Mask Painting

[ReverseLunge]

Has anyone here re-painted the black wire mesh on their mask? What kind of paint did you use? Nail polish?

[daveappr]

I did and had good results using a paint for cars found in the auto section at Walmart. Good preparation of the mesh is key- if you don't get a substantial amount of the rust off it won't last very long. This paint has also held up well to head shots and resisted chipping. I don't have the name of the product in front of me but if you're interested I'll see if I can dig it up.. I got the idea for the auto paint from a previous thread on this subject.

[neevel]

Any sort of enamel paint (like the auto touch-up paint mentioned) will work fine. A wire-wheel bit for a Dremel tool works well for prepping the area to be painted.

[CvilleFencer]

I have had good luck using enamels for miniatures and hobbys and have also used auto touch up paint. I have not noticed a real differance except that the auto stuff is much quicker and does not come in cool colors like go faster red and black as death...

No matter what kind of paint you use you should go over it with a good hard clear (I have always used clear spray enamel, again from the hobby store) finish to keep if from chipping and peeling.

[Epee Scherma]

My mask (see avator, and profile picture) was originally a BG 3 weapon mask with black grill. I just took acryllic paint and very lightly painted over it with a brush. I did this very lightly so I don't plug up the holes. If you do, just use a toothpick or paper clip end to clear them out. It took about a couple coats. I'm thinking of repainting it because my intention was suppose to be a USA mask, but everyone says France!

[glowstix]

Originally Posted by Epee Scherma

my intention was suppose to be a USA mask, but everyone says France!

it does look french

[ReverseLunge]

Originally Posted by Epee Scherma

I'm thinking of repainting it because my intention was suppose to be a USA mask, but everyone says France!

Bad idea. You do Epee right? You want people popping you in the face and disrespecting our flag?

[LUDICROUS]

Lol @ RL. Speaking of nail polish, me and a mate used black nail polish to touch up the scratches on his car. Looks good! ...but not when you're very close up.

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by Epee Scherma

everyone says France!

Yeah, I would have guessed France too.

It would be rather cool if you painted the US flag with the blue/starry field in the upper half of your mask, and the red/white stripey part with the stripes sort of 'hanging' down in the lower half of the mask. (Was that clear?)

In opposite to what RL said you could then take pride in avoiding getting hit to the head, thus 'disrespecting' your flag...

[DHCJr]

I would have never thought French, unless you were standing on your head. Now it could be considered British which is also Red, White and Blue. It does remind me of a World University Games, where a French fencer wore his arm-band upside down while loosing to the Italians in a Foil Team competition.

Note: Masks with designs are not allowed in FIE competitons, unless they have been approved.

[Epee Scherma]

Originally Posted by DHCJr

I would have never thought French, unless you were standing on your head. Now it could be considered British which is also Red, White and Blue. It does remind me of a World University Games, where a French fencer wore his arm-band upside down while loosing to the Italians in a Foil Team competition.

Note: Masks with designs are not allowed in FIE competitons, unless they have been approved.

This is very true. So, if I ever do compete on the FIE level, I've always got my favorite mask which I only use on special, special events because I treasure it so much. Always bring a spair.

RL, does nail polish work well on masks? Or are you just suggesting it?

[VELISARIOS]

Thats a good idea,paint for cars!!!

[AndrastVitesse]

Do they allow masks to be painted in touraments?

[mrbiggs]

Originally Posted by AndrastVitesse

Do they allow masks to be painted in touraments?

Depends on the tournament. In local tournaments, they'll allow anything not too outrageous. The problem is that if your opponent complains, you'll probably be forced to wear a normal one.

In national tournaments, I don't think it's against the rules, but your opponent is that much more likely to complain.

International tournaments were just discussed.

Plus, you kinda look like a dick when you wear one. It's like the hydrolics (sp?) that gangstas have on their cars. Cool, but gets you alot of negative looks actually using it.

[AndrastVitesse]

Awww that sucks, and i wanted to paint my mask lime green.

[Inquartata]

That's it, you're going on my list.

[ReverseLunge]

Originally Posted by Epee Scherma

This is very true. So, if I ever do compete on the FIE level, I've always got my favorite mask which I only use on special, special events because I treasure it so much. Always bring a spair.

RL, does nail polish work well on masks? Or are you just suggesting it?

well i would assume it would work well. i use it to insulate my grips.

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by AndrastVitesse

i wanted to paint my mask lime green.

Coooool!
Feel free to post a pic if you actually go ahead and do it!

[CvilleFencer]

Originally Posted by AndrastVitesse

Awww that sucks, and i wanted to paint my mask lime green.

Any solid color is fine. It's only paterns and designs that can be objected to for USFA competition.

[aikijohn]

One of my favorites... very disconcerting...