How to Tint a Visor - Custom Vacuum Formed PETG Plastic

Bill shows you how to custom tint a PETG plastic visor for your costume!
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[@mr.holmium821]

Hey Bill! For any one interested an easier and faster way to get a black tint is to buy a spray can of VHT Niteshade ( Found at most auto parts stores and is usually used to black out the plastic covering for red tail lights) and spray the inner part of your visor. if you do multiple light consistent coats, it should give you black visor tint that you can see perfectly out of. I've done it for multiple Halo Visors I wanted black. It dries quick and no need to heat up anything. I've even tinted it a goldish color by misting regular gold spray paint from high up and letting it fall on the visor. It gives you millions of tiny black dots mixed with the gold but from a picture standpoint it looks fine to me. However I may try this dyeing process to get a consistent color for something that isn't black. The VHT is just recommended for people that need a black visor in a rush and are near an auto store that sells it or rush it from amazon. The down side is if you mess up like spraying in a spot for too much you get thicker splotches that make it hard to see out of or inconsistent black hence why I say do it on the inside or test on a scrap piece.

[@WilliamJakespeareProps]

thanks for the tutorial, it'll be invaluable when I eventually get around to making a Guy Manuel helmet!

[@Amber-si7kx]

+William Jakespeare will you do a tutorial of the helmet?

[@joeelliottbeats3818]

ok i'm the guy who asked about that that one time and holy crap! i'm really sorry i keep bugging you but i'm currently working on that and now i'm super psyched! thank you! even though you're taking a break... but i'll wait! I (no homo) love you and your work man! and you too punished props, you're both amazing inspirations!

[@joeelliottbeats3818]

It won't let me edit the last comment so just one last time i am EXTREMELY sorry i keep bugging you jake, you probably go to your notifications and see me and you're like "ugh, THAT guy" lol

[@boltmarksman488]

I really need help. I'm new to this sort of stuff. Can someone tell me if I can wear the 3d printed files from here? www.etsy.com/listing/498942950/gi-joe-retaliation-snake-eyes-helmet-for

[@icedcoffeeart2175]

You’ve been teasing this for *Too Long* haaa I ll leave

[@shbs0819]

Great video, it was awesome meeting both of you guys at Big Wow this past summer!

[@JohnnyKeroscene]

If anyone is curious, idye poly Does work on acrylic. I've been testing on a couple of large 14" diameter acrylic smoked domes, for a cosplay (similar to how a deadmau5 head is made) I don't recall what the thickness of the plastic is, but we have been dyeing at 145 degrees as well. bonus tip: we had huge problems on the first dome from there being huge splotches of dye in some spots which was removed with plastic buffering(too much effort), but! a better solution is to put your main dye packet into a coffee filter (make it into a tea bag, you dont have to cut the dye out) we think it's from the "dissolvable" stuff latching on to the plastic holding the dye on more than the rest.

[@MikzieOfficial]

I’m wanting to do the same, how well is your vision once inside the head?

[@jayjon9264]

I can try to ask deadmau5 himself if you'd like

[@TheShadeSki]

Hey Bill! thanks for making a video of this! have you tried doing a white tint for helmet visors?

[@JamesBuggemo]

Great vid! I'm definitely utilizing this!

[@KanuckStreams]

My plans for my Space Wolf Power Armour have once again been removed from the "impossible" bin. THANK YOU.

[@lathanhites727]

Great video! Just curious why you didn't go with Nite Shades? (spray can tint)

[@redbaron2448]

Great video after dying does that leave any air bubbles or little specs or is it completely smooth

[@andrewJ2332]

Do you have any techniques for making white lenses/visors to mimic "superhero" eyes like Batman or Deadpool?

[@agilbert2182]

When making a Venom mask I used muslin, which I stretched and painted white.

[@fofolitofofolito2239]

I've currently been thinking about that! I was considering using a chrome tinted visor with white see through cloth over it

[@CarlJohnson-tw2yp]

Been looking for a tutorial like this!

[@MegaBusterMovies]

great tutorial!!! Would like to see one on attaching the visor to the helmet :). I was thinking since i didnt have a vacuum forming machine, instead i could use and form tinted plexiglass. Would you advise against that?

[@FaraidunHawramy]

thanks all your videos is so benefits.

[@sethcommitstaxfraud8365]

Thanks! Helped a lot with my Daft Punk helmet visor

[@punishedprops]

+Seth Padgett Excellent!

[@pertapagenit526]

@@punishedprops sorry to ask, what is second part to making keep colours after you put idye poly I can't understand with add some goo* or what

[@adamreuben1613]

Hey Bill I was wondering if you had tryed this with any of the other colors. I am working on a destiny helmet and it has a large dome type visor that I would like either red or white.

[@Malak1000]

Are these little slabs of greenstuff or EPS foam you are demonstrating on?

[@crchart]

Rustolium makes a tinting spray for like car tail lights and such so you think that could apply here just as well?

[@rosakuboleznennyesladkij1415]

I just love your garage (or your workplace). I probably never have a chance to have a garage (or workplace) similar to yours since my family dislike this cosplay thing.

[@BricoLesbo]

+Rosaku Boleznennyesladkij I know the struggle. You can try to find other people cosplaying (or just crafting stuff) in your area. Building props with friends is awesome. Or try looking for fablabs.

[@ryansizemore5064]

I kinda feel the same way but I've integrated a peg board into my room just for the convenience. i'm wanting to try and build some portable options that way I can move into a workspace when the time is available and still have all my tool portable and organized. Just starting but once you take the plunge you will just want to go further.

[@LokiBankai]

The tint product you used work on Worbla transpa art? so if i tinting the peace before put on the lens the color remains on the piece? Thanks

[@jeffokrasinski7609]

(Hopefully this wasn't mentioned before and I missed it.) Just wondering if you investigated using pre-tinted plastic in the thermoforming process?

[@makecoolthingsblog]

Great video. (A little late I know, I'm going back through them!) By the way, because I don't see it mentioned in any of the top comments I thought I'd point out that the reason this particular dye works so well is that PETG is simply a copolymer of the same polyester used in textiles. So yeah, I imagine a dye designed specifically for synthetic fabrics will work great on it! :D So did you ever find a way to add a metallic finish that can be seen through, as many of the comments were asking?

[@EnzoGorlami5497]

Do you have a video on making that helmet??

[@AmyTheJawsTerminator]

I tried Rit Dye More for polyester stuff for a pair of round glasses and even just testing it, it was uneven, patchy, and gross. Definitely going to try iDye Poly now! Thank you for a wonderful tutorial!! :)

[@punishedprops]

You're welcome, good luck on the next try. =D

[@MeddyFB]

Hi so I'm just wondering if there is an other way to tint a visor without using dye because I live in Australia and I can't seem to find anywhere that sells iDye. I was thinking window tint could work but thats expensive.

[@arkham79]

Hi Bill, one question, you know which fabric dye works for these days?, because the link that you put its unavailable now... 🥲, thanks in advance!

[@rossdeamer2830]

if there are going to be lights needing to go through would it work to paint it fully black and to look out of the gaps that the leds will shine through? or would it be better to dye it like this with space of lights, I'm making anas shrike mask from overwatch

[@UmbralStrix]

Is there any way to make the surface less glossy? or would that just prevent vision from inside?

[@killaonmoco]

Mad props on the destiny hoodie. I see you. ;)

[@Xzo]

I saw the Cospay4usall vid. I think your video is better ;)

[@nraynaud]

have you tried the automotive headlight paint? it's a spray can that contains a translucent paint that still let the light go out. edit: actually you talked about it as a successful technique in another video.

[@IProHeadhunter]

Ive been watching your videos for a while, but please, i need to know where did you get that jacket!!!! also i made a daftpunk helm a couple years ago and had to thermal form a visor for it and i bought some craft spray tint, i dont recommend ever doing that if you value your costume, quality is bad!

[@jr8688]

where do you get your sweet zip up hoodies?

[@ezrazephyr]

have you ever tried forming the visor with the protective film face down, touching the buck? this would allow you to keep the protective film on while you dye the visor. after the cool water bath remove the film. i would assume that it might give you a bit more light transmission while still dying the outer surface.

[@human5130]

Thank you SO much this is so cool!

[@punishedprops]

Thanks for watching!

[@cowartd]

Bill, are you in Louisiana? Specifically New Orleans? I see the Bourbon St. sign hanging behind you.

[@umarfaruq9482]

is it better if we didnt peel the protective plastic on the inside of the mask so that we can see abit better? and then peel it after the painting proses

[@shellumus]

How thick is the PETG plastic did you vacuum form?

[@lightningrebel]

how long do you leave it in the cold water?

[@ericbazinga]

Very helpful tutorial! How many packets would you recommend for just the visor on a Daft Punk Thomas Bangalter helmet? I'm trying to do this on a budget (and in just a few days!).Would one be sufficient of should I get two or three?

[@punishedprops]

2-3 packets should be plenty.

[@LuckyX0182]

Is there a way to tint it into one way mirror?

[@davidzuniga4620]

Thanks Bill

[@alaskankare]

can you brush it on just one side?

[@davidmartin192]

there is a spray paint called night shade that we sell at the auto parts store I work at. it is used to darken taillights. I wonder if that could work?

[@davidmartin192]

that's good to know. I was gonna give it a try.

[@mcsehoski]

Have you ever used automotive window tint on a complex vacuformed shape like this visor? Say you wanted a mirror tint. Could you apply the tent to your plastic before heating and vacuforming?

[@mcsehoski]

Hmm I should read other comments before posting haha. But seriously has anyone tried this?

[@Mattwillo]

i would love to see a tutorial on that body armour the guy at the beginning of the video is wearing!!!! i beg of you bill!!

[@matthewherkelrath7546]

I wonder if you have tried the spray for tinting lenses for automobiles. I felt like 2 coats was a little too dark, but I am curious if you have compared the dye to the spray. Thanks

[@punishedprops]

I have not! But I have tried stained glass spray paint for colored lenses and it works REALLY well

[@CoconutButt]

Will this dyeing process work for a transparent worbla/ thermoplastic material?

[@punishedprops]

Hmmm I'm not sure. Since dying requires quite a bit of heat, it's possible that using this method would warp the Worbla.

[@petergregory5286]

Just love the work share with your wife/partner/employer/employee. She does the work and you talk. Good system! Only joking, your videos are very interesting. Regards.

[@matthew050695]

What thickness PETG do you use?

[@seraphpaladin]

The guy pretends Snake Eyes looks exactly like him! M8 you are awsome perfect work

[@nykolostark]

Can bright colors work the same way? I want to make a visor that is an orange color, but only I can still look through it from inside the helmet. I'm trying to do something different for my armor in the mandalorian mercs club, and I thought that a cool orange colored visor would be make the armor stand out more than the rest.

[@FluffehStuff274]

The mercs website has tutorials for what you want. You''l be using window tint on the inside.

[@RobCartwright]

Woah. What is the suit under Danquish's armor made out of?!

[@joshhollinshead2190]

By the sounds of it, leather :)

[@Amber-si7kx]

+Josh Hollinshead eva foam and leather

[@GrimReaperDMA]

What thickness in mm is the PETG?

[@typhonplume9374]

I got a question, as it's being very hard to find. Do you have instructions on how to make the classic blue Cobra Commander helmet peice? I already know what I am going to use for the visor, but finding a helmet that will work is proving difficult. As well as instructions to help me make my own.

[@punishedprops]

+Typhon Plume I don't have specific instructions for that helmet, but my recent helmet tenplating video may be helpful.

[@AlphaProto]

How do you get a mirror finish? Like with Cobra Commander's visor?

[@ryansizemore5064]

+AlphaProto could try food chrome and clear coat. heh total spitballing here

[@aaalbert]

He did a video in this topic with EvilTedSmith

[@afreeman1901]

I need that snake cosplay!!!!!

[@circle4922]

Hi, I was expecting an application of some sort of film. Could you recommend a type tint film for tinting polycarbonate (I think) visors and/or windscreen please? I've found several videos showing people doing their bike helmet visors, but most are 'music videos' (they don't describe anything, just music playing) and they don't say what exact material is used. I think a mirror or dark/smoke tint would be cool, so long as one could still see. Thanks.

[@punishedprops]

I haven't personally used that method, but from what I've seen window tinting film works reasonably well. You can usually find it in a roll at places like Home Depot.

[@ij20man35]

Hi i was just wondering is it vital for the sheet of PETG to be 0.04 thick? I'm also following your guides on Vacuum forming to make some custom lenses for a mask im making.

[@punishedprops]

Right on! Each machine is sort of unique, so it's worth experimenting to see how hot yours gets and how thick your material can be.

[@ij20man35]

@@punishedprops Oh okay thanks. I have a very similar toaster oven so i'll start with 0.04. Here's a peek at my mask also. If your interested. pin.it/7ymH6ve I'll keep the experimentation with thickness in mind too.

[@Morgan-bo1mr]

How would you tint something reflective? Like on a spartan helmet or is that even possible?

[@FluffehStuff274]

From what I've seen you would first dye to get the color you want or start with colored plastic then get a mirror window tint(film) and apply it to the inside of the visor. The Mandalorian Mercs website has plenty of tutorials on this process.

[@jonathanwilley6477]

So, could you use the same process with red? I'm wanting to use the process for a Red Hood helmet custom.

[@punishedprops]

Yup!

[@thebeybladearmory]

If we had a piece of .04 acrylic plexi glass and the same size PETG and I wanted to heat form it to make lenses for a helmet, which would you use, PETG or Acrylic?

[@punishedprops]

PETG. Acrylic tends to trap moisture and can cause bubbles when heating.

[@thebeybladearmory]

@@punishedprops thnx man!

[@sunglassbros9196]

hello, I am in Japan and where I am, the iDye polyester Fabric dye is quite expensive. is there a cheaper alternative? or do you think that it can tint the plastic with just one pack of the iDye? also, do you need to have the plastic cleaner/polish or is that optional?

[@punishedprops]

The polish is optional if you want it to be super shiny. I'm not sure about alternatives in your country, but what you want is dye meant for synthetic material rather than fabric. So you can look for something similar.

[@sunglassbros9196]

@@punishedprops thank you so much!!

[@sunglassbros9196]

@@punishedprops but will just one pack of iDye polyester fabric dye work?

[@ImmaClip]

If I don't have a vac seal thing are these sheets of plastic heat gun friendly?

[@punishedprops]

You can heat gun the PETG, but getting a good vacuum form really requires the vacuum forming setup.

[@darkwolfrising2381]

coming from a Snake-Eyes- fan that costume is amazing

[@jakewei9707]

I recently got my legacy power ranger helmet but the visor itself is not dark enough.. i was wondering is there away way i can spray tint it? instead of boiling

[@punishedprops]

Yeah! We actually found that the stained glass spray paint is actually awesome for this! www.krylon.com/products/stained-glass-paint/

[@jakewei9707]

@@punishedprops thank you so much for the information. Would you happen to know if theres any black ones? or any type of black spray thats good for visor tint

[@joshuakadavil3581]

Could u make a video on a snake eyes mask

[@KodenameKrusty]

Punished Props This may sound like a stupid question but I was wondering why you just didn't use automotive window tint instead of the dyeing method?

[@jupiterorion7720]

i cant say for sure since yknow, im not them, but its probably because window tint can be hard to lay flat without any bubbles, especially since the visor is ridged. on a flat surface, however, you could use automotive tint!

[@KodenameKrusty]

Ok I buy that. It is rounded after all and not actually flat which I didn't take into consideration when I asked the question. Even though as you say you are not them you did actually make a fine point and answered the question logically. I thumbed you up good man.

[@TheNeuromorph]

Anyone know what RiteDye doesnt work anymore?

[@vvroquevvv8988]

Can you dye plastic 2 lt bottles with this method!?

[@punishedprops]

Try testing! You won't know unless you know what the plastic is and how it responds to heat.

[@jimmycanzshow3881]

Will this process work if you need to tint something white instead of a dark color? Looking for a way to tint white super hero eyes and want lenses as opposed to mesh that most people use.

[@punishedprops]

I don't know if they even make white fabric dye. Somehow I don't think it would work.

[@morpheus9and206]

Don't know if this will even be seen, but would this process also work on poly-carbonate instead of petg?

[@punishedprops]

I've never tried polycarbonate.

[@morpheus9and206]

Punished Props Academy Okay, I'm looking into the possibility of using vacformed polycarbonate for a Halo visor, but don't know how I'd color it. Not really at a place where I can try it myself, so I'm looking for anyone who may have some insight. Thanks for the reply

[@legobobafett4449]

I cut out a visor from a plastic container and heat formed it. Will this stuff work on it?

[@punishedprops]

I have no idea what kind of plastic you used, so I can't confirm.

[@Bartruz]

I wonder how many people watching this want to make a Protogen head....

[@nathanalaneller]

Can you store this dye, reheat & use it again later?

[@punishedprops]

That's a great question, I have no idea! Might be worth testing with a small batch.

[@magigetal]

I can't seem to find a idye poly in white white because I'm trying to make eyes where I can see thru

[@punishedprops]

+MagiGetal Unfortunately they don't make it in white.

[@Wartooth91]

does this work on Plexiglass? i prefer the more rigid solidity of it.

[@Wartooth91]

awesome i'll give it a test!

[@MaxPenry]

@@Wartooth91 Did the dye work on plexiglass?

[@jimdean3954]

Wouldn't vehicle window tint work?

[@dylanburford3083]

Does anyone know if this process would work with PET plastic and not just PETG? Thanks

[@punishedprops]

+Dylan Burford I'm not sure. I've only ever used PETG.

[@michealharte7471]

Does this work for polycarbonate plastic?

[@punishedprops]

I don't know

[@UwU_the_UwUer]

could you use rit's new synthetic dye?

[@AmyTheJawsTerminator]

LadyAlizabith I tried it myself and it didn't work too well, unfortunately. :(

[@alej1dp]

so @punishedprops can I just buy a visor from you guys

[@alej1dp]

Gotcha thanks

[@merysz28]

What type of color do you use for tint?

[@punishedprops]

Depends on the look you're going for. iDye poly comes in many colors. For this application we used black.

[@winf1234]

Just tried this and mine is coming out blotchy. Any ideas what could be causing it

[@punishedprops]

Could be your visor wasn't as clean as it needed to be. I try to remove any oils from my fingers and anything else that could impede the dye before making an attempt. You may have also not had consistent temperature

[@winf1234]

Punished Props Academy i managed to get it to work! I don’t think i dissolved the packet well enough on the first run. Looks great now. Thank you so much for your reply and great vid, I wouldn’t have know about this method without it. Love from Wales.

[@cooliefm3528]

can that mask be bought???

[@tylerdelaire4574]

I need a real cyclops visor from xmen from tyler delaire please

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

What about using tinted window film?

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

+Bill Doran damn, I want to do an Red Hood cosplay with the Arkham Knights style eyeless metallic helmet. Any ideas?

[@Fishtastic0303]

will LED lights show through this dye?

[@punishedprops]

It depends on how bright the LEDs are and also how dark you tint the plastic, but I'm sure some combination of those two factors would work.

[@Fishtastic0303]

Punished Props Academy, thanks! I will play around with it. I'm planning on doing a GLaDOS cosplay with a full helmet and black visor like this. She has an orange light that acts as an eye. I might need to cut out a circle to put the light in instead of having it under the visor.

[@MrDarkanLTU]

can you reheat the paint after a week or so?

[@punishedprops]

The dye bath solution can be reused.

[@MrDarkanLTU]

thank you. good to know.

[@vincegarrido6449]

Can you show us how the whole snake eyes helmet was made?

[@punishedprops]

I didn't make it, I only helped with the visor

[@rpsky186]

Hey Bill, could you make a Boba Fett helmet from EV foam?

[@nyranna_]

I found an article on how to do it with cardboard, I’m going to try to use it but with Eva foam instead

[@farrellsprops8065]

Man I could have used this about a month ago for my captain phasma helmet

[@uberrave3]

How do i get a visor that can handle airsoft bbs?

[@punishedprops]

I would buy an approved airsoft mask and add cosmetic details to it.

[@JGDeRuvo]

How about showing how to put a gold tint on your visor (ala Halo).

[@mattmoseley6429]

+Bill Doran There was a technique I saw a few years back, I'm not sure if the post is still available on the 405th forum. I'll send it if I find it. Light coats of metallic spray paint at a distance, via can or airbrush, can have a similar effect. Granted vision can get a bit blurry. A clear coat to seal the paint in is all you need to keep it safe.

[@SkintSNIPER262]

+Bill Doran maybe try this stuff www.amazon.com/Krylon-1000-Premium-Metallic-Spray/dp/B000BZX3H6/ref=pd_bxgy_60_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=06HVRK1V8PTPS0T8MDT9

[@GasMaskBunker]

Anyone know if this process works on polycarbonite?

[@punishedprops]

+DukeNougat3d I'm not sure if it'll work.

[@eggforbrains]

Would this work with motorcycle visors?

[@punishedprops]

Depends on what type of plastic the visor is made from.

[@eggforbrains]

Hmm, Its there an easy way to figure out what plastic a visor is made of?

[@nicklaspedersen7081]

@@eggforbrains there is not a quick and easy way unless its pvc and a couple of others, but it usually takes a destructive metode to determ which. But i would say it is made from polycarbonate just because it is a protective part with glass like apperance

[@Maverick3211]

Wow, I'd love to make my own snake eyes helmet but I'm currently broke and trying to find a cheap way to make a visor for my foam helmet base!

[@punishedprops]

You could try using a large plastic water container! They often have a similar ridged texture

[@Maverick3211]

@@punishedprops ah okay, I'ma try that then. I was thinking of making sure it sticks together via hot glue....

[@cameronyoung2004]

Dark angel spotted at 0:33 screen saver! Reclaim the Fallen!

[@CuhShark]

Im trying to make a helmet that's combining star wars death troopers, halo mk V and VI, and the fallout New Vegas helmet. it looks pretty cool on paper I just need to make a visor that's tinted.

[@PezDJ]

I've seen people use ordinary car window tint film with glue that they put on the plastic before they vacuumform. Wouldn't that be much easier and not as messy :)?

[@eth1stclass]

you Destiny bro ?

[@Bentoebox]

Tried this with acrylic plastic domes and it didn't take at all :(

[@punishedprops]

Acrylic and PET-G aren't the same and what works for one may not work for the other. You may have to experiment with some other methods. Try stained glass spray paint! That might work well to "tint" you acrylic.

[@Bentoebox]

Thanks for the reply on an old video, man! Love your work. Going to try a few different things!