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[Zando]

I'm new here and still trying to decide where to go with my armor. I haven't actually started on much yet, but I need to decide on what type/color or armor. Right now I'm leaning towards Jango style plates, with a Kama, and all black. I really loved the Death Troopers in Rogue One (don't worry, that's not a spoiler, as they are in the trailer), but I wouldn't really go for full gloss, just semi gloss. I'm looking for a balance between good coverage, mobility, and a streamlined look. I haven't yet decided on a name for my Mando, but he'll be a tall, intimidating figure (kind of hard to not be intimidating as a Mando  ), but with a softer side. For those who watch the classic '80s (I think) A-Team, kind of like B.A. Baracus. A tough guy on the outside, but soft towards those who need help. He'll also be part of (sometimes, if he isn't after a bounty on some Outer Rim scum) the Rebel Alliance. Manner-wise I want him to be a 'good' version of Tarkin, quiet and polite while also being dangerous and not someone you want to mess with. And as far as I can tell, black stands for justice, so I think that's a good color for my Mando. How does it sound?

[Kris Jasra]

All black often seems like a good idea but a lot of people find themselves adding colours in because black just blends together and just isn't visually as interesting as the more coloured palettes. If you're aiming for the ninja-esque look I'd highly advise looking into using some greys and mixing material types and paint types to add contrasts. Charcoal grey vest will allow the plates to be seen but won't draw away from the black effect for example. Using matt and gloss blacks on a paint job provides good contrast, especially in sunlight. As does using a dark grey with a black. I always suggest picking an accent colour too, even if it's only used for say; girthbelt, kill marks on a helmet, a few buttons on a gauntlet, edging on a kama etc. Just enough to really draw the eye and make you memorable rather than just fading away.

[Havelock]

Sounds like you've got a good background concept for your mando.  Kris just offered some great advice, so you might want to play with color.  To help you figure them out, try playing with the Mando Maker.  It doesn't have a save feature, so you'll need to do a screen shot or use the snip tool if you want to post what you've come up with for color choices.

[Zando]

All black often seems like a good idea but a lot of people find themselves adding colours in because black just blends together and just isn't visually as interesting as the more coloured palettes. If you're aiming for the ninja-esque look I'd highly advise looking into using some greys and mixing material types and paint types to add contrasts. Charcoal grey vest will allow the plates to be seen but won't draw away from the black effect for example. Using matt and gloss blacks on a paint job provides good contrast, especially in sunlight. As does using a dark grey with a black. I always suggest picking an accent colour too, even if it's only used for say; girthbelt, kill marks on a helmet, a few buttons on a gauntlet, edging on a kama etc. Just enough to really draw the eye and make you memorable rather than just fading away.

Sounds good vod. It makes sense to pick a accent color, as I'll need to put a rebel logo and possibly a True Mandalorian logo on my kit. Also, I don't want it quite as black as a death trooper. Any colours you could recommend for an accent? I could use a dark green or dark red, but I don't want to make it too colorful.

[Legion]

I'd recommend a flat red for your logos, and flat black for your plates, and, as mentioned, a deep gray for your soft parts. Very muted colors, but still have the ability to differentiate plates from vest/suit. And maybe a dark brown for belts.

[Zando]

I'd recommend a flat red for your logos, and flat black for your plates, and, as mentioned, a deep gray for your soft parts. Very muted colors, but still have the ability to differentiate plates from vest/suit. And maybe a dark brown for belts.

That sounds like a good color scheme to me, vod. Thank you all for the help, I really appreciate it. I hope to post at least some pics paper templates for sizing in the next few weeks. I say next few weeks since we are moving soon and let's just say my room isn't the tidiest, and makes for a distracting background in any pics.  Also, I think I might add a 'Cody visor' to my helmet, as I think they look awesome and it will keep my helmet from bieng plain. Although that might conflict with my plans to add a tactical flashlight to my helmet, like some Clone Wars clones. Think they'll both work, or should I design some system for them to be interchangeable, for day or night missions.

All black often seems like a good idea but a lot of people find themselves adding colours in because black just blends together and just isn't visually as interesting as the more coloured palettes. If you're aiming for the ninja-esque look I'd highly advise looking into using some greys and mixing material types and paint types to add contrasts. Charcoal grey vest will allow the plates to be seen but won't draw away from the black effect for example. Using matt and gloss blacks on a paint job provides good contrast, especially in sunlight. As does using a dark grey with a black. I always suggest picking an accent colour too, even if it's only used for say; girthbelt, kill marks on a helmet, a few buttons on a gauntlet, edging on a kama etc. Just enough to really draw the eye and make you memorable rather than just fading away.

So for the vest color, you mean a black/grey like the Maul Supercommandos? (Sorry I don't have any pics, I can't upload them from my phone)

[Kris Jasra]

Pretty much, use shades from mid grey through darker charcoals, up to black so everything can be seen, but overall the impression you get is still black.

[Zando]

Pretty much, use shades from mid grey through darker charcoals, up to black so everything can be seen, but overall the impression you get is still black.

Like this?


I can lighten/darken colors, but this is my basic idea, building off your suggestions.

[OriKad]

You can also play with different paint glosses and textures (like gloss accent marks, symbols, or stripes on flat or satin plates and such) to stand out, and there isn't really such a thing as true black so some different parts might come out more red or blue or green or such.  Another key is in the weathering, since black fabrics fade when they weather, and you can see dust and dirt on the hard parts in grey and brown.

[Zando]

Here's color scheme 2.0:


I darkened it a bit overall, and changed the face and cheeks or the helmet.

[Havelock]

That could work, vod.

[Zando]

Unfortunately Mando Maker doesn't let me add a Kama, but I want one like hers:(you have to scroll a bit) http://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=121345.15
Though I don't think I can sew like that...

Also, I'm going to add some red or gloss black accents on the plates and gauntlets. And I want to add some type of backpack instead of a jetpack. Or maybe a repulser pack with a place to put stuff? Though I really don't know what I'm talking about, as I haven't seen a repulsive pack, unless that's what Cody and the airborne troopers wear in Episode III. Do you guys know of any good designs for a Star Wars pack? I can't think of any that go well with a Mando except the pack Jedi and Clones use in the Clone Wars.

[Eitanya]

Everyone has given great advice, black kits are a challenge but if you use different textures/tones of black on your fabrics and different finishes on your armor it can definitely work.  I have a lot of black on my kit and ended up with a gray flak fest to break everything up and some transparent red paint on the armor to give it some accents.  The gloss on satin paint can give a nice effect too.



I tried to look for backpack ideas when I did mine, as long as it's not "earthy" looking you should be good.  Most of the packs and such in the movies are altered military bags so maybe look in that direction.

[Zando]

I'll definitely keep an eye out for cool Military packs. Also, does anyone have any recommendations for the best helmet around $200? I'm looking for a fairly traditional Fett/Death Watch style lid, though I don't like the DW helmets with super thin visor slits. I like the ones from Eternal Armory, but was wondering what other choices there are. If I can't find a good one, I'll (gulp ) do a scratch build.

EDIT: Thinking about helmets, I just searched the forums and Head Shot Props buckets look pretty good, and are a great price.Would it work if I got the one with dual rangefinders and replaced them with a Cody visor?

[Havelock]

No reason why it shouldn't.