Theodoros
A Fixture
Hello sculpters !
Please, could someone advice me how could I sculpt scaly armor for a bust 1/9 ?
Please, could someone advice me how could I sculpt scaly armor for a bust 1/9 ?
Help needed in scaly armor/cuirasse
- Thread starter Theodoros
- Start date
Help Support planetFigure:
Whatever shape the scale armor is of the subject you're sculpting (say U shaped with a pointy bottom, like some Byzantine armor)), start at the bottom of the armor and work laterally...U after U, next to each other, one row at a time, going towards the top. From bottom to top, always.
The scale is not really a factor in my opinion...it's the same for any.
You could fashion a tool to get the shape...just make sure all ar the same size to start each scale.
You can insure this by rolling out your sculpting material flat, taking a straw or hollow rod the correct size, and punch out all the little discs to do each scale. They will all be the same size--so very important. If you have some scales of different size, they will stand out like crazy and the viewers eye will go immediately there.
Don't rush---there's no way to save time on this.
The scale is not really a factor in my opinion...it's the same for any.
You could fashion a tool to get the shape...just make sure all ar the same size to start each scale.
You can insure this by rolling out your sculpting material flat, taking a straw or hollow rod the correct size, and punch out all the little discs to do each scale. They will all be the same size--so very important. If you have some scales of different size, they will stand out like crazy and the viewers eye will go immediately there.
Don't rush---there's no way to save time on this.
gordy
A Fixture
Hmm, that's a large scale -
If you are working in a non air-hardening clay such as sculpey I would suggest making a sectional stamp, blocking in your scales and then coming back with a tool to lift, tuck and pucker in situ.
If you are working in a non air-hardening clay such as sculpey I would suggest making a sectional stamp, blocking in your scales and then coming back with a tool to lift, tuck and pucker in situ.
Theodoros
A Fixture
Phil and Gordy thank you both for your response !
Harry
Well-Known Member
Why not cut the scales out of metal foil? Then you could apply them in the same pattern as the real armour. You'd not need an impossible number for just a bust and authenticity would be pretty much guaranteed.
I did that years ago for some 1/12 scale full figures and it worked really well.
I did that years ago for some 1/12 scale full figures and it worked really well.
smeagolthevile
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2008
- Messages
- 172
Hmmm... If you have any way of recasting, Id suggest making one scale to be exactly how you want it, then recasting it a couple dozen times untill you have enough to cover your kit. Save alot of time in sculpting
Einion
A Fixture
What armour are you replicating exactly Theodoros? I think at 1/9 it can be a better* to make scales and apply them individually rather than sculpting them, but maybe not if they're very small like on Roman lorica squamata for example.
*Sharper, more realistic (can be done to scale thickness for example).
Einion
*Sharper, more realistic (can be done to scale thickness for example).
Einion
Theodoros
A Fixture
Harry, that's a good idea. I'm gonna probably try it ! Thanks!
Theodoros
A Fixture
Smeagolthevile, thanks for your idea, but this is my first attempt to sculpt...
Theodoros
A Fixture
Einion, I would like to recreate an eastern roman armour (Phil, you have guess right!), when each of the scaly was of a large size..!
smeagolthevile
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2008
- Messages
- 172
Can I be honest, if this is your FIRST attempt at sculpting a bust... do something simpler. It might sound easy but can get incredibly hard, very fast for your first go.
I tried to keep mine simple, I sculpted a bust of Doctor Zoidberg from futurama, turned out alright, want to try and re-do it though.
I tried to keep mine simple, I sculpted a bust of Doctor Zoidberg from futurama, turned out alright, want to try and re-do it though.
Jeff
A Fixture
You can also use plastic to make the pieces of armor. It comes in a variety of thickness and is easy to work with simple tools and the process is much as has been explained. If you can find photos of the real article or very nice reproduction armor that can really help you to understand how it drapes over the body. Statues from the time are always helpful. But look around and try and find the best examples available like those in museums. You will find lots of very low grade reenactment armor on the net and it can lead you in very wrong directions. Good luck.
Theodoros
A Fixture
Smeagothevile, I know what you mean. But this is not a scratch... I try to work on the spartan bust of the "El Greco" range !
Theodoros
A Fixture
Jeff because of the available sizes of thickness, I agree with you that plastic is a good idea too.
neill
Well-Known Member
Started finishing the sculpting of the Benaiah Figure and just did not like the look of the scale armor, so I replaced it with scale armor make from sheet aluminum I had in my scrape box. Punched each disk out with a standard hole punch and then gave them a bit of a “curve” by pressing against a small Exacto knife handle. Each pieces was them super glued in! Littel flat black paint and a good buffing with bronze rub N' Buff. Neill
gordy
A Fixture
Very impressive John! 
Theodoros
A Fixture
John, realistic result indeed ! I think that this is the only way to produce symmetrical armor flakes.
neill
Well-Known Member
Thanks Gentlemen. It is definitely the best I have found so far to reproduce the right look. My first attempt with Apoxie looks more like Dragon Scales... Neill
