graphite rib input

[vale breach]

Hi everyone. Ok maybe not everyone, but hi to those who read this.

I’ve attached some pics of my mando helmet and I want to know if those with experience think it’s ready for graphite rub.

I 3D printed it, sanded it down(many many times), then applied bondo, sanded again, added primer filler, sanded again. I applied 3 coats of gloss black paint, waiting 2 days in between coats. Once that was done, I added 2 coats of 1k clear coat, waiting another 2 days in between coats.

I took these steps once before with a smaller version of the helmet, but when I applied the graphite rub, instead of chrome, it turned onto a dull flat black.

Based on my steps above and the pics provided , educated guess, does it look like I’m ready for the graphite? I know it’s probably not easy to guess from pics.

Also any guesses as to what I did wrong on the first helmet that it went flat black? I used the gloves and cotton ball and dabbing like in franks video.

[nimble cloud]

Hey @vale breach, thank you for contributing to this forum.
Please provide as much information (images, video, description) as you can. This will increase the chance that someone can help you with your issue.
Use the Close button when your issue is resolved.

[native juniper]

id say on the sides you have a few spots that arent so smooth you can see the 'bubbles' on it.. .but other than that id say do it

[vale breach]

Any thoughts on how to smooth them? Super high grit paper? Wet sanding ?

[native juniper]

wet sand with like a 400 grit

then try to apply the paint again

that third pic of you where you can see you in it... thats how it should be

[vale breach]

A few more coats or just one black and one 1k clear?

[native juniper]

one black and one clear after the wet

[vale breach]

Awesome. Thanks as always 🙂

[native juniper]

no prob... keep it up!

[vale breach]

One other question and not to worry… I’m a few days away at least … use graphite rub when clear coat is tacky? Or give it a day or two to dry ?

[native juniper]

let it dry

[celest merlin]

hi, I have the same question as I have seen black gloss paint then graphite then clear coat. And paint, clear cost graphite. Is there a hard and fast recommendation? My first mando helmet came out darker than what you see on the videos. josh

[smoky locust]

@celest merlin is always go with the graphite powder last, as the more glossy the under colour or coat is the better the reflection will be, also make sure to buff it in well as that helps too.

[celest merlin]

thanks. if the black paint is glossy do you need the clear coat at all?

[smoky locust]

Not really, the clear coat only enhances the shine, if you are looking for a lighter shade check out this video as they go through different bases

https://youtu.be/L47A2J7TkUg?si=J0PoJP6l67gcXH93

[celest merlin]

thank you again. Really appreciated

[vale breach]

i've been super sick iwth a cold the last 2 weeks so i'm hoping to make another attempt at graphite this coming weekend 🙂 i didnt want anyone to think i just disappeared

[native juniper]

I thought you were so happy with the result you exploded

[vale breach]

lol no. just a super super rotten awful cold 😦

[native juniper]

well glad you are back and feeling better