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Hi,

I'm working on a project, which isn't GW, but the principles of modeling don't change over scales so I figured it would be as good a place as any to ask for some help.

I've constructed the rough shape of an Uruk-Hai shield from the Lord of the Rings out of foamboard. It's just taped together right now, not properly stuck together. Anyway, I'd like to get some kind of texture on it so that it looks like it's actual iron/metal and not a flat surface like foamboard. I was thinking of maybe covering it in modelling clay as I could then get a good rough texture out of that and also add chips and bashes into it. The only problem is the only clay I can find in shops near me is fairly expensive (£8 per pack) and I'd need at least 3 of them to cover the shield. Once it's done though and painted up I imagine it would look pretty good? Also the clay would add good weight to it too which also helps with making it feel real.

If it helps, here's the shield as it is right now...


I know this is a weird request, but can anyone confirm if this would work, or if there any other alternatives?

Many thanks to anyone who can help!

I think it's going to be virtually impossible to put any kind of clay or putty over that in a thin enough layer to keep it looking decent. If you want heft, you should probably redo it with plywood, or maybe do just the straight pieces at the top and the teeth at the bottom in wood? With a brace between them so the foam isn't carrying all the weight?

But to answer your main question, see if you can find some texture spraypaint. They sell it at Home Depot and similar stores, and they have chrome finishes, rusty finishes, stony finishes, you name it. They actually come out like drywall knockdown 3d texture, so with the right one you could just spray and be done. You might use some acrylic caulk along the joins to smooth them out, too. The sharp edges will be even more obvious when the texture looks like something else.

Go to a blacksmith and have one made in actual metal. It would be an easy job to them and probably wouldn't be that expensive beyond the material costs. Plus would be a thousand more times badass.

Blacksmiths rarely do sheet work. If you wanted a "real" one, you'd be better off going to an armorer, prop maker, or modern welding/fabrication shop. Even then, there is subtle curvature to the props used in the movies (like with any decent armor, reproduction or otherwise) that requires a lot more work on the maker's part to look right. The weathering of an actual steel shield would be much more laborious, as well. If they don't go the extra mile, it won't look any better than faux-metal painted cardboard, foamcore, etc. and that's going to cost you.

To answer the OP's question directly, clean up your joins and seal all the edges, then spray with textured paint. As Emperor Awfulness says, many of the major brands have put out textured sprays for decorative finishing that give surprisingly decent results. RustOleum, I believe, puts out "hammered metal" finishes. I'm sure they have wrought iron spray that would do the trick. Washes of cheap acrylic craft paints would allow you to do your own weathering, if you want to rust/blood/grime it up, just like with miniatures. Physical deformation is a bit trickier, as foamcore doesn't dent and tear like metal. You'd likely need to carve out a gouge, then sculpt the damaged areas with epoxy putty or air-dry clay. Small areas shouldn't dramatically affect weight or durability (which will be rather low, across the board).

I would use Modroc.