What Paint is O.K.

[Dragonslayer69]

I am fairly new to ultrasabers, and I want to make my own light saber. I have found all the stuff I need, I just want to be able to paint it to the color that I want. I was told not to use regular paint/spraypaint because it will break my saber. I need a paint that will work on the saber, and that I can use for future builds. Those people that have already done DIY stuff, what is the best paint to use?

[DarthProdigal]

Respect for having the grit to construct your own first lightsaber. I have no idea actually, just figured you deserved a thumbs up for the motivation. Welcome, I'm sure someone will come along shortly with the assistance you seek. Can't wait to see it once it's done (if you post some pictures at that point or along the way). More power to you slayer.

[Karmack]

I have used Rustoleum Universal paint/primer combo to great success on several project.   I especially like the burnt bronze and black stainless steel.

This is the Universal Metallic Black Stainless Steel on my paired Initiate V3s:




And on a Dominix V5:



and on a couple of Aeons:



And on my Initiate V4 LE (mainly the hilt extension)



And others....



For the grooves, I usually just use Testors Model Master paints brushed on by hand. 

I would recommend masking off the LED.   I usually install a blade plug and then mask the openings.   I also mask off my switches when I spray, to keep any overspray from getting into the saber innards.   I'd say that's probably the key - keep the paint on the outside.  If you get spraypaint all over the interior it could mess something up.  Spray painting a speaker or switch or LED will likely ruin them.   But the hilt itself?  Probably not.

I like the Rustoleum Universal paints, they adhere well and wear well, but any paint is going to eventually wear off.  Just something to bear in mind.

[DarthProdigal]

@ Karmack: So if you're building from parts/scratch (like dragon plans to) would it make more sense to paint the hilt separately or 1st before assembling? In other words plan it out, machine the hilt or do any necessary work to the outside of the hilt 1st, then paint it so that it can't affect anything else... finish cleaning it up or do touch ups before assembly to make life easier?

[Jedi_Phoenix]

I have used Rustoleum Universal paint/primer combo to great success on several project.   I especially like the burnt bronze and black stainless steel.

This is the Universal Metallic Black Stainless Steel on my paired Initiate V3s:




And on a Dominix V5:



and on a couple of Aeons:



And on my Initiate V4 LE (mainly the hilt extension)



And others....



For the grooves, I usually just use Testors Model Master paints brushed on by hand. 

I would recommend masking off the LED.   I usually install a blade plug and then mask the openings.   I also mask off my switches when I spray, to keep any overspray from getting into the saber innards.   I'd say that's probably the key - keep the paint on the outside.  If you get spraypaint all over the interior it could mess something up.  Spray painting a speaker or switch or LED will likely ruin them.   But the hilt itself?  Probably not.

I like the Rustoleum Universal paints, they adhere well and wear well, but any paint is going to eventually wear off.  Just something to bear in mind.

Definitely keeping this in mind for if and when I ever get brazen enough to customize my own Initiate.

[Karmack]

@ Karmack: So if you're building from parts/scratch (like dragon plans to) would it make more sense to paint the hilt separately or 1st before assembling? In other words plan it out, machine the hilt or do any necessary work to the outside of the hilt 1st, then paint it so that it can't affect anything else... finish cleaning it up or do touch ups before assembly to make life easier?

That would be a good way to proceed.  That will keep you from getting paint on anything that shouldn't be painted.   :-)

[Karmack]

Definitely keeping this in mind for if and when I ever get brazen enough to customize my own Initiate.

LOL   It took me a while to work up the courage to actually paint my sabers.

My first attempt was just brushed on paint, a color called "Gunmetal" in Testor's "Model Master" Acrylics.   It turned out pretty well.  Here's a shot of it, between a Guardian and a Dominix LE V4.
The original was a straight-up Aeon V4, no mods.  All I did was paint it, add a Archon pommel and the covertec wheel.

[nunya]

i used two kinds of spray paint:

• Rust-Oleum 1937830-6 PK Specialty Metallic 1937830 Spray Paint 11 oz, Copper
• SEM 39673 Black Self Etching Primer

Both worked well individually but together the copper wore off with handling.  Could have been i did not sand enough after the self-etching primer or, like the instructions say, should not have combined
in any case, i like the final result of the "worn" look

if painting a finished saber, i recommend to get a spare part.  I purchased two short extensions to use as test pieces. 

since you are starting with empty hilt, if you have the option to powder coat, do so.  There are reasonably well priced kits available but the process is involved.  Check for videos online.

[Karmack]

i used two kinds of spray paint:

• Rust-Oleum 1937830-6 PK Specialty Metallic 1937830 Spray Paint 11 oz, Copper
• SEM 39673 Black Self Etching Primer

Both worked well individually but together the copper wore off with handling.  Could have been i did not sand enough after the self-etching primer or, like the instructions say, should not have combined
in any case, i like the final result of the "worn" look

if painting a finished saber, i recommend to get a spare part.  I purchased two short extensions to use as test pieces. 

since you are starting with empty hilt, if you have the option to powder coat, do so.  There are reasonably well priced kits available but the process is involved.  Check for videos online.

Powder coating is certainly more durable.   The paint will eventually wear off, and the finish is easy to damage with scratches, etc.  I love the weathered look I have gotten on mine so far, but there are also places where the paint is coming off in chips and scratches.  These don't look like weathering, but so far I've been lucky and the damage is slight.  Powder coating is far more durable, but also more involved.  For me, paint was a better way to go.   But with an empty hilt powder coating may be a better option.  I would certainly research it before I did anything.

[nunya]

I would certainly research it before I did anything.

word!

[nunya]

Nice work on the painting!  and props/points for the clean workspace 

[DarthProdigal]

With all the advice this sounds like something I'd seriously consider doing for a custom made display only saber. If I find a model I want to hang and somehow avoid using.