I need a little help from the sculptors out there

[Andrew Craft]

Hi all,
I recently started work on this bust and noticed after priming that a small ridge on top of his helmet was broken, I was wondering if it was able to be fixed some how or if it just isn't worth it and I should get rid of the ridge altogether.
It is a very thin line and I'm not sure how to go about fixing it. I don't mind losing the whole ridge if it is going to be a difficult repair (I haven't had to patch up a figure before). I thought the sculptors out there might have a few tips or tricks.

Thanks,
Andrew.

 

[gordy]

What materials do you have on hand ?

Easy way:
Putty, mix up some two part putty make a thin string (sausage) of it and put it in place, then as it hardens work and shape it feathering it in. Test run this method on an old head or something similar to get a feel for it

Hard way:
Remove the entire ridge, make a slot with a saw or dremel, and transfer the arch of the helmet to some plastic card, over sized. Glue the plastic card into place and then sand and shape the plastic card down.

Either way it is advised to remove the localized primer for maximum adhesion..

Best success and good luck!

 

[tonydawe]

Hi Andrew,

Firstly, I'm not a sculptor but I'd suggest you follow Gordy's advice and go for the second option- remove the ridge and replace it with one made from plastic card. It may be the harder of these two options, but the one most likely to reproduce the original ridge. Just remember to measure twice and cut once. Good luck

 

[Andrew Craft]

Thanks Gordy,
I think I have some putty round here somewhere. The hard way sounds a little out of my league at the moment.
Andrew.

 

[1969]

Andrew another option is to create some dents in the helmet and have the overall effect of age and battle damage.


Steve

 

[gordy]

Andrew another option is to create some dents in the helmet and have the overall effect of age and battle damage.


Steve

PoLR!

The Path of Least Resistance!

 

[housecarl]

The other option is return it.
Carl.

 

[gothicgeek]

cut a piece of printer paper to fit slightly over the gap, stick it on with thin super glue and when secure, soak it in the same glue.

Allow to dry and add putty to the void space, let cure...

Sand the paper away Carefully!

Repaired!

HTH

Mark

 

[Andrew Craft]

Thanks guys,
lots of great ways to fix it. I'll let you know how it goes.

Andrew.

 

[amcairns]

Andrew,
Gordy has said it all.
Andy