Metallic Painting Techniques - Robot Finishes

Rob Ramsdell

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Master Creature FX artist Rob Ramsdell (Avatar, Jurassic Park, Terminator 3) shares the techniques he's used to paint countless metallic movie icons, from the army of cyborg assassins in the Terminator films to Tony Stark's arsenal of Iron Suits in the Iron Man series.

Intermediate Level
2h 25m of duration
Spanish, English, Portuguese (Brazilian)

Curriculum

Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson. 

 

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

 

Naimie's Beauty Center

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Smooth-On Inc.

GreatArt UK

 

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

Air Compressor

Broom

High-Grade Respirator

Latex Gloves

Lazy Susan

Plywood Model Stand

AIRBRUSHES

Clear Coat Guns

Standard Airbrush - Iwata

Touch-Up Guns

CLEAR COATS/GLOSSES/MATTING AGENTS

Acrylic Clear Coat – Krylon Crystal Clear

Automotive Clear Coat – Transtar 6571 Kwik Finish

Clear Coat Catalyst – Transtar Activator 6874

Gloss Top Coat – Createx Gloss Top Coat Airbrush Colors

Kicker Accelerator – Transtar Kicker Accelerator 6417

Lacquer Based Matte Clear Spray – Sureguard Matte Special 931

EPOXYS/GLUES

Super Glue

Super Glue Accelerator

LATEX/SILICONE

Silicone Catalyst

Silicone – GI245

Slip Latex

PAINT/BRISTLE BRUSHES

Chip Brushes

Detail Brushes

Fine Art Brushes

PAINTS

Paint

Black Oil Paint

Blue Automotive Paint

Brown Acrylic Paint

Metallic Spray Paint – Krylon Metallic Spray Paint (Bright Chrome)

Metallizer – Alclad Lacquer (Chrome)

Orange Oil Paint

Raw Umber Oil Paint

Reddish Maroon Oil Paint

Reducer – Medallion Zero V.O.C. Universal Reducer Medium MRS-175

Sepia Acrylic Paint

Silver Enamel Paint - Model Masters Chrome Silver Enamel Paint

Silver Sharpie

Tan Acrylic House Paint

White Spray Paint

Primers/Adhesion Promoters

Adhesion Promoter – Bulldog Adhesion Promoter

Dynatron Sandable Primer & Surfacer

Grey Primer

High Quality Black Primer

THINNERS/SOLVENTS

Acetone

Alcohol

Lacquer Thinner

Naptha

TOOLS

Cutting Tools

Razor

Scissors

X-Acto Knife

Other Tools

Hairdryer

SUPPLIES

Blue Painter’s Masking Tape

Bondo – Evercoat Bondo

Bondo – Evercoat Bondo Cream Hardener Catalyst

Disposable Measuring Cups

Graphite Powder

Masking Tape

Mixing Sticks

Paper Cups

Q-Tips

Rags

Sand

Sandpaper – 100 grit, 180 grit, 220 grit

Scotch-Brite™ Steel Wool

Tissues

Transfer Decals

Vaseline

HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

ALWAYS protect your skin

ALWAYS wear eye protection

LITERARY REFERENCES

American Farm Tractor

Artist BiographyRob Ramsdell

Special Effects Character Creator & Monster Maker | Stan Winston Studio/Legacy Effects
See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

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