After rinsing and your dinosaur has completely dried, it’s time to seal with a rust convertor/reformer. The spray I used converted any remaining rust to a primer and provided a flat black base coat. Again, I placed Marc on his side to get better access to the underside and inside of the legs. Please be especially careful doing this. If you need help get it! You do not wish to hurt yourself or risk damaging your dinosaur. Both can be very painful.
Before we discuss the primer coat. Let’s talk about some options. We have Wire Brushed, Acid Washed and sprayed with a Rust Reformer. Each of these processes provides a different looked. You may decide you like the appearance at any one of these points and stop. However, I would recommend that you use a clear coat spray to seal and protect your final choice. Please check with your Home Improvement or Hardware Store representative for other options, as well. The good news is you can always paint later if you change your mind. Again, advise your Home Improvement / Hardware Store Representative of that possibility to make sure the sealing material is compatible with painting over at a later date.
Note: if you like the look of the rust reformer. I would still recommend using a primer, and painting with your choice of a black finish – flat, satin or gloss. This provides extra protection and you can still add other color accents if you wish. Don’t forget to top with a clear coat when you finish painting. Also, I set his eyes in place just for the picture.
I use a Rusty Brown Primer. I always like to get the underside first. You paint about ¾’s of your dinosaur while on its side. After up-righting, you catch any areas you couldn’t get access and evaluate what you have painted for need of additional coats. As with the other Triceratops, I’m using a gloss ivory for the horns and triangular tips around the shield. Since the dinosaur is only primered, I’m not too concerned about overspray. I used a piece of cardboard to catch most of it while I spray the gloss ivory. This saves a great deal of blue tape and time masking off other areas that will be painted over anyway.
Last week I described the other colors I will be using, where and designs. Use your imagination. Let the contours and texture of the metal inspire you! The weather prevented me from getting any further this week. Since Marc is relatively small, I’m able to bring him in the house or garage between steps. You may not have this option. I found large heavy duty trash bags useful in covering larger dinosaurs (that couldn’t be as easily move) and protecting them from the weather. Loosely tying rope around the bags to hold in place worked for me. Make sure your dinosaur is dry to the touch before covering. Checking the weather forecast for several days out is helpful in determining when to start your project too! Next week promises a few sunny days so we’ll see how much more progress I make with Marc.
Have a Wonderful Week
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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