Shield (Foam) |
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Description:
Once all this is done paint all the side that will be glued together with Dap - Weldwood Original Contact Cement (red can). Let it dry for about 10 minutes or until tacky, and then stick all the pieces together. Make sure you get it right on the first try, once it sticks, your set. You will also want to make sure that whatever shape you wish your final shield to be in is how the shield is sitting when you apply the parts together. I wanted my shield to have a curved shape to it, so I took a sheet of thin plywood and laid it on the ground, then I placed 2x4's under each side to create a void under the middle. I added heavy weights on either end of the ply so it created the bow in the wood to get the shape I wanted. Then I placed the first piece of foam on the plywood, and added the back piece over it making sure it was lined up. I set heavy weights on it and let it dry over night. (You can glue all the pieces this way now, or add the thinner foam frame and crest after the first two layers dry.) Once the shield is all dry take it to a bandsaw or use a brand new razor to cut along the pattern outline so all of your edges match up and you get a clean edge. If you have some that are a bit wonky, you should be able to sand them back into shape. Lastly stick on your felt pads in the places you would like rivets and you're ready for the Plasti-Dip. This stuff releases fumes big time, so make sure you do this outside, or wear a mask and have plenty of ventilation! If you have the spray on kind, you can spray directly on the foam, it will not eat it. If you have the brush on kind make sure you thin it out a bit with some Naphtha or other such thinner because it comes out a bit thick. You can double up by spraying it on first, and then painting with the foam brushes over the wet sprayed on parts since the spray on kind already has a thinning agent in it, and will help thin out the brush on kind. If you skip this step, you will get globs of Plasti-Dip in areas you don't want it. One it is all dry (give it a few coats), you can paint the shield to suit your tastes. I suggest an acrylic paint and possibly a clear coat spray finish to protect it afterwards.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 February 2015 14:25 |