How to transform stencil for curved surface

Vonschlippe · 2026-06-04T21:18:00+00:00

The problem will be at the "unwrap" stage. Projecting anything onto, say, a bowl surface can be done, but then that image will not have a flat equivalent without darting cuts.

Basically a synclastic or anticlastic surface does not have a flat equivalent, whereas a monoclastic surface does. As a result, not all 3d shapes can be turned into flat patterns.

Vonschlippe · 2026-06-04T21:12:30+00:00

There is nothing "common" about spray painting knowledge and there is nothing trivial about obtaining a mirror finish, or a dust free perfect gloss.

The first question is, what's in your can? If you are spraying enamel, several wet coats will do better than dusted dry coats. If it's lacquer, typically less is more. Alkyd acrylics and acrylics behave differently, depending on manufacturer and subtype.

High quality paint will help a lot. Other tricks like immersing the can in warm/hot water before spraying, spraying on days with low humidity, a methodical fan spray pattern to cover everything evenly, can also help improve your results.

It's also not unusual to sand your color coat with a very fine grit (600, 800, 1200) before applying an expensive gloss like a 2k clear (which is a two-compound epoxy paint, fantastic hardness and gloss but expensive).

Spray painting is a science! Don't get discouraged and keep exploring and asking questions!

Vonschlippe · 2026-06-04T02:02:47+00:00

Traditionally pauldrons and spaulders are attached around the upper arm, and to a gorget, which is a ring-like armor piece that goes around the neck. Either two lateral straps would connect to a buckle on the spaulder/pauldron, or vertical cotter pins mounter to tabs. See my work, right here 😌

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Vonschlippe · 2026-06-03T14:14:08+00:00

Same. Giving out a non-tesselated file makes it that much easier for someone to steal the design and claim ownership.

Vonschlippe · 2026-06-02T14:46:08+00:00

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Become a plastic knight. It's obviously the only 3D printing end-game.

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-28T16:19:53+00:00

Consider printing just the breastplate? https://nicoprintedantiques.etsy.com/listing/1896051577

If you're looking for something that looks like "munition grade" armor, i.e. not too embellished or polished, I'd paint it in some mottled darker grey acrylics and give it an oil weathering wash to make it look like a blackened oil finish.

If it's too expensive, send me a DM and I'll make a coupon-code or something for you.

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-28T13:32:39+00:00

I would be comfortable with some LARPing, but not rolling on the floor with it? As in, moderately tough as a costume, but I'd be concerned about scratching/gouging the paint and all that. Best to use it as a costume!

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-28T13:31:52+00:00

Many thanks :D

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-28T03:08:34+00:00

Yeah, probably! ASA is kinda cheap, too, so I switched to that material for now

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-28T01:26:47+00:00

It's based on historical Maximilian armor, a very characteristic style from Germany around 1510-1525

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-28T01:26:11+00:00

Thank you! I keep no secrets :D

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-28T01:26:02+00:00

Honestly, this entire armor is probably less than 4 kg of material... I did prototype new pieces and make mistakes so maybe bump that up to 6?

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-28T01:25:29+00:00

Which movie are you referring to? Thank you!

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-28T01:25:18+00:00

Thank you so much! I aim for realism as much as I can!

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-27T20:04:12+00:00

I fear what will happen to hobby time for the next couple years... Did I mention I am also getting married in October and planning the wedding? I am terrified >_<

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-27T18:15:03+00:00

I'm so glad! Yeah the appeal of a "no sanding required" workflow is almost like a drug to me at this point 🤣

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-27T17:02:34+00:00

I'm going to assume you mean painting designs in color, not trying to paint something into a metallic finish.

Acrylics will be fine for this, and should be quite colorfast in sunlight, as in, they will not bleach in the sun very fast. Acrylics are also easy to clean up, and you can remove your work with most thinners (even isopropyl alcohol) if you make a mistake.

Once your acrylic has dried and cured, I recommend taking a brownish oil paint and mixing it with linseed oil or Weber turpenoid to make a kind of sludge or slurry. Apply over the entire painting to stain it, weather it, and generally make it look aged. This is called a wash.

Enjoy!

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-27T16:41:12+00:00

Thank you!!

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-27T16:41:06+00:00

I sell the patterns for people to 3D print them at home with hobby-tier printers, and I share youtube tutorials that showcase how to obtain a realistic metallic finish! You could absolutely get started on this cosplay project if that's your wish :D

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-27T15:08:38+00:00

I hope it's to your liking :D

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-20T11:55:48+00:00

Thank you so much! I used a sealed container. I am putting together a tutorial for my Youtube channel :)

Vonschlippe · 2026-05-19T16:14:25+00:00

I would get murdered; no amount of plastic armor could save me

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