Dremel help!

[captainjamesbrooke]

ok so I'm gonna buy my first dremel to use to rework a head, it needs some beard removing and then making nice ready to paint. What bits should I buy to get the best results?! Seems to be a load of bits you can buy for the dremel, and I wanna make sure I don't mess my head up using the wrong bit!
Also any help or advice for a first timer would be great! Thanks.

 

[greyrabbit]

Hey cap ..the Dremel should come with a few items to start you off. This includes a few different grades of sanding discs, which work well for sanding off a beard on a resin sculpt.

 

[captainjamesbrooke]

Hey cap ..the Dremel should come with a few items to start you off. This includes a few different grades of sanding discs, which work well for sanding off a beard on a resin sculpt.

Thanks for that! So I guess like in wood sanding you just finer grades to give a nice finish? Or do need a polishing bit to get the end result?

 

[greyrabbit]

Yes, it is the same method as sanding wood, and the dremmel is excellent for wood work too btw

As for polishing, that is not necessary as the fine grade sanding discs give a smooth finish.

Not sure what model you are interested in, but I went with the 300 series, which came with enough bits to drill, sand, cut, polish etc. When you want to start on doing finer work to a sculpt, then you'll need to look at certain types of engraving accessories that might be available.

Hey, just a tip - when you do get around to sanding off the beard from the sculpt, do it in your garage or in an area that can be easily cleaned, as the resin will fly around and attach itself to anything! (a breathing mask might be good too).

 

[captainjamesbrooke]

Thanks very much for the advice mate! Any help is greatly appreicated. Bit nervious to tell the truth! I'd hate to ^^^^ it up. Would you advise a total repaint of the head after the beard is off, or would a touch up work do you think? This'll also be my first go at painting!
Thanks again.

 

[greyrabbit]

No probs, captain

I'd suggest to strip the paint from the sculpt completely, then sand off the beard, and repaint the head. This is the cleanest way to achieve what you want to do.

Although, since you have not painted before, you might want to keep the detail (such as the eye color and skin pigment variations) of the original paint work, and just focus on painting over the sanded area. Perhaps you could cover it with a slight 5 o'clock shadow, if you can't match your paint tone to the original skin colors.

..there's also the option of making a mold from the sculpt, and just rework/paint the castings you make instead. This way, you can make as many castings as you want to learn/practice on, without damaging your original.

 

[captainjamesbrooke]

Good thinking on the 5 o'clock shadow! And yes I reckon I'll keep the detail as much as possible, I think I need to work upto eyes and such! What pant would you reccomend mate? And just a normal artists brush?
The last thing I painted was a model Spitfire kit when I was 10!

No probs, captain

I'd suggest to strip the paint from the sculpt completely, then sand off the beard, and repaint the head. This is the cleanest way to achieve what you want to do.

Although, since you have not painted before, you might want to keep the detail (such as the eye color and skin pigment variations) of the original paint work, and just focus on painting over the sanded area. Perhaps you could cover it with a slight 5 o'clock shadow, if you can't match your paint tone to the original skin colors.

..there's also the option of making a mold from the sculpt, and just rework/paint the castings you make instead. This way, you can make as many castings as you want to learn/practice on, without damaging your original.

 

[greyrabbit]

Model Master Acrylics are they way to go, and Tamiya paints are good too. For reworking the bearded area, a size 2 brush or smaller should do fine.

I recall painting a couple of Spitfire models at that age too

 

[Anzik]

If you only have one copy of the head and this is your first attempt, maybe you should get yourself a smooth-on kit and make a cast or two and work on the cast instead of the original.

 

[captainjamesbrooke]

Cheers guys! Well wish me luck. I do have an old shabby head knocking about I can practise on, good idea that. When he is done I'll post some pics, and no-doubt ask for some more advice before hand!

 

[Anzik]

oh be careful, the dremel can actually melt areas if you keep it on too long in one spot.

 

[captainjamesbrooke]

Oh thanks for that! Good to know. Not doing a Freddy!

 

[gdb]

I've thought about this sort of thing but never attempted it. Good luck and post pics if you get the chance!