't need to clear coat this as it is already clear coated from underneath so it stays

[@HenryCreations]

Also, I found out that if you really love your prop or your suit and you want it to be metallic, you can go over the clear coat with the metallic paint again, whether it's alclad or alumaluster or can. You want to keep that metallic on the outer layer and then weather. If you scratch it it's okay because most scratches look duller

[@Sparten-177]

Ok so I get how you explained different types of metallic paints but for me I want to spray paint my own mandalorian armor and that red mandalorian helmet you got has a decent metallic paint job but I would also like for mine to have a more glossy type paint. My paint color idea is navy blue + Dark grey + black...all mentallic. I need the best recommendation on which kind to use for that nice glossy touch even though you explained about the candy red part.

[@RaisedBySheeps]

you're doing great work here

[@Crainage1056]

You have about 95% of all the answers I need about 3d printing. At 2:30 I could use for Mechagodzilla MFS-3 Kiryu 2003.

[@jasonjulian1]

This is also why I keep many of my failed prints.. They're great for testing paints and clears. In doing my 3rd Mando helmet now, for a friend, and it'll be getting the graphite rub. I'll be testing if I can clear it on a few test pieces. I use many of the same primers you show- mostly a Rustoleum dark flat grey.

[@william_long1065]

If I might ask, what do you usually use for top coats in terms of spray paint, or do you just use graphite?

[@jasonjulian1]

@@william_long1065 on one I made, I rubbed graphite on top of about 3-4 coats Rustoleum gloss black and 4 coats gloss clear. It looks great in direct sunlight but awfully black in dim light. Another I did a graphite rub over top of Rustoleum dark steel and again, 3-4 coats of gloss clear. I liked that one the best. I hear that the graphite over top of gloss white with clear is nice too... I need to try that next.

[@william_long1065]

@@jasonjulian1 very cool, thank you!

[@matthewhannon2509]

If you want a lighter more chrome color look with the graphite powder, use a gloss white color as a base instead of gloss black. Im curious what a good gloss silver would look like as a base, Havent tried that yet

[@briandicinti9535]

Thanks for that tip. My graphite over black looks cool, but it’s very dark for sure

[@coreyallen7107]

I agree, I'd like to see graphite on a lighter base. The graphite is beautiful but it always looks to dark to me.

[@Dracusmage]

I did the gloss black and it looks cool, but it's not right for a matching helmet. I did some tests with spoons, and found that a gloss grey gives a really good look that is closer to the screen look. Krylon "Vintage Grey" is the one I'm using since the Rustoleum alternative was very splattery (causing too much texture).

[@ednattandemas]

Cool , have same 2k spraymax ,same graphite powder but wanted to see result from both , maybe next time , keep it up

[@AbleZombie]

Hey man, saw ya on tiktok, and now I'm a subscriber. Maybe your first Red Hood fan (named my cat after Jason Todd even). Trying to watch all your vids to find out if I have it in me to join the 3d printing community. Really loved this vid, and I'm glad to find out I don't have to become an airbrush artist to get into the craft.

[@joelsimon1000]

I had some good results with a gloss black rustoleum base coat then rustoleum dark steel and finished with a rustoleum crystal clear coat. Hopefully that may help someone out there.

[@sheltonrosner8435]

Hah! Fantastic saber spin man

[@magicmanac]

Great Video I learned a little more about painting. Its a good idea to remind people to use a respirator while working with the Powders. Can do some bad stuff to your lungs.

[@jaypepper1453]

I saw you had a snow camo helmet in one of your videos could you make a vide on helpful tools on how to do paint jobs like or similar to that kind of paint jobs

[@entilzhar]

UK based, bring it on brother

[@bellaandjiosworld]

This is the way!

[@Banished_Builds]

You should try Molotov Metallic paint. Adam Savage has used it for a bunch of parts and gets amazing parts

[@maxeerdhuijzen]

I was wondering if it will be wearable if I put clear coat ontop of graphite powder. WIll the clearcoat shield the graphite powder? or will it only delay the inevitable

[@2fwelding842]

If automotive (actual bodyshop) clear works for most paint. Perhaps hitting up local bodyshops and seejng if any of the painters are into cosplay. May be able to get sprayed with excess clear from paint jobs.

[@CmdrNukeDukem]

QUESTION: Do you think it's possible to layer the metalcast purple and red to make a burgundy? I'm looking to re-create the color of the Washington Commanders helmets.

[@johndillinger3988]

I see the "imperfections" as more of a character build on the helmet . U gotta remember that Mando isn't a runway model . The man is a bounty hunter and fighter. Meaning those "imperfections" were cause in battle :)

[@revengeofthegamer9734]

Question: how long do I wait to apply clear coat after I have put on my graphite powder

[@maximusgaming3122]

Do you use spray putty as the primer or do you use primer then spray putty after?

[@GAR_DRAGO]

So I tried the graphite powder without the 2k clear glamour and it still looks dark. By any chance is your helmet with graphite powder way darker than the other ones in person? I'm seriously considering sanding the clear coat down and adding one of the silver spray paints instead. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 🙏🏼

[@jcbirdrunner]

Looking to waterproof a 3D print. Is the spray putty the best way to go? Any suggestions?

[@wyattspop]

Frank, have you ever installed a fan in any of your helmets? We haven't worn them outside on a warm day, but I can't imagine how much the visor will fog up without some air movement. I had a pal who was a theme park character and all the head pieces had fans inside...if so, another valuable accessory,

[@603VIL]

Frank, thanks for sharing this. The graphite powder seems like it worked out pretty well for you. I'm very curious on seeing how that 2k clear coat works for you on top of the graphite powder. Also, when you do decide to do it, please ensure to record yourself applying the 2k so we can see the method. There's another video out there that keeps this part a secret which is extremely aggravating.

[@FranklyBuilt]

Oh for sure. I’m still planning a clearcoat paint video!

[@603VIL]

@@FranklyBuilt thanks man. Really helpful stuff and very much looking forward to it. 🤙

[@davidhiscock1969]

Did you put a clear coat on the automotive enamel grey titanium? If so which brand. Here in the UK so should be able to get the same product

[@pshea098]

Looking for recommendation for best white paint to get a glossy finish?

[@1937Brett]

What type of air brush would you recommend for doing armour

[@robmarshallofficial]

Lots of information here to help with the paints etc. would love the details of the various primers, paints, Metallics etc

[@FranklyBuilt]

Thanks!

[@Marvel3DUK]

Lol I love the 15% reference

[@Force_Wielder]

I'm working on my Kylo Ren reforged helmet. Have you done a Kylo helmet?

[@calebrodrigue7213]

i love your lightsaber

[@tepiscopio5043]

How do you install the visor, and what material do you use?

[@jc3705]

What should I use for an iron man helmet sanding and priming wise

[@michaelbrownfield463]

First up, excellent video and awesome Iron Mando helmet!! What is the best clearcoat you would use on the Rustoleum Automotive Enamel (Grey Titanium) (the first of the 2 Homebase automotive Mando helmets you sprayed? Going to do a run to Homebase 😅

[@FranklyBuilt]

The best clear coat is the automotive 2k

[@michaelbrownfield463]

@@FranklyBuilt thank you, what was the Rustoleum Automotive enamel immediately to the right of the grey titanium one?

[@wyattspop]

The face pieces of the Mando helmet are the most difficult to sand, between the sharp corners almost 45 degree angles and these pieces have the least amount of surfaces glued to the rest of the helmet, easy to crack if you apply much pressure

[@andrewscott540]

Do you have any advice since I already painted my Mando helmet? It doesn’t look bad, lighter gray, but I’d like to improve the finish; more gun metal/gloss. This and your visor video were great!

[@FranklyBuilt]

You’ll have to sand it down and repaint it

[@jzigounakis]

How did you get your helmets so polished and reflective? I'm Struggling with the reflectivity. Used the 500 black engine enamel and metalic rustoleum dark steel

[@FranklyBuilt]

Lots of proper sanding and priming methods

[@brianespinoza2034]

For the graphite rub would a clear coat to finish work?

[@TheSgtbidii]

IMO black gloss is really really hard to spray evenly. Somewhere I read that you can use matte black with a clear coat to get the shine from the clear coat and after that use the graphite.

[@FranklyBuilt]

That’s also a very good idea! Yeah Black can be tricky

[@Ardrak001]

Did you use the high temp primer with the high temp gloss black?

[@FranklyBuilt]

Nah

[@3DSte1985]

Is it true that the graphite rub one can't be used on one's you want to wear? As some people claim it's really easy to smudge. Also does rub n buff work??

[@FranklyBuilt]

It’s been fine for me for over a year. No smudges

[@ProjectCambrian]

Look into brush on / pour on liquid Chrome Paint...

[@gagestearns5908]

One question have you done a 1987 robocop helmet?

[@TJBADGER19]

i know this video is old but I'm trying to repaint my mando helmet to the B1- tactical helmet paint scheme from helldivers. does anyone know how to get the tape to curve with the helmet?

[@hanslain9729]

17:20 what was the curing time difference between the two sides before you graphite rubbed?

[@andrewfrey1479]

Curious if you have any issues with the Rustoleum metallic chrome? Every time I try this paint, it doesn’t want to fully cure. Weeks later I can rub it and see a little come off on my fingers.

[@FranklyBuilt]

That’s normal on metallic chromes like that

[@andrewfrey1479]

@@FranklyBuilt So I guess you just go ahead and apply your color metallics on top of the chrome. Do you find that the chrome passes the same curing problem on to the colors you put on top? Or do the colored metallics harden properly regardless of soft chrome underneath?

[@wyattspop]

Do you paint after a prime coat or is your last coat before painting to be wet-sanded w/1000 grit?

[@FranklyBuilt]

I paint after the primer coat

[@wyattspop]

@@FranklyBuilt Hey Frank, I wet-sanded, used gloss black paint + primer and my first paint coat was Metallic Silver, do you think I can use graphite powder over Metallic Silver to get the right shade or must I use a Metallic Black before powder? Thanks my friend

[@Chris-Collectible]

@Frankly Built do you paint the inches the helmets too or just the outside

[@FranklyBuilt]

Just the outside

[@Chris-Collectible]

@@FranklyBuilt thank you for the info

[@angrypencilstudios2430]

Do you have to use a glossy black to use the graphite power?

[@FranklyBuilt]

Yep

[@gettingfitat5015]

I can't believe you didn't tell us what brand of cotton balls you used!!! 😂😂😂 Seriously dude, STOCK UP on that spray putty! They don't sell it here in the States!

[@1937Brett]

Can u use an air brush?

[@wyattspop]

Frank, what am I doing wrong, the powder is just falling off the helmet? I am using the same brand as you do....? Thx

[@FranklyBuilt]

Idk did you buy the same brand? Lol

[@wyattspop]

@@FranklyBuilt The same

[@wyattspop]

@@FranklyBuilt I used that engine black paint, perhaps I need a layer of clearcoat

[@wyattspop]

@@FranklyBuilt IMPORTANT UPDATE; The reason my Graphite Powder didn't adhere to the helmet was the micro-size, this matters 110%. I accidentally bought a Graphite Powder with micron-size that was too big to stick to paint, the one I bought was designed for gun-cleaning

[@Person-mo7yz]

You think you could build the the 60's comic Iron man armor?

[@ThePorkyJedi]

What color is the lighter automotive enamel you used?

[@todddionne9753]

hey brother im having trouble finding the spray putty could you tell me where you bought yours from ?

[@FranklyBuilt]

It’s only available in the UK on Amazon

[@todddionne9753]

@@FranklyBuilt ok thank you so much would you please recommend something similar in the US

[@FranklyBuilt]

I would if I could find anything lol

[@todddionne9753]

@@FranklyBuilt ok brother I appreciate it love your work keep it up !!

[@ColdFire047]

Have you tried using UV resin to smooth the helmets before?

[@FranklyBuilt]

Yeah but it’s just so wasteful IMO

[@theultimatesteelshooter8610]

Are you not able to get Dupicolor automotive primer and paint? Rustoleum primer is good for the 1st primer coat wet sanded to 320. Then switch to the dupicolor 2 in 1 filler sandable primer and sand to 600. Done right you have a super smooth finish ready for painting or graphite techniques. The reason to use Dupicolor is becuase of the automotive grade nozzle. It is 10x better thuan the cheap rattle cans. Yes you pay more but the results are amazing without 10 years of experience

[@flowerpowergal7542]

I commissioned a 3D printed helmet from a friends dad for an upcoming cosplay and i just have to finish it off with paint sincevhe primed and sanded it for me and then the visor and im so terrified of messing it up just powering through some videos to research

[@Pentiderechte]

how did you do the glas thing?

[@GAR_DRAGO]

Did 3 sessions of graphite powder and 2k clear coat and it just looks dark after the clear coat. I wanna try graphite without any clear coat and see how that goes.

[@sonnyvandewetering699]

Does anyone know for sure, that the spraymax 2k klarlack works on top of the graphite rub?

[@starboy2291]

What did you use for the eyes in the nova helmet?

[@FranklyBuilt]

Same eyes in my iron man helmets

[@starboy2291]

@@FranklyBuilt ok thank you so much

[@jeffm8707]

Have you used any steel wool with success at all?

[@FranklyBuilt]

Nah but I’ve used it to weather a little

[@christophermichaelft]

Good to know about hand oils causing the clear coat to fail. I'll wear gloves during this part of the process.

[@Yeven.]

What color Montana spray was that? Silver? Titanium? etc?

[@FranklyBuilt]

I do not remember haha

[@Anexo3D]

Estaría bien que pusieras enlaces de compras ! Gracias