Raphael gets a Makeover

Evaluation

 

Actually, I had never completely finished with Raphael.  I intended to have a red stripe on the sides.  After making one on his left side, I stopped.  It looked like a racing stripe.  So, I decided not to go further until doing some research.  After seeing “Jurassic World” and later viewing the work of a number of Paleoartists in some books I purchased on Amazon, I was inspired with ideas for making more natural looking stripes.  I practice with the Triceratops family (see various articles last summer and early this year Triceratops Family – Christopher, Paul & Marc).  The stripes for the Triceratops are much wider than what I plan for the Raptor, but still provided experience.  Each Triceratop was a learning experience.  While completing the second, I discovered things I wanted to change on the first.  After completing the third, I knew I would make changes to both the 1st & 2nd.  However, I want to finish Raphael’s makeover before going back to the Triceratops.  I took a number of pictures of Raphael to study and use for practice drawing stripes.  You can save some paint and time by working out your ideas on paper first.

 

 

You may be able to skip a number of early steps in the “Preserving Your Dinosaur Process” with a “Makeover”.  It will depend on how long it’s been since you used the process, your weather conditions and the location of your dinosaur.  Take care in examining how your dinosaur has managed with the elements.  Wire brushing, Rust Converter and Primer may not be necessary.  It’s been 2 years since the original “Preserving Process” for Raphael.  Considering I never applied a final clear coat all his colors have held up very well.  There is minor rust on parts of the body which will easily be addressed with fresh coats of Rust-oleum.  The mouth needs a detailed cleaning and there is some discoloration on a number of his teeth.  Carol my Dental Hygienists would agree Dinosaurs need to take care of their teeth too!  Perhaps I’ll have to arrange a Dino-Dental check-up

We’ll start with a detailed cleaning using a damp cloth, Q-tips and soft brushes is necessary before painting.  Raphael has been inside for a number of earlier posts.  I will take advantage of the indoors for the cleaning.  Then it will be outside for the next step – masking and recoating the silver and grey paint.

 

Stay tuned for more of Raphael’s Makeover Next Week!

 

 

(pre-makeover for both of us!)