B2 Deep Dive: Texture, Paint, and Weathering

Here I provide a detailed breakdown of the materials, tools, and processes that I used to give my B2 a grungy, weathered appearance that I feel is a close approximation to how he looks in universe.
I compare the use of both joint compound and two-part body filler to achieve the textured appearance, I discuss paint colors and why I chose the color that I did, and provide a quick demonstration of how I applied watered-down acrylic paints to bring out the texture details and produce the weathered effect.
This was a new process to me, so what I show here is the result of what I learned over the course of a few weeks. I am by no means an expert, and I barely scratch the surface when it comes to techniques and tools used. Please feel free to share your insight and experiences in the comments below. Thanks for watching!
This B2 is built using the amazing 3D print files from Michael Baddeley. If you'd like to try building your own, check out his Patreon page: / mrbaddeley
Chapters
0:00 Introduction & Overview
2:05 Texture: Joint Compound vs. Body Filler
4:54 Joint Compound Results
6:03 Durability Problems
7:21 Prepping the Parts for Texture
10:32 Body Filler Overview
12:59 Application and Texturing
17:15 Sanding and Cleanup
18:28 Primer and Paint
20:03 Weathering Impact and Approach
22:42 Weathering Paints and Tools
23:38 Applying the Wash
26:28 Final Details
28:03 What I learned

[@billverine765]

Looks great Jason, awesome work my friend. B2 is the perfect droid to 3D print. So much less work not having to worry about the layer lines. My R2 is covered in dust and i haven't even turned him on for months. You get so busy doing other projects. I need to take him outside and blow the dust off him. I was thinking of making an R5 "What IF" version next. I was going to give him a perfect factory finish and use a dark red metallic for the accent color with no blue parts. I'm in the process of making full Bo Katan armor and helmets for my daughter and granddaughter, so R5 will have to wait until winter most likely.

[@jasonsR2D2]

Thank you! It has been nice to not have so much sanding on this one. It's so easy to build up a backlog of projects - your R5 concept sounds awesome, but you can never go wrong with Bo Katan armor - I think hers is up there as one of my favorites. Good luck!

[@therealbillrichardson]

Awesome work! I'm in the 501st and wanting to get into droids. The B2EMO... awesome!!! Where can I start my journey or osnthere a group? I teach robotics and do all the 501st costumes stuff so it is a natural fir. Thanks for any info.

[@jasonsR2D2]

Thank you! The B2 files that I'm using are currently an "early bird" offering to Patrons of Michael Baddeley (www.patreon.com/mrbaddeley/). I believe you get access to the early bird files at the lowest ($1) membership tier. As it is an early bird offering, it's been tested, but refinement and updates are ongoing, so it's important to know that up front. Mr. Baddeley also has a very active Facebook group that you can join to see more of what the amazing community is doing. Another key resource is Astromech.net - the original home of the droid builders and a place where you can see other means of droidbuilding beyond 3D printing.
Bee is not a simple build (full size droid builds are never "simple") and you should expect to have to do at least some improvising as you proceed with your build - even moreso on Bee than others.
Your 501st experience is certainly a plus, but droid building is different in one significant way - there is no "wrong" way to build a droid, and it's perfectly acceptable to tailor your build to your desires, talents, skills and creative preferences.
Mr Baddeley offers many other smaller-scale projects to Patrons as well that can serve as an excellent primer for a larger, more ambitious project.
Hope this helps. Good luck should you start a build of your own. The world is always better when there's another droid to spread some happiness!