How to Paint a 3D-Printed R2-D2 Using Spray Cans

Materials Needed:

Spray Paint Colors:

White (Main Body)

• Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Gloss White
• Krylon Fusion All-in-One Gloss White
• Tamiya TS-26 Pure White
• Montana Gold Shock White

Blue (Dome & Accents)

• Tamiya TS-50 Mica Blue (close to movie-accurate blue)
• Rust-Oleum Metallic Cobalt Blue
• Montana Gold Ultramarine Blue
• FolkArt Sonic Blue (hand-painting option)
• Duplicolor Sonic Blue Pearl (for a deep, vibrant look)

Silver (Dome & Metallic Parts)

• Rust-Oleum Metallic Silver
• Tamiya TS-17 Aluminum Silver
• Krylon Fusion Metallic Aluminum
• Montana Gold Chrome Silver
• Duplicolor Bright Silver Metallic

Black (Dome & Details)

• Krylon Fusion Gloss Black
• Tamiya TS-14 Gloss Black
• Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Gloss Black

Gray (Leg Panels & Other Details)

• Tamiya TS-32 Haze Gray
• Rust-Oleum Automotive Primer Gray (for a muted look)
• Krylon Fusion Matte Smoke Gray

Clear Coats (Final Protection)

• Rust-Oleum 2X Clear Gloss (for a shiny finish)
• Tamiya TS-80 Flat Clear (for a weathered, matte look)
• Krylon Crystal Clear Gloss or Matte

Step-by-Step Painting Guide

Step 1: Preparing the 3D Print

1. Sanding:
   • Start with 400-grit sandpaper to remove layer lines.
   • Move up to 800 and 1000-grit for a smoother finish.
   • If needed, apply filler primer and sand again with 1500-grit.
2. Priming:
   • Spray 2-3 coats of primer (white for bright colors, gray for darker colors).
   • Lightly sand between coats for a perfect surface.

Step 2: Painting the Main Colors

1. White Base Coat (Body & Legs)
   • Spray 2-3 thin coats of gloss white.
   • Let dry for at least 24 hours before masking.
2. Silver for the Dome
   • Mask the white areas and spray metallic silver in thin layers.
3. Blue Accents (Dome, Panels, and Details)
   • For a deep, rich blue: Use Duplicolor Sonic Blue Pearl.
   • For a standard R2-D2 look: Use Tamiya TS-50 Mica Blue.
   • Mask carefully before spraying.
4. Gray and Black Details
   • Mask areas for gray leg panels and black dome details.

Step 3: Masking & Touch-ups

• If needed, hand-paint small details using paint sprayed into a cup.
• Use a clear coat for protection.

Step 4: Optional Weathering & Final Touches

To make R2-D2 look weathered:

1. Dry Brushing with silver for scratches.
2. Black Wash (thinned black paint) for dirt effects.
3. Sanding Edges for wear and tear.

Final Step: Sealing the Paint

• Use 2-3 coats of clear varnish (Gloss for a clean look, Matte for a battle-worn look).

Pro Tips

✅ Shake spray cans well before use.
✅ Spray in light coats to avoid drips.
✅ Mask properly for sharp lines.
✅ Let layers dry completely before masking or adding another color.

With this approach and color selection, your 3D-printed R2-D2 will have an authentic, high-quality finish!