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...?

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▼TIME STAMPS
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#3DPrinting #Mandalorian #Cosplay

[radish]

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

[lxtherx]

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

[meadmaker]

That graphite rub finish was fantastic. Really gives that worn metal, almost pewter look. And with a helmet like this one, you're right, any imperfections become "battle damage, " and it works really well. Beautifully done!!

[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.

[statesrights]

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.

[Roheryn]

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.

[whytdizzle]

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. 🤛

[adamdavidsonuk]

I never wanted to 3D print a Mando helmet ... until now. The graphite rub just looks amazing. Thanks for making a great how to video on it.

[batinthearmoury]

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.

[SavR-]

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

[conor]

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

[davedennis]

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.

[BioshadowX]

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

[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

[deanvanzelst]

I printed a blade of chaos(still only 1 but wanna work this out before wasting another mountain of filament) and this graphite is gonna be perfect for the blade. thx for this tip!

[MattRNDM]

loved the video I have a small tip for you from an automotive painters perspective to you did everything right with guide coats and all that but the final layer of primer should be sanded to 600 grit before applying paint. primer has a "textured Finish" and it would come out a lot smoother doing this.

also tip for future projects what I do to get mirror finishes on black work is after my paint coats when I go to primer I wet sand and polish between every 2 clear coat layers this is also what we do on show cars to get that sheet of glass look on top of the paint.

Hope you try these out in the future :)

[Kyl_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!

[KRMLN]

Lol guide coats are usually only light sprays not entirely paint jobs. Also to get that really smooth after the clear coat you can wet sand with 2k grit then scuff and apply the graphite rub. Thanks for the graphite recommendation and great job.

[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.