This video schowsws the rubbing process on the axe, but I used this exact technique to finish the full Mandalorian-style helmet standing in the background. Process: Black glossy base -> high-quality clear coat -> fine graphite powder rubbed with a sponge -> final clear seal. Full high-res photos of the finished helmet and the laboratory setup are pinned over at my corner r/QLabBackside if you want to see the final result. EDIT Edit: One thing I forgot to mention in the video. I only applied one layer of graphite here. This graphite is microscopic, shaped like tiny squares or playing cards. The trick is to just spread these particles smoothly across the surface. Do not rub it too hard, press, or crush it. Just lay it down and wipe it over. This is a dry application method. Thanks to molecular forces that work on tiny elements under 5 to 10 microns, the particles stick to the surface on their own and won't fall off. If you rub it too aggressively, you will actually ruin it and wipe it away. Right after spreading it, you can rinse it under water and it won't wash off. It will only wear down over time if it is a highfriction item like a helmet or gloves that you wear daily. Finally, do not varnish or clear coat it, because that completely ruins the metallic look. Let me know if you need to tweak any words or make it even shorter.   submitted by   /u/SaleZealousideal1820 [link]   [comments]