B9 Torso Mold Construction

Assembly Instructions and Tips for Painting the Resin Torso Microphone: - By BillK

THE TORSO MIC

Before doing anything, all resin pieces should be thoroughly washed with a mild dish detergent and warm water to remove any residual mold release which could inhibit the paint application.

After the parts are washed and dried they should be sanded with a fine grit sandpaper to achieve a very smooth finish. If any excess flashing exists it can be easily sanded off . Be careful, as resin sands very easily. If there are any small voids or air bubbles from the casting process they can quickly and easily be filled in with modeling putty such as “Squadron” green or white putty. Automotive glazing putty can also be used. Both items are easily found in either hobby shops or an automotive supply store. Once the putty has dried the area needs to be sanded smooth again with the fine sandpaper.

Once the prep work is complete, the torso mic housing and screen can both be primed using a sandable primer such as Krylon or Rustoleum. Once the primer has dried the mic housing and screen should both be painted the same silver color you are using. Once the paint is dry the mic screen should be painted with a light coat of clear semi-gloss sealer. This is done in preparation for the next step called “washing” which makes the screen look like a screen.

Washing method - After the clear coat has dried take some flat black water based acrylic paint which can be purchased at a hobby store or craft store and apply a liberal coat over the entire mesh surface. Before the paint dries, take a clean cotton rag and gently wipe the paint off the highest surfaces of the mesh leaving paint in the valleys. This should expose the silver paint on the high parts (which is what would actually be the metal screen on a real mic). Let the paint dry.

Once the paint is dry the mic screen can be glued into the housing. I would suggest scraping some paint off where you would apply the glue so it holds better. “Household Goop” is a good all round glue to use.