Saber Forum

I want to give my initiate VA some more custom work than just some boring O-rings. What color would be the best and what would I use? Acrylic, enamel like model paint. spray paint? I want to have  two colors that match good. i have gold currently in spray and a bunch of acrylics. I just want to know what the best way to go is.

Well, as everyone will tell you, it's really up to you. Now, for a color that goes good with Gold, I'd recommend either silver or black. Both, if you're feeling adventurous. That way you can get a nice look that has the feel of being a weapon, while still getting something individual to it as a sword should have. :)

If you're finding O-Rings boring, I'd also recommend throwing some leather on there. You can get a pack of leather boot lace for just a couple bucks and it cuts to length, so you can attach it in rings, or go for a wrap.

Getting back to paint, if you want something a little more fancy... you can get a personal crest or insignia and paint that on there in a color of your choice, probably one not used elsewhere on the saber. Above the activator might be a good spot for that. Adds a personal flare without making your saber stick out like a sore thumb when worn with actual Jedi Garb. lol (It's always been a personal theory of mine that a saber should wear well with whatever outfit the owner would wear 'in universe'. IE, if you paint the hilt green, the character would probably have to wear green in his robes someplace.)

Hope that all helps! Post pics when ya get it finished! ;D

well thanks. But I need to know what type of paint to use on a metal initiate saber. also some helpful techniques on how to apply it would be appreciated.

I belive I've heard that Krylon works well. :)

The katana handle wrap thread looked like a good idea!

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You could use some custom cord colors from the fabric store.

so ok Krylonnow some application techniques. I wanna keep my o-rings black and keep the grooves silver. I wanna paint then grip sections like a metallic blue and was thinking a metallic green on the emitter/ switch area. i know how to apply it to then emitter/switch areas. But how would i do the grips. Could i use masking tape in rolled stripes? I want help. And again I wanna keep the grooves their same finish/color: silver.

Grips can be made from a cheap windshield wiper blade, or from zip ties hot glued together. Also, try not to use too many colors, sometimes even just silver and black used creatively will suffice. Consider electrical tape as an option, and use it to cover parts you don't want painted so you can have strips of silver, the grooves for instance. Adding a button or two will help as well, and hardware stores have acorn bolts that look fantastic on a saber as long as they're attached properly.

When you attach buttons, bolts or grips, scrape off the paint underneath so it will be glued directly to the metal.

Listen to this guy, he's done a LOT of customizing. lol Also, good suggestion there on the Wiper Blades for grips. I remember reading someplace or other that those were used on the original trilogy sabers. Taken off of Tanks, I believe... but any old wiper blade 'll look the same. :)

i see i might have confused you guys. Ok i meant the grip sections as the sections with the grooves. I wanna paint those blue but leave the grooves silver. How am i to do that.

Use some boring o-rings to cover the grooves while you paint.  Or, fill in the grooves with masking tape while you paint.

Filling in with tape is the best way to go for keeping the grip grooves silver. :) Just cut away the excess tape and paint away!

Wrap the area with BLUE PAINTERS TAPE (low tack, comes off easy)and gently cut away any pattern
you like with a razor knife.

Use an artist brush and model paints (no splatter) This makes crisp outlines and mistakes
can be fixed in the tape BEFORE its permanent. Do two or three coats to get a nice SOLID color.

Air brush artist do this regularly.

You could also just paint it all and then cover the grooves with some alu tape. That stuff is great for a chromed look.

well thanks for all of your help. I just finished painting it and it looks great. I can't wait to remove the o-rings and tape. I will have pictures, but on a different topic, not this one. It is as you can call it, finished and done with.

(JEDI MIND TRICK): You want to show us pictures of the finish saber.

(JEDI MIND TRICK MISSES)  I want to show you pictures of the finished saber...

hay I need help I've got some plans but I don't know if it will work I have a cool design for a black lightsaber what do you think

As in "BLACK POMMEL" or "BLACK BLADE"????