I began the painting process by applying a base coat of gray spray primer. This provides a base onto which topcoats can adhere, as they are wont to do. I then applied a layer of matte black spray.
For the most part, this worked out quite well. One can still see traces of the Worbla where it was sanded through but, overall, the transition to black from Nerf blue and orange was successful.
With the base covered, I next began detail work with acrylics in red and white. I quickly learned that acrylic does not apply very well to spray paint topcoats. Brushstrokes are very apparent and require application of multiple layers on a single point to reduce transparency. Fortunately, this is the first gun, and on which I am learning best techniques. There is always room/time for revision as I discover which options work, and which ones don't.
After a few coats, the design started to come together.
With just the logo and barrel tips painted, it seemed a little bare to me. I decided to add a bit of "comic" flair and stenciled on some exclamations. The edges of the lettering are a bit rough, but I pretty much achieved what I was going for. For the second gun, I took a different approach. I opened up the casing and painted the trigger, buttplate, and barrels red, while keeping the main body black. After adding the logo, I ended up with this (next to first gun for comparison).
I like the red accents much more on the second version. I attempted to add "Pew Pew" to the side, but found that stencils did not adhere to the contours of the gun very well. As an alternative, I'm going to stop by my local scrapbooking store this week and get some white alphabet sticker. Hopefully, this will prove a viable solution.
With that done, this portion of the costume is just about wrapped up. I tested them in the holsters and they fit beautifully.
